The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) have given a “sneak peak” of their plans for E3 2020 in a recent announcement, emphasizing the trade show will be a “new and revitalized experience.”
Taking feedback from the ESA’s “media partners,” E3 attendees, and “the industry at large,” the ESA hinted at what E3 2020 will do.
“You’ll be happy to know that we’re not producing E3 2020 in a vacuum. For E3 2020, we’re collaborating with industry insiders and new creative partners, including the tastemakers at iam8bit, to reinvigorate the show and, frankly, to shake things up.”
The ESA also describes how they are developing and producing “large, super fun floor experience that celebrates gaming culture in exciting new ways.”
Though not delving into details, the ESA
“We will be showcasing E3 to the world through new streaming and digital programming while creating gatherings on the show floor that let people do what they love the most… play and celebrate games.
We’ll have surprise guests, amazing stage experiences, access to insiders and experiential zones that delight the senses. It will be incredibly inclusive, celebrating all aspects of our industry.”
Finally, the media registration process and E3 website now utilize “enhanced and layered security measures developed by an outside cybersecurity firm,” along with “updating their data management processes.” Most likely in response to the personal details of many attending journalists being leaked in 2019.
More details are set to be announced “over the next few weeks.”
In September 2019, details of an alleged planning document for E3 2020 had leaked. Several elements from the leak may have come true.
For example, one proposal had eight “experience hubs” along with traditional booths. This would match up with “large, super fun floor experience” mentioned now.
The leaked document also proposed celebrity and influencer deals. This would match the “surprise guests” statement. The claim about “amazing stage experiences” could also match with the document’s “PlayStation Experience-like movie theater experience,” but this was seemingly rejected by unnamed publisher partners.
The leaked document also proposes entertainment for those in queues performances, a digital app operating akin to Disney theme park’s FastPass system, and utilizing major social issues that can generate positive press and also encourage celebrities to join the event.
With how well Keanu Reeves’ appearance at E3 2019 during the Cyberpunk 2077 segment of Microsoft’s presentation went down, it is entirely likely the ESA may seek to recreate similar moments within E3 as a whole.
We will keep you informed as we learn more.
E3 2020 registration will start on February 15th.
