Another Nail in the Coffin – Ubisoft Exits E3
E3 takes yet another blow as another major video game publisher backs out. Ubisoft reportedly is backing out this year.
E3 was once the biggest gaming conference in the world–everyone who was anyone was there. But this all changed with the rise of the internet. Companies realized they could just stream their own conferences and reach the same (or more) people at a fraction of the cost. Nintendo started it in 2013 with Nintendo Direct. Sony ducked out in 2019 after a bad experience with the ESA. Smaller studios were also frustrated with the whole process. There was industry-wide exhaustion with the ESA and the growing expenses of E3, so they’ve been doing their own presentations for years.
To top that off, COVID issues canceled the planned in-person conferences for 2020 and 2022. 2021 was virtual and really didn’t have the same impact–after all, the biggest thing going for E3 without Sony and Nintendo presentations is the show floor. 2023 seemed to be the company’s best shot at coming back. Until its biggest show floor attendees Microsoft and Nintendo confirmed they weren’t going.
And unfortunately, E3 just got more bad news.
via PR Newswire
The Hits Keep Comin’: Ubisoft Ditches E3
E3’s team Reedpop has been working on making sure this year’s conference will have huge, exciting exhibitions to fill the void left by the big three gaming companies. Reedpop boss Lance Fensterman was very relieved when CEO of Ubisoft, Yves Guillemot, said the company will be there “if E3 happens” and “will have lots to show” to the point that he issued a statement.
“E3 is full speed ahead and we are pleased with the progress and engagement from the community,” “As we have confirmed exhibitors we are eager to share more as details get cemented and participants ready their own detailed plans. In other parts of the ReedPop gaming portfolio we rarely release participants until close to the event but now will adjust our style to the E3 way as we can.”
Unfortunately for Fensterman, Ubisoft has decided that they will not be there after all. VGC reported the E3 bombshell after a spokesperson with Ubisoft let the outlet know the company was to “move in a different direction” and was following the lead of the other companies by holding a Ubisoft Forward Live on June 12th.
“E3 has fostered unforgettable moments across the industry throughout the years…While we initially intended to have an official E3 presence, we’ve made the subsequent decision to move in a different direction, and will be holding a Ubisoft Forward Live event on 12th June in Los Angeles. We look forward to sharing more details with our players very soon.”
via Ubisoft
This massive blow comes only months before E3 2023, which is scheduled for June 13th. Reedpop has not issued any statements on this news. Now everyone is wondering what this means for E3’s lineup this year.
What Does This Mean for E3?
The ESA has been struggling to make gamers and even journalists care about E3 this year. Reedpop hasn’t confirmed who will be attending this year. A statement issued earlier this month claimed that “AAA companies, in addition to indie darlings and tech and hardware firms” have committed to “making their return” to E3.
“The full roster of exhibitors will be announced in the leadup to the expo, providing participating companies the opportunity to make their own individual announcements beforehand.”
Poor guys
Many people don’t think E3 can come back from this. Ubisoft was the last major presence of past E3s. Of the “big conferences” that might remain are Square Enix, Capcom, Gearbox, and possibly Warner Bros. Interactive. These studios could bring some interesting things to the conference–except many of them are paid the big bucks to save big reveals for Xbox and PlayStation presentations.
“You didn’t see that coming?” – Quicksilver
