ESA (the Entertainment Software Association) has already announced plans for E3 2019 and the list of big companies attending the show next year, which we already know won't include Sony, although this does include a ton of other big names to get excited about next summer.
Between June 11-13 and in the days before for the conferences, Microsoft/Xbox, Nintendo of America, Activision, Bethesda Softworks, Capcom, Epic Games, Konami Digital Entertainment, Square Enix, Take-Two Interactive Software, Ubisoft, and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will be there, and there should be no surprise to see Blizzard and Rockstar out. Electronic Arts will also most likely have their own EA Play event next year as well, separate from the main E3 show.
The press release promises an "expanded emphasis on featuring never-before-seen content"; "immersive new experiences for attendees"; and "an expanded presence for burgeoning video game sectors, including esports and the independent video game development community" at E3 2019. ESA hopes to reach new records too, surpassing the 2.9 million concurrent viewers on Twitch, 1.6 billion minutes of content viewed on streaming platforms, and 69 million views of game trailers on YouTube.
Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America President and COO, called it "an outstanding opportunity for us to share new games and experiences with fans and business partners from across the globe," while Phil Spencer, executive vice president, Gaming at Microsoft said that "E3 is an incredible platform to showcase the vibrancy and creativity of the video game industry." Also Donald Mustard, worldwide creative director at Epic Games, offered words remembering how Fortnite was present at E3 2018.
Could E3 be a really great show next year?