RUMOR: Nintendo Skipping E3 2023 (UPDATE)
IGN has reported that all of the “Big 3” console manufacturers, Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, will be skipping the upcoming E3 2023 and have no presence on the show floor.
This information comes from “multiple knowledgeable sources” so take it with a grain of salt, however, it wouldn’t be surprising if it was true.
Nintendo was the first of the Big 3 to forgo a press conference in favor of their directs and while they still remained present on the show floor it’s clear they weren’t as committed to the show as Sony and Microsoft.
This also doesn’t necessarily mean we will go the month of June with no Nintendo news and it’s very likely they, as well as Sony and Microsoft, will host their own separate streamed events with no relation to E3, June is just a convenient time to make announcements.
While 2023 was supposed to be the year of E3’s glorious return it’s now hard to imagine this being successful enough for the show to continue. It’s too early to call if this is truly the last E3 but if it is I personally would miss it.
We will of course keep you updated for whenever Nintendo comments on the matter.
As you have likely seen, IGN published an article last night about E3. While we are not able to comment on the specific claims in the article, we wanted to share our commitment to moving forward with E3.
E3 has a rich history within our industry, and we are always heartened to feel the passion for the show and hear what it means to different people. Reviving a tradeshow after a three-year hiatus and a global pandemic was always going to have its challenges, which is why we conducted an extensive search (in consultation with the ESA member companies) to identify the best partner to produce E3. In selecting ReedPOP as our partner, we have been able to tap into their rich history of hosting popular industry events, like PAX, and broader consumer shows, like Comic Con.
They have made strong progress in reshaping the event and have received tremendous support from industry companies of all sizes who are not only thinking about E3 2023, but how E3 fits into marketing plans for 2024 and beyond.
It’s important to note that even as the show evolves and adapts, it will not impact the core of ESA’s work for its member companies. Our priority remains advocating for your policy interests on the state and federal level.
We will share news and developments regarding E3 as they are available. If you have questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to me. Thank you for your ongoing support.
