E3 2021 is one of many big gaming events to move its show online because of the global pandemic. Each event has had to figure out how to best adapt to the new setting, with varying levels of success, but news broke recently that the event's organizer, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), was pitching plans to charge a fee for some of the content for E3 2021.
E3 used to be the undisputed biggest gaming event of the year but attendance and viewership have been waning in recent years, as many video game publishers have opted to host their own smaller events rather than compete with one another for attention during one large event. The event was canceled completely for 2020, and E3's live event for 2021 was announced to be moving online in February.
With the push for a move to online, the event was rebranded as the "Electronic Entertainment Experience" and is slated to start on June 15, lasting three days of broadcasting content with an official app following to give viewers access to a consumer experience. To do so, E3 has been courting game publishers for their support. The news of the event's presence in 2021 was a welcomed surprise for a lot of gamers, but a report earlier today stated that E3 would charge a premium for on-demand game demos or a package with extra access, which came as a shock because the event has always been free for anyone watching from home. However, E3 has clarified that that will not be the case.
The tweet makes it clear and direct in clearing up the confusion, stating that the digital event will be free for all attendees. The tweet also mentions being excited to release more news for the event soon, which would make sense as the event is slated to start in just over two months. ESA intends for the 2021 show to be comprised of multiple keynote sessions, a staple of the event, from a stage built in Los Angeles, followed by an award show and all supported by an app that will allow companies to schedule meeting with media as well as allowing players to try on-demand demos as well.
It still remains to be seen just how much participation from game publishers E3 will be able to muster, however. The event seems to be a mash-up of some other game events that have sprung up as a consequence of the pandemic, from game publishers hosting their own streamed events to make announcements, such as Xbox's Indie Showcase, as well as Steam's game festival that posts hundreds of demos of upcoming games for gamers to try for themselves. It remains unclear how many publishers will want to participate in the event when they have been running their own, but hopefully, E3 will still be able to put together a good show with plenty of announcements to excite fans everywhere.
E3 2021 will take place from June 15 to June 17.