Sony Interactive Entertainment will not be attending the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3 2020) but will instead be attending “hundreds” of other events throughout the year to showcase upcoming games for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
This makes it two times in a row that the Japanese multinational conglomerate has snubbed the annual game-related fair. Taking into account how more and more publishers have been skipping traditional conferences for privately-hosted or live-streamed events, Sony pivoting twice will likely have major effects on E3 2020 as well as upcoming iterations. Right now, the notion that the PlayStation company may have already said goodbye to the annual expo would not be too far from the truth. Confirmation will be taken if Sony also skips E3 next year.
In a statement to GamesIndustry last month, Sony stated that the “vision of E3 2020” is currently not sitting right with what the company plans to focus this year. The focus? Ensuring that PlayStation fans feel part of the PlayStation family.
“After thorough evaluation SIE has decided not to participate in E3 2020,” said a Sony Interactive Entertainment spokesperson. “We have great respect for the ESA as an organization, 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 favorite 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.”
Sony has plenty of upcoming games that were previously expected to be seen at E3 2020. Ghost of Tsushima, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, and The Last of Us Part 2 are heavy hitters that will all be releasing before PlayStation 5. They are speculated to be cross-generation releases but such related details about PlayStation 5 remain in the shadows, something else that many were hoping to confirm at E3 2020.
Sony will now be revealing PlayStation 5 either before or after E3 2020 with recent rumors and reports marking the former. This exclusive event will be where Sony unleashes everything there is to know about the PlayStation 4 successor, including new game announcements such as the likely God of War and Horizon Zero Dawn sequels. This will also be where Sony confirms the launch lineup of PlayStation 5, which is always an important part of every console debut.
Take note that Sony will be attending Pax East at the end of the month. While certain leaks have pegged the PlayStation 5 reveal to happen in March, Sony may possible end up making a few announcements at Pax East as well. The dates are February 27 – March 1. Those not attending Pax East in person can always tune into the live streams. Naughty Dog is one of the developers confirmed to be bringing The Last of Us Part 2 to the show-floor with an hour-long playable demo.
