With the full reveal of the PS5 looming, Sony have decided to skip E3 once again in 2020.
Sony took the highroad last year by choosing not to be part of E3. Mostly down to them having no groundbreaking announcements, as the PS4 is nearing the end of its lifecycle. While 2019 was understandable, it’s a disappointing move from Sony. With Microsoft revealing more details around their new console, it’s always entertaining to see the two companies go head to head.
Sony provided a statement to GamesIndustry.biz around why they will not be attending this year.
“After thorough evaluation SIE has decided not to participate in E3 2020. We have great respect for the ESA as an organisation, but we do not feel the vision of E3 2020 is the right venue for what we are focused on this year.”
“We will build upon our global events strategy in 2020 by participating in hundreds of consumer events across the globe. Our focus is on making sure fans feel part of the PlayStation family and have access to play their favourite content. We have a fantastic line up of titles coming to PlayStation 4, and with the upcoming launch of PlayStation 5, we are truly looking forward to a year of celebration with our fans.”
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) who organise E3, have responded with the following statement.
“E3 is a signature event celebrating the video game industry and showcasing the people, brands, and innovations redefining entertainment loved by billions of people around the world. E3 2020 will be an exciting, high-energy show featuring new experiences, partners, exhibitor spaces, activations, and programming that will entertain new and veteran attendees alike. Exhibitor interest in our new activations is gaining the attention of brands that view E3 as a key opportunity to connect with video game fans worldwide.”
Xbox boss Phil Spencer tweeted out the following, seemly confirming that Microsoft will very much still be part of E3.
Our team is hard at work on E3, we look forward to sharing with all who love to play what's ahead for us. Our artform has consistently been propelled by the cross-section of creativity and technical progress. 2020 is a milestone year in that journey for Team Xbox. #XboxE3 #E32020
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 14, 2020
E3 is due to take place 9th – 11th June from the Los Angeles Convention Center.