Sony Skips E3 Again, 2nd Time in a Row

Sony Skips E3

Sony Interactive Entertainment skips E3, North America’s video game expo, for the second time in a row.

A Sony spokesperson said to Polygon:

“After thorough evaluation SIE has decided not to participate in E3 2020. We have great respect for the ESA as an organization, but we do not feel the vision of E3 2020 is the right venue for what we are focused on this year. We will build upon our global events strategy in 2020 by participating in hundreds of consumer events across the globe. Our focus is on making sure fans feel part of the PlayStation family and have access to play their favorite content. We have a fantastic line up of titles coming to PlayStation 4, and with the upcoming launch of PlayStation 5, we are truly looking forward to a year of celebration with our fans.”

Sony Interactive Entertainment has used E3 as a platform to unveil their next generation consoles from the very beginning, starting from 1995 to reveal the US launching of the original PlayStation. This may be the first time that SIE decides not to have a release announcement during E3.

Recently, E3 organiser, Entertainment Software Association, has been struggling with the identity of the event. Some publishers, such as EA and Sony, are pushing for E3 become a fan celebration of games, whereas others would rather the event remained an industry-focused affair. ESA has attempted to appease both parties by introducing more consumer-related events but with limited success.

The ESA has also released the following statement on Sony skipping E3 2020:

“E3 is a signature event celebrating the video game industry and showcasing the people, brands and innovations redefining entertainment loved by billions of people around the world. E3 2020 will be an exciting, high-energy show featuring new experiences, partners, exhibitor spaces, activations, and programming that will entertain new and veteran attendees alike. Exhibitor interest in our new activations is gaining the attention of brands that view E3 as a key opportunity to connect with video game fans worldwide.”