Sony, Nintendo, and Xbox will all be absent for the first time at E3 2023
The Big Three Snub E3 2023
The world seems to be moving on from E3. And by "the world" we mean the "Big Three", the companies that are slowly but surely becoming the only three owners of all the industry's biggest titles: Nintendo, Sony, and Xbox. Because a recent report has confirmed that none of them will be making an appearance at E3 2023.
This development has brought a somewhat poignant air to what should have been E3's grand return to form, as the gaming expo's biggest players snub the event in favor of their own showcases. Meaning the first in-person E3 in four years is going to look more sparse than ever before.
What was once an industry-only gaming expo that began way back in 1995 became a highlight of the year for gamers. Especially when it opened up to the public in 2017 and allowed 15,000 avid gamers to witness legendary spectacles in the form of new game announcements, first-looks and exclusive merchandise with their own eyes.
Now, however, sources have told IGN that Xbox has decided to join Nintendo and Sony in foregoing E3 2023 to focus on their own showcase. Although Xbox's notoriously nice Phil Spencer was keen to stress Xbox's public support for E3. Just...not that kind of support this year.
Though Nintendo reduced their level of participation to a Nintendo Direct and a booth back in 2013, and Sony parted ways with E3 in 2019, Xbox has historically been very actively involved in the event until now. But this year will see them instead run their own event exclusively, albeit in a way that is "convenient for press and even consumers."
Although ReedPop, the company that took on E3 just six months ago, said in a statement that they have "received a tremendous amount of interest and verbal commitments from many of the biggest companies in the industry," a "knowledgeable source" told IGN that there are a few doubts over how successful E3 2023 will be. Especially now the industry's console giants have seemingly resolved that this legendary expo has run its course.