The video game industry and online community is rejoicing after the Electronic Entertainment Expo – commonly referred to as E3 – announced via Twitter on April 6th, 2021 that it will be making a triumphant return with an all-digital showcase which is scheduled to take place from June 12th, 2021 through June 15th, 2021 after the 2020 event was ultimately cancelled early last year due to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme for the 2021 event is “You’re in Control” and will feature major exhibitor showcases, live press conferences, unexpected reveals, headlining announcements, and more!
Reaction to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive with industry professionals, game journalists, media outlets, influences, and content creators all sharing their excitement and enthusiasm over social media this morning with posts ranging from “my favourite event of the year” all the way to “this brings my eternally “locked down” soul great joy” just to name a few with Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox also sharing the excitement and sending out some encouraging words on Twitter:
Glad to see the game industry coming together again in June for a digital E3. This and other summer events are proof that our industry is strongest when we work together. Looking forward to sharing what we have in store this summer.
Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox
Traditionally held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA with the Microsoft Theatre, Shrine Auditorium, and Orpheum Theatre often used for additional off-site locations, the venue for E3 2021 will be entirely online and accessible through the NEW E3 Exclusive Online Portal and supporting mobile app in addition to other major video and streaming platforms. No further information is available at this time. Media Registration is slated to begin in Q2 2021 (April – June) and registration will once again be open to the general public with various levels of access including special programming specifically for industry professionals, publishers, media, influencers, and fans.
The virtual format planned for this year will be a reimagined, hyper-engaging experience that aims to recapture the magic of the past 20+ years while creating an innovative, online interactive experience and allow more people to participate than ever before. Viewers will be given unprecedented access to the most premier video game industry event which has previously only been accessible to industry professionals, media, and invited guests. The general public was first able to attend the event in-person back in 2017 with the purchase of a Gamer Pass that allowed them to walk around the showfloor and participate in demo sessions as well as interact with industry professionals at designated times throughout the week.
More details regarding the different badge types and levels of access will be available in the coming months and anyone interested in attending E3 2021 and secure their badge can do so by signing up on the official E3 Attendee website to be alerted when more information becomes available including full registration details. Contrary to the fabricated and insubstantial internet rumours, E3 2021 will be completely FREE for all attendees and will not be hidden behind any form of paywall.