The E3 2019 will have to go on without Sony next year. The Japanese company has now stated this in a statement. But what does this step mean for fans and players?
For 24 years now, the gaming industry has presented its innovations like upcoming games or new hardware annually in Los Angeles. However, in 2019, a major and traditional participant will be missing from the world’s most important gaming fair – Sony.
Sony cancels participation in E3 2019
This is what Sony says: Although the company is currently achieving record revenues with its PlayStation 4 console, Sony has now confirmed that it will not participate in E3 2019. In a statement, it says:
As the industry evolves, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is looking for original ideas to engage with the community. Playstation fans mean everything to us, and we always want to bring innovation, think differently, and experiment with new ways to inspire gamers.
That’s why we have decided not to participate in E3 2019. We are exploring new and familiar ways to work with our community and can’t wait to share our plans with you.
Sony also cancels another major event: This marks the second major event that Sony has canceled in recent months. Already in September, the chairman of Sony’s in-house game studio announced that there would be no PlayStation Experience in 2018.
This is an annual event for the video game industry held by Sony to showcase PlayStation games.
What does skipping E3 mean?
There is already extensive speculation about the reasons for the decision to skip E3. Two aspects are particularly hotly debated.
Sony does not have enough games to show: The reason cited for this year’s PlayStation Experience (PSX) cancellation was the argument that Sony simply does not have enough games to showcase at the event.
In this regard, Shawn Layden said: “Now that Spiderman is out, we are looking at games like Dreams or Days Gone for 2019. But we just don’t have enough to bring people together and stage an event somewhere in North America. We do not want to raise expectations and then not meet them.”
The SIE chief added: “This year we have made a lot of progress with our games.” However, there is not much that can be shared at this point regarding upcoming titles.
The same argument likely applies to E3 2019. Apparently, there is simply not enough to show. Because currently, there are six exclusive titles from Sony in development. These games include
- The Last of Us 2
- Days Gone
- Ghosts of Tsushima
- Death Stranding
- Dreams
- Concrete Genie
All six titles were already presented at E3 2018. Nothing truly new is known so far. And this very fact raises questions about the future of the PS4.
Is the PlayStation 5 coming in 2020?
Is Sony already focusing on the PlayStation 5? Because another widely circulated opinion is that Sony could already be concentrating on its next console, the PS5.
The cancellation of PSX and E3 2019, along with the obvious absence of other significant PS4 exclusive titles, is interpreted by many as yet another hint. Experts expect that the new console from Sony will be released in 2020.
And just about a month ago, Sony CEO Kenchiro Yoshida fueled the rumors of a soon-to-be successor to the PS4. In an interview with the Financial Times, the Sony chief stated: “What I can say at this point is that next-generation hardware is needed.” Yoshida did not want to confirm whether the next PlayStation console would be named PS5 – although that would be a logical choice.
Previously, PlayStation chief Kodera had stated that the PS4 has reached the end of its life cycle.
As Sony stated during the E3 cancellation, they are looking for new ways to stay closer to the community. Possibly, Sony could present its next console at its own event.
Although new consoles were traditionally presented at E3, the PS4 was already unveiled at an event in New York. For fans and players, this could mean that they may already be able to enjoy a new console from Sony in 2020.
However, please note: While the indications are increasing, the matter has not been officially confirmed.
What do you think? Why did Sony cancel two such major events? Do you believe that we will be playing on the PS5 in 2020?
