With Push Square being a PlayStation website, we were feeling deflated when Sony confirmed that it wouldn't be at E3 this summer. We've grown so used to Sony ending the big publisher press conferences with a bang, but with the company skipping 2019's event, it's admittedly been difficult for us to get excited.
Until now, that is. With E3 2019 just over a month away, we're starting to feel that annual hype. After mulling it over, we reckon that despite Sony's absence, there are still plenty of things to look forward to -- and we've attempted to list them below.
And so, if you're anything like us and you're not quite feeling the E3 hype, read on and you might just ignite your excitement.
Cyberpunk 2077
It doesn't matter where or how Cyberpunk 2077 is shown -- the collective hype for this game is already through the roof. CD Projekt Red has confirmed that the role-playing title will be at E3 2019, and the company's also stated that this year's show will be its "most important ever".
That quote has naturally sparked a lot of speculation. Will Cyberpunk 2077 get a release date at E3? It seems entirely possible -- we know that the game is now well into production, and various rumours have said that it's even due out later this year. While we're not quite sold on that one, we do think Cyberpunk 2077 will make huge waves at the Los Angeles event.
Even if we've been misled and it's just another gameplay trailer, this particular hype train ain't stopping any time soon.
Ubisoft's Press Conference
Ubisoft's E3 press conferences can be a little hit and miss -- for every amazing Assassin's Creed reveal there's a Just Dance routine or cringe-inducing technical cock-up -- but the French giant should have a stellar show on its hands this year.
Let's look at what we know: Watch Dogs 3 is all but confirmed, the next Assassin's Creed game is going to be about Vikings, and Beyond Good & Evil 2 should be coming along nicely. The publisher's got a load of anticipated titles to fall back on, even if you ignore projects like Skull & Bones.
But perhaps the biggest reason to be excited about Ubisoft's presence is that we're almost guaranteed to see some next-gen tech. Remember the buzz around that very first Watch Dogs reveal back before the PS4 launched? Expect similar next-gen hype from 2019's event.
Our First Real Look at Next-Gen Games
With the next generation of consoles on the horizon (the PS5 supposedly launches at some point in 2020) you can bet that we'll be getting our first look at next-gen games at this year's E3. We fully expect to see various titles running on more powerful hardware, with presenters highlighting their studio's new visual tech and throwing out fresh buzzwords for us to lap up.
E3 has a history of being especially exciting when the next generation is just around the corner, and we think E3 2019 will be no different. The web's going to be swamped in speculation as gameplay demos push the limits that we've grown accustomed to over the last five years, and we'll no doubt be shown games that are being developed with the PS5 in mind.
Xbox Is Bound to Have Some Big Third Party Games
Okay, aside from last year's solid showing, Xbox has had a pretty torrid time at E3 over the last decade or so. From the horrors of Project Natal to the botched Xbox One reveal, Microsoft has struggled -- and trust us, we're not just saying that because of our affiliation with PlayStation.
But with Sony out of the picture at E3 2019, it's highly likely that Xbox will step up. Big third party games that could have booked a place during Sony's show may opt for Microsoft's stage instead, and you just know that Phil Spencer will have spent the last few months snapping up as many exclusive reveals as possible.
The bottom line is that a lot of games Xbox flaunts will be coming to PlayStation as well, and so Microsoft's show should definitely be worth a watch regardless of which console sits beneath your TV.
Surprises in Store at Bethesda's Show?
This one's a little more tenuous than the other points on this list, but we can't ignore Bethesda. After the disaster that was and still is Fallout 76, the company needs to come out swinging at this year's event. However, Bethesda boss Todd Howard has said that important upcoming titles Starfield and The Elder Scrolls VI will skip E3 2019, which makes us wonder if the publisher has any surprises up its sleeve.
Bethesda's press conference will no doubt feature DOOM Eternal and Wolfenstein: Youngblood, but will they be enough to carry the whole event? Arguably not, and so it'll be interesting to see if the company opts for the unexpected.
Square Enix's Sleeping Giants
Square Enix has actually gone and occupied Sony's traditional E3 slot, so it's last on the list of press conferences this year. The Japanese publisher produced a largely pointless showcase in 2018, but this time around, it has the potential to be something special.
We are, of course, alluding to the presence of Final Fantasy VII Remake and The Avengers. Both projects have been silent for quite some time, but now that Square Enix's release runway is relatively clear of heavy hitters (Final Fantasy XV is finally finished and Kingdom Hearts III is finally out), the timing seems just about right for big news.
What's more, there are a lot of rumours circulating about the reappearance of Final Fantasy VII Remake. There's a Final Fantasy VII concert happening just days before E3 begins, also taking place in Los Angeles. It's hard not to feel as though something's about to go down.
