Sony Opts To Miss E3 Ahead of PlayStation 5 Release

Written by Brandon Hofer on January 13, 2020

News: Sony has made the decision not to attend E3 this year just months ahead of the release of their new console

It is being reported that Sony has opted to miss E3 once again in 2020. Sony missed E3 last year for the first time and despite launching an important piece of hardware this fall, they won’t be in attendance this year either. The most likely scenario now is that now might hold a “PlayStation Experience” type of show but that is pure conjecture on my part. I am also of the opinion that Sony will most likely hold a PS5 reveal event in February that will be similar to the one they had for the PS4 in February 2013.

"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," the company said in a statement emailed to Business Insider.

With the PlayStation 5 being launched this holiday season (our guess is in November) this news is a bit surprising. The PS5 will obviously do well regardless but one would think that they would want to generate all the hype they can prior to launch. Being at E3 and letting potential consumers get their hands on the new machine, so to speak, would easily do that. Sony will most likely hold some consumer-focused events leading up to E3 but none of them really have the clout that E3 does, even if the annual convention is falling on some hard times. E3 also tends to be the time for the gaming industry to shine at outlets that might not normally cover our favorite industry.

Sony will no doubt hold a “PlayStation Direct” conference to show off some of the PS5 and hopefully some upcoming titles and that should be amazing to see. It just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense on why they want to surrender the week to Microsoft, who is also launching their new Xbox this holiday season (our guess is November for this as well). After all of the conferences are over gamers will be able to (hopefully) check out the new Xbox, play some games on it and get some idea on what Microsoft is going to be offering at launch. Microsoft won’t have a traditional booth on the E3 show floor though instead opting to be at the Microsoft Theater across the street for all things Xbox during E3 week.

When PlayStation 4 and Xbox One both launched in November 2013 I picked them both up and had a lot of fun playing games on each console. I have no doubt the same thing will happen this holiday season. I’m just disappointed that Sony has decided to miss one of the biggest shows of the year to show off their new hardware.

What do you think? If they do have a PlayStation Experience type of event, will you try and attend to check out the PlayStation 5? Will you be picking up a PlayStation 5 this holiday season? Tell us what you think below.

source: Business Insider