This is the one time I will actually add a caveat, for the last sentence in this case, as we are living through an unprecedented situation and this is the one time where external factors such as COVID-19 could actually change plans right at the last minute. But we'll see.
— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) April 19, 2020
Next-gen console reveals have reportedly shifted in the wake of E3’s cancellation
“Some are now much earlier, others much later,” claims analyst
E3’s cancellation will see some next-gen console reveals take place much sooner than expected, according to one games industry analyst.
Niko Partners’ Daniel Ahmad claimed on Sunday that the removal of E3 from this year’s industry calendar has led to platform holders moving many planned announcements outside of the show’s June 9-11 dates.
“Some are now much earlier, others much later,” he said. “The first proper next-gen console/games showcase is much earlier too.”
One person with knowledge of Sony’s plans told VGC that the company was recently planning to hold its significant PlayStation 5 reveal in May.
However, the firm has recently seen the COVID-19 pandemic disrupt its plans, including the release of The Last of Us 2, and so it’s unclear whether it will go ahead with its original marketing plans.
It’s also been claimed Microsoft is planning reveals for May, in addition to a digital E3 showcase, which matches with what VGC has been told.
Xbox boss Phil Spencer previously said the platform holder would continue to be “bold” and “different” with its Series X reveals up until the console’s launch.
Spencer took the unconventional decision to reveal the next-gen Xbox console at The Game Awards in December, instead of a bespoke media event or trade show.
Since then Microsoft has delivered regular news and media on its Xbox Series X plans, as it attempts to wrestle back market share from PlayStation.
In comparison, Sony has adopted a cautious approach for its PS5 marketing plans in the first half of 2020, partially to avoid distracting from key PS4 exclusives Final Fantasy 7 Remake, The Last of Us Part 2 and Ghost of Tsushima.
However, the company broke its silence in April with the reveal of the PS5’s new controller, DualSense.
DualSense’s impressive social media stats demonstrate the huge demand for PlayStation 5 news among game fans, with the pad attracting over four million likes on Instagram.
Media company IGN will hold its own Summer of Gaming digital event during E3’s early June slot.
IGN is collaborating with a number of partners for the event including 2K, Square Enix, Sega, Bandai Namco, Amazon, Google Stadia, Twitter, Devolver Digital and THQ Nordic.
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