The pandemic proved to be fantastic for gaming sales (up 13%) and gaming scandals (Gamespot). Not so much for traditional gaming shows like E3. Last June’s E3 event was canceled. This year it’s set to be an online event. According to sources, all that’s been announced is an awards
dinner and some keynote speeches. That didn’t please former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé who said a digital E3 that wouldn't offer hands-on with the
games and didn’t "sound all that compelling." The message to ESA, creators of E3 is clear. Attendees will demand an experiential hands-on show.
Smaller, more nimble players have an opportunity to fill the void. Last summer, Geoff Keighley hosted a 4 month long Summer Game Fest on Twitch. It featured a blend of free-play, breaking gaming
news, and in-game events. Adding salt to the wound, the Fest took place the same week as E3 was to start. This may turn out to be a textbook case of the David/Goliath reset on events.
Another event on our watch list is MWC in Barcelona. Last year MWC was one of the first conferences that canceled. But, they pulled the trigger only after major brands like LG, ZTE, Sony, and Amazon pulled
out of the venue. This year MWC is bullishly moving forward with plans for onsite testing, mask-wearing at an in person event. Eyebrows raised, for the second time around. |