E3 2021 Recap: Biggest Announcements & Highlights

Reflections on a Virtual E3 and the Evolving Gaming Landscape

Like many, I recall anticipating the diverse experiences offered by downtown Los Angeles during E3. Memories of flavorful fish tacos, browsing the shelves of The Last Bookstore, enjoying playoff basketball in brightly illuminated hotel lobbies, and, of course, attending numerous video game press conferences remain vivid.

For the second consecutive year, the event has transitioned to a fully virtual format, necessitated by the global health crisis that has significantly impacted the last year and a half. Last year’s show was entirely canceled, despite some companies adhering to their original schedules. Organizers wisely recognized the challenges of creating a digital event and acknowledged those inherent limitations.

The Return to In-Person Events

The 2021 iteration, commencing on Saturday, represents the first completely virtual E3 experience. However, this won’t be the new normal indefinitely. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the show’s planned return to the LA Convention Center in 2022.

The gaming industry experienced substantial growth in 2020, and while the rate has moderated as the world anticipates a post-pandemic future, expansion continues. Recent data from NPD indicates a 3% year-over-year increase in spending for May 2021, reaching $4.5 billion. Cumulative spending for the year is up by 17%.

Hardware Launches and Virtual Presentations

The timing of last year’s cancellation proved particularly unfortunate regarding hardware releases. Console launches are traditionally major events at E3. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X debuted in 2020, with announcements strategically staggered by Sony and Microsoft through their own dedicated events. This approach, characterized by incremental reveals, is arguably more effective for virtual presentations and online content than large-scale conventions.

Sony has chosen to forego participation in this year’s virtual event. Although a substantial virtual State of Play presentation is anticipated later this summer, it will not be directly linked to E3. Notably, PlayStation Studios head Hermen Hulst publicly congratulated Microsoft on their showcase via Twitter, demonstrating a spirit of industry camaraderie.

Microsoft's Showcase and Game Pass

Currently, Microsoft is the sole representative among the “big three” to present at the event. Nintendo will host a Treehouse event tomorrow, potentially unveiling the rumored Switch Pro, featuring an upgraded OLED display and enhanced internal components. This could also signify a wealth of new content tailored for the four-year-old console.

Microsoft delivered a comprehensive presentation focused on its game lineup. This emphasis is understandable given the recent launch of the Series X. Virtual events are ideally suited for showcasing a multitude of trailers. The company presented 30 games, including a refrigerator, with 27 slated for inclusion in the Xbox Game Pass, underscoring the future direction of Xbox gaming.

The event was jointly presented by Xbox and Bethesda, following the acquisition of the publisher earlier this year. The company stated, “Our growing family of 23 studios is devoted to advancing the medium we all love,” and announced a series of monthly game releases for Xbox Game Pass, culminating in five new titles from Xbox Game Studios this holiday season, including Halo Infinite.

Key Highlights from Microsoft’s Presentation

• Halo Infinite received a new trailer and in-game multiplayer footage, scheduled for release this holiday season.
• Starfield is set to launch on November 11, 2022, as an Xbox exclusive.
• Forza Horizon 5 will arrive in November, taking place in the landscapes of Mexico.
• Sea of Thieves will collaborate with Pirates of the Caribbean, featuring Captain Jack Sparrow and other iconic characters.
• Age of Empires IV showcased an extended trailer and a release date of October 28.
• Battlefield 2042 debuted its first gameplay footage, including a new wing suit feature.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator will be available on Xbox consoles on July 27th, accompanied by a Top Gun expansion pack.

Square Enix and Ubisoft Announcements

Square Enix also held a significant showcase on Sunday, revealing a range of new Marvel titles. Notable announcements included:

• Guardians of the Galaxy, an adventure title launching this October.
• Marvel’s Avengers will receive the Black Panther-themed expansion, War for Wakanda, in August.
• Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin, a new spin-off in the Final Fantasy series, arriving on multiple platforms next year.

Ubisoft generated excitement on Saturday with a first look at the adaptation of Avatar, titled Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Extraction, formerly known as Rainbow Six: Quarantine, is scheduled for release on September 16.

Looking Ahead

Capcom and Take-Two will present their showcases tonight, followed by Nintendo Direct and Bandai Namco tomorrow. EA is slated to host its Play Live event on Thursday. And, as a final note, a video of the new Xbox refrigerator has surfaced – proving that new hardware was indeed unveiled.