Ubisoft, the acclaimed video game publisher behind the popular Assassin’s Creed franchise, has decided to withdraw from E3 2023 and will be hosting its own event, Ubisoft Forward Live, on June 12th in Los Angeles. The unexpected announcement comes as a significant blow to the iconic gaming expo, as Ubisoft was the first major company to publicly commit to attending this year’s event.
In a statement to VGC, a Ubisoft spokesperson explained the decision, saying the company has opted to “move in a different direction.” While initially planning to have an official presence at E3, the publisher changed course to focus on its standalone event. The spokesperson acknowledged E3’s historic role in the gaming industry, noting that the expo has “fostered unforgettable moments across the industry throughout the years.”
E3 2023 marks the event’s return as a physical show after a four-year hiatus. ReedPop, the media and events company behind PAX, EGX, and Star Wars Celebration, has taken over the reins from the Entertainment Software Association. The expo is scheduled to run from June 13-17, with the first two days reserved for business-related attendees and the remaining days open to consumers.
Ubisoft’s withdrawal from E3 2023 means that no major company has been announced as officially attending, with both Nintendo and Xbox confirming that they will not be participating in this year’s event. However, Xbox will have some form of presence in Los Angeles during the same timeframe.
ReedPop, the new organizer of E3, has stated that several “AAA companies, in addition to indie darlings and tech and hardware firms,” have committed to returning to the Los Angeles Convention Center. The full roster of exhibitors is set to be revealed in the lead-up to the expo, allowing individual companies to make their announcements before the event.
E3 2023’s “Digital Week” will kick off on June 11, featuring outside digital events such as The PC Gaming Show, Future Games Show, Guerilla Collective, and Black Voices in Gaming. ReedPop, also known for its ownership of Gamer Network, is the network partner of VGC.
