This summer, with E3 officially canceled, publishers are stepping up to fill the void with their own game showcases. Here’s a roundup of all the major events to keep an eye on:
IGN Live: June 7-9
IGN is countering Summer Game Fest with its own three-day event, featuring in-person demos and live streams. While major announcements are unlikely, IGN Live is a great place to discover indie gems.
Summer Game Fest: June 7
Considered the unofficial replacement for E3, Summer Game Fest is the go-to event for major game reveals and announcements. Tune in to Digital Trends for hands-on coverage and interviews.
Day of the Devs: June 7
Immediately following Summer Game Fest is Day of the Devs, an indie-focused showcase that has become a highlight of the summer season. Don’t miss out on potential breakout hits like Animal Well.
Wholesome Direct: June 8
For fans of cozy games, Wholesome Direct is the place to be. Over 70 games will be featured, including Usagi Shima and Minami Lane. Catch the live stream on Twitch or YouTube.
Xbox Games Showcase + Secret Game Direct: June 9
Xbox is aiming to regain player goodwill with its annual Games Showcase, showcasing exciting titles like Avowed. The most intriguing part is the dedicated deep dive into an unannounced game from a major franchise, rumored to be either Call of Duty or Gears of War 5.
PC Gaming Show: June 9
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the PC Gaming Show is a must-watch for PC gamers. Expect genre-defining games and surprises. Watch it live on YouTube or Twitch.
Ubisoft Forward: June 10
Ubisoft is going its own way, hosting its Ubisoft Forward stream to provide updates on upcoming games. Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin’s Creed Red are expected to take center stage, with a few surprises in store.
THQ Nordic Showcase: August 2
THQ Nordic traditionally holds its showcase in August, and this year is no different. Titan Quest 2 and the Gothic remake are already confirmed, with more announcements to come.
Nintendo Direct: June TBA
Nintendo’s Direct presentation is crucial as it reveals upcoming Switch games for the latter half of 2023. While Metroid Prime 4 is highly anticipated, don’t expect any news on the Nintendo Switch 2.
