The Entertainment Software Association has announced that Bandai Namco Entertainment, Binge.com, Devious Eye Entertainment, Freedom Games, Gearbox Software, Sega, Square Enix, Turtle Beach, Verizon, and XSEED Games will join E3 2021.

In the press release, Entertainment Software Association president and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis said:

“E3 2021 is set to continue its legacy as the premier video game industry event as we add new publishers, sponsors, and partners.

We can’t wait to share more details about this virtual event for audiences around the globe.”

Previously confirmed exhibitors for E3 2021 include Capcom, Koch Media, Nintendo, Microsoft, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

However, Konami has pulled out of the event, while Sony and EA have yet to confirm their attendance. E3 2021 will run as a digital-only event from 12 June to 15 June 2021.

Last year, Geoff Keighley’s Summer Games Fest and Opening Night Live were probably the biggest gaming events of 2020.

In light of these juggernauts, can even the likes of E3 return and survive, much less thrive? Is E3 even relevant anymore in this new era of gaming or is it a remnant of yesteryear? If E3 2021 does happen, it will be a test of how what was once the biggest gaming convention on the planet will be able to continue justifying its significance in this day and age.

It looks like we’ll have to wait and see what the gaming landscape will be like this year.