E3 sets 2021 dates as IGN announces ‘Summer of Gaming’ event

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has set dates for E3 2021: June 15 to 17, 2021.

ESA reportedly confirmed next year’s schedule with partners on Friday (via GI.biz), stating that it would hold a “reimagined” event in 2021.

This year’s E3 was officially cancelled last month amid concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead the ESA said it was “exploring options for an online E3 event this summer.”

It’s not clear if E3 intends to go ahead with the digital event in 2020, however media outlet IGN announced on Friday that it would hold its own Summer of Gaming digital event during E3’s early June slot.

IGN said it would be collaborating with a number of partners for the event, including 2K, Square Enix, SEGA, Bandai Namco, Amazon, Google Stadia, Twitter, Devolver Digital, THQ Nordic, and more.

The event will include live broadcasts and on-demand programming, featuring publisher presentations and remote developer interviews.

A number of games publishers are set to hold their own digital events in the absence of E3.

Xbox will hold a digital event to replace its plans for the show, as will Devolver Digital and Limited Run Games.

Ubisoft has said it will “explore” the option of a replacement online event, while Nintendo has said it’s considering various ways to engage with its fans following E3’s cancellation.

Warner Bros. Games reportedly had big announcements scheduled for E3 including a new Batman title, an open-world Harry potter game, and the next project from Arkham developer Rocksteady Studios.