This year, major console makers Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony will not be at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, marking another loss of relevance for the once-hyped US trade show.

The decision not to be at the show is for a variety of reasons, from the COVID 19 pandemic to the trend of preferring digital events to the fact that the companies can plan their own events and announcements independently of E3.

Microsoft has officially confirmed that they will not be on the show floor in Los Angeles, but will be supporting E3 Digital Week by airing their Xbox Games Showcase. The Xbox Games Showcase will air on 11 June, just before the E3 show itself, and is likely to include news on the latest Xbox games and projects. Microsoft is also expected to air their planned Starfield Direct around the upcoming sci-fi epic.

E3 Digital Week will take place from 11-16 June and will include numerous online showcases, including the PC Gaming Show, Future Games Show and Guerilla Collective. Although Microsoft will not be on the show floor, gamers and fans can still catch their news and announcements at E3 Digital Week.

The actual E3 show will take place from 13 to 15 June and will be open to the public for the first time this year. Normally, the fair was only open to representatives of the press and the games industry. This year, however, gamers and fans will also be able to attend, which is another sign that the industry is opening up and adapting to the changes caused by the pandemic and the change in the way games are marketed and sold.