Assessing the Future of Summer Game Fest as a Media Event

A moment during the Microsoft showcase felt reminiscent of E3, with fans cheering and executives presenting on stage. However, as the event progressed, it became clear that Summer Game Fest was not a replacement for E3. With few major new titles revealed across the main showcases, the event lacked the blockbuster announcements of previous E3s. The impact of COVID on game development and the shift towards live service products have contributed to this change. The physical component of Summer Game Fest, including the Play Days event, offered a more relaxed and effective experience for many developers. While some media attendees found the event more enjoyable to cover than E3, others were disappointed by the lack of major titles. The future of Summer Game Fest and whether it will scale up or remain a US-focused media event is uncertain. The possibility of E3 returning or new industry events emerging also hangs in the balance, leaving the gaming industry to ponder the best way forward for its major showcases.