Earlier this week, positively seismic waves were made in the gaming community when it was announced the Mecca of annual trade shows, E3, was to be called off for the third year running. However, unlike in 2020 and 2021, where it was simply cancelled physically but went ahead in a rudimentary digital format, this time it’s cold turkey; no physical show, no online show, absolutely squat.
It’s a tad disappointing for those that look forward to the buzz and general atmosphere the event brings, though it’s perhaps not wholly unexpected. For a while, folks have been debating the continued relevancy of E3 anyway, and some would argue that Covid and its associated inconveniences have simply hurried along the inevitable. Personally, if it does go down the tube, I’ll miss the wackiness we’d get on occasion between the soulless corporate shilling (the legendary Wii Music demo, anyone?)
Of course, this isn’t to say companies aren’t going to capitalise on the hype wave that we’ve all been collectively programmed to associate with June. A major segment that’s been a part of E3 since 2015, the PC Gaming Show, have confirmed they’ll still be presenting in that month – specifically, on the 12th. “Even without E3 as we know it, June is the biggest month of the year for major gaming showcases,” they proclaim. “PC Gaming Show will remain part of this larger schedule, and will showcase never-before-seen gameplay footage, surface interesting conversations with developers, and share announcements from across the world of PC gaming.”
PC Gaming Show of years past
This is, naturally, small potatoes (and perhaps little consolation) to anyone who’s a console gamer, but nonetheless we can expect some exciting stuff from the show. And worry not, because even if you’re not interested in poking your nose into this year’s PC offerings, the organisers themselves point out that it’ll be “broadcast alongside other presentations as part of a lively weekend of events in mid-June, including Summer Games Fest and the Future Games Show.” Basically, there’ll be something for everyone; and if you don’t like our show, naff off. Respectable attitude.
To give you an idea of what the PC Gaming Show is like, have a gander at last year’s outing:
Will you be tuning in to this year’s? How do you feel about the fate of E3? Let us know!
