If you're looking forward to hearing new game news, E3 2021 is going to be the best place for it. It's one of the biggest gaming events of the year and we're expecting a lot of news to drop. Here's the latest on what to expect from The ESA's event.
LATEST - Back4Blood Specifically Mentioned
Earlier today, The ESA shared an updated E3 2021 schedule with the world alongside the news that Fan Access Registration is now available. However, there was something a little unusual about it all for two reasons.
Firstly, we still don't have too many specifics. We're under the impression that The ESA is letting the publishers dictate when they share that information, which is all well and good, but why offer us half the answer with what days people are showing up and not confirm the times?
Secondly, Back4Blood, the upcoming spiritual successor to the Left 4 Dead series, was the only game mentioned specifically by name in today's announcement. We know WB Games is going to show up, but why would they mention Back4Blood specifically alongside all the other publishers?
It seems a little odd, doesn't it? We can only hope this means that it's going to feature heavily in WB Games' showcase. However, we just don't know for sure.
Still No Horizon Release Date
PlayStation's latest State of Play presentation was all about Horizon Forbidden West, Guerrilla's sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, and it was fantastic. We got around 14 minutes of gameplay, a fantastic look at the new gameplay features that are going to be introduced, and a great look at the new environments Aloy is going to be exploring.
One thing we didn't get, though, was a release date. We still don't know when Horizon Forbidden West is due to release and with PlayStation not appearing at E3 2021... We might not find out for at least another month or more.
We're don't know if Sony would be concerned about E3 2021 "drowning out" any new announcements they make over the next couple of weeks but we're expecting them to wait. If we didn't get a release date last week... It could be another month or two before we hear more.
Starfield, Only On Xbox
Following the announcement that Xbox and Bethesda will be hosting a joint Games Showcase at E3 2021, the rumours that Starfield is going to be an Xbox exclusive seems to be all but confirmed.
The Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase is going to be broadcast on Sunday, June 13th at 10:00 PST / 13:00 EST / 18:00 BST. This might not be the first presentation of the day, as E3 coverage usually kicks off early at 09:00 PST... But, it will certainly be one of the biggest.
We're expecting to hear something from Bethesda about Starfield, see a few more new games and get an update on what's next for Xbox's Game Pass service.
We Could Receive a PS5 Exclusive Final Fantasy Game
As reported by wccftech, we could see a new PS5 exclusive this time around. Well-known leaker Navtra recently stated "I believe we're getting two major SE reveals this June: A PS5 exclusive FF title, and a cross-gen Eidos title.
Usually, rumours like this aren't worth reporting on but Navtra accurately predicted many announcements from last years conference so this is worth keeping an eye on.
Who Is Coming to E3 2021?
E3 announced its arrival this year on April 6, with lots of huge names in the gaming industry already signed up!
Nintendo, Xbox, Ubisoft, PC Gamer and many more are set to appear at E3 2021!
New Nintendo Hardware
In an investment meeting, Nintendo recently divulged some details on where their budget for Research and Development is going. Though software is still a focus, they hinted at something big.
They said that mid-way through the current Switch generation is when it is necessary to invest in the next platform so that hardware and software can develop together. This could point to two major things.
Either Nintendo is focusing on a more powerful version of the Nintendo Switch or working towards an entirely new generation. Either way, we might expect a tease at something bigger in this year's showcase. Though this isn't a game, it might shape the next few years of gaming so it felt important to be here.
The Division Heartland
Ubisoft has just announced a brand new free-to-play title set in The Division's universe: The Division Heartland. This comes just weeks before the UbiForward at E3 2021 is due to take place so... We're expecting to see more.
This is stated to be a fresh take on The Division's storyline and show players the universe from a different perspective. You apparently don't need any previous experience with the series too, which is good.
We don't know too much else apart from the fact that it's expected to come to PC, consoles, and the cloud, in 2021-22.
We know, that's pretty vague, but the fact that 2021 is being talked about has to be a good sign. We're fully expecting to see more about this title in the next couple of weeks and definitely something at whatever Ubisoft decide to do with their UbiForward at E3 2021.
Possible Games We'll See
2021 is heating up to be one of the most exciting years for gaming! With Next-Gen consoles releasing in November last year and many exciting titles on the way, E3 2021 is going to be spectacular!
Halo Infinite
The latest adventure from Master Chief in the Xbox flagship series, Halo Infinite, is due to drop later this year!
Halo Infinite's announcement trailer was released in June 2018, so E3 2021 will mark three years since the announcement. Fans can expect to see more and hopefully get an official release date this year at E3.
Hellblade 2: Senua's Saga
The exciting sequel to the 2017 title, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, is in the making and fans want to know more!
