The Entertainment Software Association announced the return of E3 in September with great fanfare, with PAX organizer ReedPop taking over; E3 2023 is slated to be the first in-person event since the Covid-19 pandemic began. The plan to separate the business day from the general public day seemed to be a "rice cake is rice cake shop" situation, with the press and developers being pleased while revenue is generated from ticket sales on the general public day. [IGN reports that Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony will skip this year's show.

This news is a major blow to E3's 2023 return. Sony did not have a booth at E3 in 2019, and E3 tried to hold digital shows in 2021 (with mixed results) and 2022 (cancelled), but publishers do not need the help of E3 or pay millions of dollars for floor space at the Los Angeles Convention Center It became clear that they could disseminate information about their new games.

This year's E3 will face increased competition from Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest, and given the popularity of PC Gamer's 2022 "Play Days" event, Summer Game Fest is also likely to include a press demo event likely to include.

While it is still possible that major publishers like Ubisoft, Activision Blizzard, and Take-Two will have a presence at this year's E3, some will undoubtedly follow the lead of the platform holders, like EA, which already held its own nearby event several years ago. E3 itself is increasingly unlikely to be a worthwhile expense for gaming companies that can rent event space for a nominal fee, or for attendees who pay for expensive tickets. in 2019, a three-day ticket to E3 cost $249.

In an interview with IGN, Phil Spencer expressed support for the ESA and said Xbox is still planning a showcase." Preferably at a time that is convenient for the press and for consumers going to the E3 event."

According to the VGC report, Microsoft is continuing discussions with the ESA and will have "a business and media presence similar to last year's Gamescom, if not a traditional booth." The VGC backed up the news that Sony and Nintendo are skipping the event.

In a statement to IGN, ReedPop said, "We have received tremendous interest and verbal commitments from many of the industry's largest companies, and when we are ready to announce our exhibitors, we are confident that the lineup will be worth the trip to Los Angeles for the industry and consumers." However, it appears that ReedPop must fill the available space in the convention center by June.