Electronic Arts (EA) announced it is nixing its standard press conference at the upcoming E3 2019 event this June. The game publishing company said it decided to forgo its customary talk in favor of focusing on EA PLAY.
The event will air gameplay action from various EA games via livestreams. It is set to kickoff just a few days before the start of E3.
“It all starts this year on Friday night, June 7, 2019, with an all-new EA PLAY kickoff event,” EA wrote in its statement.
“We're skipping the press conference this year and are replacing it with multiple live streams that will air during the first two days of the event, bringing you more of what you've told us you want - more gameplay and insights from the teams making the games.”
EA has traditionally used E3 as a platform to make big announcements and unveil new games. This year will be different as the company plans to have members of its development teams to reach out directly to EA PLAY viewers.
Fans will be treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into EA’s upcoming titles through gameplay reveals, breaking news, and even talks with game developers.
“EA.com will be the home for all online EA PLAY content,” the game publisher added.
EA PLAY is free to everyone who wants to join in on the festivities.
Is This The End Of E3?
This is not the first time a video game legend decided to skip E3 this year. Sony, one of the fixtures of the event for more than a decade, surprised everyone when it announced in 2018 that it will not take part in the festivities.
The PlayStation maker used E3 2015 to market upcoming titles such as The Last Guardian, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and Shenmue III. This helped direct the gaming world’s attention to the PS4.
Sony’s snubbing of E3 2019 and last year’s PlayStation Experience event is believed to be a way for the company to keep consumers satisfied until it unveils the next generation PS5.
Many pundits have long speculated the inevitable end of E3. Some argue that big companies, such as EA and Sony, no longer need the help of the event to market their wares. They’ve already built a large-enough fanbase to present their new products directly to consumers.
Other gaming companies have assured fans that they will push through E3. Microsoft and Nintendo have already made hints at big announcements, including the possible unveiling of a new Xbox (Microsoft) and a Pokemon core RPG (Nintendo) at E3 2019.
"E3 is an outstanding opportunity for us to share new games and experiences with fans and business partners from across the globe," Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime said.
"Every year, we discuss what will be the best way for us to take advantage of the next E3 show in order to bring smiles to people's faces."
Only time will tell whether E3 will go the way of the dodo or not. For now, the event is still pushing ahead in June.