All we have seen since its announcement in 2019 is a graphic trailer and some cool images. E3 2021 would be a great time to shed more light on this dark fantasy title.
Perfect Dark
Alongside their new production studio The Initiative, Xbox announced the return of Perfect Dark. The first game in the series for 15 years is due to be released in the next few years; maybe we'll hear more about it at E3 2021.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
The Legend of Zelda celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. The follow-up game to the Nintendo Switch launch title, Breath of the Wild, was announced 2 years ago at E3 2019.
Fans are desperate to hear more on the latest instalment and with Nintendo's attendance at E3 2021 confirmed, it is likely we will see more on this game.
Ruined King: A League of Legends Story
Will we hear more on Ruined King: A League of Legends Story?
Still no official release date but it is due to come out sometime this year! The highly-anticipated spin-off from the popular MOBA may make an appearance at E3 2021.
Age of Empires 4
It has been 4 years since the announcement of the long-awaited Age of Empires sequel. The PC Gaming Show is taking place on June 13th, so fans are hoping to hear more on Age of Empires 4 and maybe even get a release date.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring was announced in 2019 and since then there has been silence. This is the latest from FromSoftware, in collaboration with Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin, so Elden Ring is highly anticipated.
After two years of silence, fans are hoping they will hear more of the dark fantasy open-world RPG from the creators of Dark Souls at E3 2021!
Dragon Age IV
Dragon Age IV has been in development since 2015. Six years later, fans are still waiting to hear more about when the game will finally be released. E3 2021 may shed more light on this.
What games will be announced?
While E3 is a great time to catch up on the latest news for upcoming games. It is also a time where companies like to surprise audiences and announce entirely new games.
We've compiled a list of potential new games that could be announced at E3 2021.
The Witcher 4
The Witcher Trilogy is one of the most successful game franchises of all time. CD Projekt RED's most recent Witcher title, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, was released in 2015.
Fans are eagerly waiting for the next instalment and CD Projekt RED could reveal to us that they are working on exactly that at E3 2021.
Sekiro 2
The critically-acclaimed samurai action/adventure RPG, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, was released in 2018, so we could 2021 see the announcement of a highly sought after sequel at E3 2021.
New Pokemon
While the remasters of Pokemon Diamond & Pearl Remake and Pokemon Legends: Arceus are on their way in 2021 and 2022, Pokemon fans are eager for the next generation of Pokemon to join the scene.
Pokemon Sword and Sheild were released in 2019, now two years later, E3 2021 could be a time for Nintendo to announce the next generation of Pokemon.
Assassin's Creed 2022
Assassin's Creed 2022 certainly feels like it's due. With the recent success of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, fans are excited for what's next in the franchise.
How to Watch?
E3 are doing things slightly differently this year, pioneering the first-ever virtual video games conference.
E3 will be coming to you, available for live streaming to your device. There will be a mobile app available and streaming available on company-specific YouTube and Twitch Channels.
It's going to be the most viewed ever and you want to be a part of it!
E3 2021 Schedule
We're working hard to keep you informed on everything we know about E3 2021.
Check out all the details and the latest on the Schedule here. Or, check out the latest update below:
June 12
- 10:00 PST / 13:00 EST / 18:00 BST - Broadcast Pre-Show
- 12:00 PST / 15:00 EST / 20:00 BST - Ubisoft Forward
- UNKNOWN - Gearbox Entertainment
- UNKNOWN - GamesBeat Session
June 13
- 08:45 PST / 11:45 EST / 16:45 BST - Broadcast Pre-Show
- 10:00 PST / 13:00 EST / 18:00 BST - Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase
- 12:15 PST / 15:15 EST / 20:15 BST - Square Enix Presents
- UNKNOWN - The PC Gaming Show, from PC Gamer
- UNKNOWN - The Future Games Show, from GamesRadar
- UNKNOWN - Warner Bros. Games, Back4Blood, 24 Entertainment
June 14
- 08:00 PST / 11:00 EST / 16:00 BST - Broadcast Pre-Show
- UNKNOWN - Take-Two Interactive Showcase
- UNKNOWN - Mythical Games, Freedom Games, & Razer
- UNKNOWN - Capcom Showcase
- UNKNOWN - VENN Session
June 15
- 08:00 PST / 11:00 EST / 16:00 BST - Broadcast Pre-Show
- 09:00 PST / 12:00 EST / 17:00 BST - Nintendo Direct & Treehouse Live
- UNKNOWN - Bandai Namco Showcase
- UNKNOWN - Yooreka Games Showcase
- UNKNOWN - Gamespot Event
June 16
- 09:00 PST / 12:00 EST / 17:00 BST - Steam Next Fest