Game over: PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo reportedly exit E3

2023 was supposed to be the year that E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo, made its triumphant return. After all, it has been three years since we last saw the convention in action at the Los Angeles Convention Centre. However, it seems like not all is well with E3 2023, as a new report suggests that PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo will all not be part of the show.

The news comes via IGN, with sources sharing that Xbox, Sony, and Nintendo won’t be part of E3 2023 or have a presence on the Los Angeles Convention Centre show floor. If this is true, it will be a gigantic blow to E3’s ambitions to make a comeback.

While E3 2023 might not see the presence of PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox proper, we do know that the latter is holding its own annual summer showcase during the same time. There is no confirmation if that will be part of the convention itself.

Nintendo has also been a constant presence at E3 with its booth, but it seems like 2023 will be the year that the Japanese gaming giants skip the event, just like PlayStation. The house of the PS5 has been missing from E3 since 2019 over reported disagreements with the organisers, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA).

According to one knowledgeable source, there have been “ongoing frustrations” with the ESA, particularly over the mishandling of “the E3 brand over the last three years.”

While this is still conjecture, the very notion of E3 2023 missing all of these platform holders is not exactly the kind of news gamers want to wake up to. If they are truly skipping the event, then there are even fewer reasons for consumers to visit the convention, even if it is making a comeback after three years. It remains to be seen if this will be the final nail in the coffin for the show.

This article was first published in Geek Culture.

ALSO READ: Capcom KOs PlayStation consoles for Street Fighter 5 tournament, opts for PC Master Race