Among the general amazement of the PlayStation fans, Sony confirmed last November that it did not intend to participate in the next edition of the Electronic Entertainment Expo, the important fair in Los Angeles more simply known as E3.
For several years the E3 has been the most awaited video game event: it is here that the biggest publishers announce their new projects, give small samples of the games already announced, and generally give life to a true and own show followed by countless fans. However, the world changes, as Shawn Layden pointed out in a recent interview, and the E3 seems instead remained anchored to the standards that – according to Sony – it can no longer be part of a market that is visibly changed and constantly evolving.
According to Shawn Layden’s point of view, the E3 represented in the past a strategic moment for retailers to place their products at the show, as well as a fundamental opportunity for journalists to gather new information to refer to their readers through magazines themed video games. All this, however, seems now changed:
“Now we have an event in February called Destination PlayStation, where we bring all retailers and third-party partners to come hear the story for the year,” he said. “They’re making purchasing discussions in February. June, now, is just too late to have a Christmas holiday discussion with retailers. So retail has really dropped off. And journalists now, with the internet and the fact that 24/7 there is game news, it’s lost its impact around that.
So the trade show became a trade show without a lot of trade activity. The world has changed, but E3 hasn’t necessarily changed with it.”
Quite strong statements, those of Shawn Layden, who even seem to presage a definitive abandonment of Sony against the historic E3 fair. What do you think of the thought expressed by the leader of the PlayStation house?