Or, you know, Square Enix could just continue to baffle us with its maddening incompetence. We'll have to wait and see!
Devolver Digital's Going to Get Real Dumb
Ah, Devolver Digital, you crazy bunch of b*stards. The publisher's confirmed that it'll be hosting another no doubt ridiculous "press conference" at E3 this year, and we can't wait to see how much fake blood it manages to pack into 45 minutes of mayhem.
Always a pleasant distraction from the stresses of E3 coverage, Devolver Digital's last two shows have been absolutely mental in the best possible way. We're genuinely excited to see whether the company can outdo its own insanity at E3 2019.
And there you have it, plenty of reasons to get hyped for E3 2019, even though Sony's missing out. Is there anything you're looking forward to in particular? Let us know if we've enhanced your hype levels in the comments section below.
Comments 49
The most exciting thing about Sony not being at E3 is that it means that I don't have to bother watching E3.
@johncalmc I'm pretty excited about not having to stay up until 3am!
Well I'd rather not watch Microsoft's show so E3 for me is a bust.
Microsoft’s show last year was pretty much multiplat games, so it was good to watch to see what was coming to the PS4.
I want to see more on the Square Enix/Platinum Games PS4 exclusive Babylon’s Fall.
One plus is that I don't have to bother paying attention to the start times and look for a good stream of the show.
If Devolver's conference is a reason to stay excited then I'm giving E3 a wide berth this year. Their schtick is basically a Tim & Eric sketch without the laughs.
@Shepherd_Tallon Press conferences are all on the 9th and 10th June — 11th - 13th is when E3 is open to the public.
Maybe not so bad?
personally, i rarely find anything coming from ubisoft to be exciting. the same goes for bethesda and many other major publishers. cyberpunk is the only game we can count on to be there of which i have vested interest in. while i have been keeping my eye out for ff vii remake, i don't have much faith in modern day s-e to pull it off well... i am also concerned about their business model in how they may break it up into 3 parts... yea i believe it will be a very weak e3 this year, unless capcom and fromsoftware have a few surprises and announce them at microsoft's show?
Not sure I'll watch this year. Not because Sony pulled out, but because I've always found watching the whole thing boring after a while. I'll just wait for the articles.
Still expecting Sony to do SOMETHING that week, just not at E3. Aren't like half the well known companies not at E3 these days? Down the block, around the corner, somewhere close by?
Are we sure to see "next gen" games at E3? Maybe MS will spend all it's time hyping up $250 X1 SAD?
Oh well, Switch is due some stuff. It's good to own 2 consoles.
I'm really excited for the Xbox and Nintendo conferences, and Bethesda showing off DOOM Eternal. Couldn't care less about Ubisoft unless they show off Watch Dogs 3 and a new Splinter Cell. Square Enix shouldn't even bother if they aren't gonna show FFVII Remake, and even then I'd prefer Nomura spend his time doing more KH stuff or Verum Rex.
Still boring except Cyberpunk unless we see some surprise announcements but I doubt it. I have no interest in xbox and their trash exclusives.
Looking forward to e3 despite sonys absence. Ubisoft always has 3 or 4 games that pique my interest and look forward to hearing about xCloud. Not really hyped at all for Bethesda or Square but perhaps there may be a surprise in there. Definitely skipping the Devlover on, a bit too off the wall for my tastes. I'm sure Nintendos direct will be very solid as well! Leaks should be starting here soon!!!
@Shepherd_Tallon Wahey!
Oh its going to be fun to watch xbox conference, no doubt. We might get a better idea about next gen
I'm pretty excited about Ubisoft revealing their new games.Id love a new Watch Dogs but if the 3rd one has those extremely annoying characters from Watch Dogs 2 in it I shall be very disappointed.
Final Fantasy 7 remake would be nice to finally see gameplay and a possible release estimate but what id get even more excited for is if they surprise announce the remastered version of Final Fantasy VI and VIII.
As for watching Microsoft...um..no.
E3 for me isn't the big thing it once was. Nowadays there are loads of different game shows and social media to show off their games. I will be giving it a miss again this year.
This pretty much says Why it does not matter if SONY is there or not (and should be hyped)
Every 3rd party will be showing tons of games for the PS4 - like every single year
SONY just needs to tell when The Last of US is coming out - it needs no more hype. Just a release date.
I can't say I am 'hyped' for any E3, interested and intrigued but never hyped. If some news, some game, some surprise grabs my attention, great and I may end up enthusiastically looking forward to said service, game, hardware but not hyped before 'news' comes in.
