Nintendo and Microsoft don't plan on giving up on E3 anytime soon.
The commitment to the ESA’s landmark expo follows Sony’s decision to skip E3 in 2019. The PlayStation company faced criticism for a lacklustre, confusing show this year, and appears to be looking at other options going forward.
“PlayStation fans mean the world to us and we always want to innovate, think differently and experiment with new ways to delight gamers,” said Sony, in a statement. “As a result, we have decided not to participate in E3 in 2019. We are exploring new and familiar ways to engage our community in 2019 and can’t wait to share our plans with you.”
But losing a major publisher doesn’t appear to have shaken Sony’s contemporaries. Microsoft and Nintendo have since issued statements reaffirming their support of the industry event.
“E3 is an incredible platform to showcase the vibrancy and creativity of the video game industry,” said Xbox head Phil Spencer, reports The Star. “The ESA continues to expand the event’s reach to fans and the industry, both in attendance and online, and we look forward to what’s ahead at E3 2019.”
Nintendo has performed its own Direct showcase events alongside for years, eschewing the staged performance of other publishers. Regardless, the Mario makers seem keen on supporting E3 for the platform it provides.
In a statement, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime added: “E3 is an outstanding opportunity for us to share new games and experiences with fans and business partners from across the globe. Every year, we discuss what will be the best way for us to take advantage of the next E3 show in order to bring smiles to people’s faces.”
The ESA has likewise commented and appears largely unphased regarding the performance of its flagship show. Interim CEO Stanley Pierre-Loius stated: “E3 2018 broke records, and we sold out of both exhibit space and attendee badges. We are confident that, through the continued creative innovations delivered by our participating member companies, E3 2019 will deliver the same kind of excitement and energy.”
“This year, we’re looking forward to expanding E3 beyond the walls of the LACC and connecting gamers and attendees with incredible video game content throughout the entire LA Live complex.”
This is a step further than other publishers like EA who have set up shop outside of the LA Convention Center but still held events and expos during the same time frame.