I of course will be interested in seeing what comes out of this years E3. As an Xbox owner too, the majority of games will be accessible to me - whether they are exclusive to MS or to Sony, whether they have timed or not bonus content, it doesn't matter to me because I can decide whether or not I wish to take advantage of these.
I appreciate that not all games shown will be of interest or even accessible to those who only play on Sony and, unless they only play Sony exclusives, E3 this year is likely to be of no interest at all.
It would be great, at least for me, if both MS and Sony have a 'new' next gen console to show us releasing sooner so that games like Cyberpunk, Last of Us 2, Ghost of Tsushima, Gears 5, Halo etc will be playable and enhanced on better hardware than we have now....
Sony and their first party games will be greatly missed, but I'm always curious about the third party showing up at E3 too. New reveals is what I live for!
Ehh, i am not hyped for E3 next month without Sony.. i am not fan of Microsoft and Xbox because exclusive games are not good on xbox. i might watch Ubisoft Conference if they ready to reveal new game for Splinter Cell and Watch Dogs 3
@Zukato Sony don't need to show their exclusive games that fans already know because they have nothing to show until 2020 for them to show new games that coming out on PS5 as launch titles
To be honest, I don't really need surprises this year. If we get more information about Cyberpunk 2077, FF7 R, and Animal Crossing, I'll be content.
I'm excited for E3. Looking forward to Microsoft's conference, their one last year was my favourite of E3 2018 due to all the third party announcements. Nintendo generally has some interesting things to show, and perhaps this'll be the year where they'll tempt me to get a Switch. There's bound to be some interesting reveals from the other third party publishers, and Devolver Digital's conferences are my kind of humour.
Devolver digital publishes some of my favorite games...
Last year felt a bit redundant and the writing was on the wall before hand really. Despite Sony not being involved I’m actually more excited this time round.
Are you kidding Cyberpunk 2077 is enough to hold 100% of my attention.
Every thing at E3 will be relevant to PlayStation. Any Xbox console announcements may offer more clues to what PS5 hold for PlayStation Fans. I also really expect Sony to do another PlayStation show on it own around this time.
give me syphon filter remaster. parasite Eve.splinter cell.a new metal slugs.a new rayman from Ubisoft.the best fps shooter ever resistance and a new bioshock.about sleeping 🐕 dogs 2.and dragon dogma 2.word up son
@JohnKarnes the rumor has it that the last of us 2 will show before e3.word up son
I feel Sony are skipping E3 this year to have their own dedicated PS5 reveal later which will mean they won’t have to share headline space with other games/hardware during E3.
Will miss them being there though...
I'm looking forward to seeing more of Cyberpunk 2077 and of course Doom Eternal, anything else is just a nice little bonus
@playstation1995 Preach it man. We've both been pining for a Syphon Filter announcement for a while on here. PPPPPLEEEEAAASSSEEE Bluepoint be doing the trilogy due to Bend being busy with Days Gone for the last 7 years. EDIT: In fact, I agree with everything you have just wish-listed.
I'll watch the Ubi one for any Watch Dogs 3 info, but that's about it.
I never sray up for E3 i will look it up on the site the last time i watched and the only time i found out we would never see Heavenly Sword 2. 😭😭
Since Sony is not at E3, I don't have to worry about staying up all night.
@nookie_egg hopefully now days gone is already released .we can have syphon filter remaster.to me syphon filter was the best ps1 games ever.word up son
I'm really not that interested. I already know all the games I want for the remainder of this gen and while I'll be paying attention to MS' press conference, because I own an Xbox, I'm not really expecting much in the way of surprises. I hope to be wrong and they reveal an awesome next-gen console with at least a handful of games to look forward to (a few being exclusive) but I just don't see that happening so this E3 will likely be a big, old meh.
It’s pretty obvious Sony are waiting to see what the new XB is going to be before announcing anything else. From all the rumours Microsoft are going to have the more powerful machine, so the PlayStation is going to have to be a far more financially appealing option. Plus you’ll see Sony gazump a XB2 reveal by announcing some big titles launching with the PS5- they still are going to have a more diverse lineup than the FPS heavy XBox.
I would rather watch pain dry(it would be the same thing) than watch Microsoft's Xbox E3 Show E3 is DEAD for me if SONY are not there. But I'm still excited this year for any PlayStation news and hopefully PS5 news
I just want to see Splinter Cell, FF7 and hopefully that leaked Harry Potter game that everyone's probably forgotten about now
E3 was so exciting back in the day without live streams and waiting for your favourite magazine with all the big announcements, it all feels a bit meh now as we generally know what's going to be there before it happens. Yes I know how old and bitter I sound.... 😥
Seeing more Cyberpunk 2077 is all I need.
Microsoft's E3s are usually pretty good for PS owners to watch, because a lot of the games show are also on PS as well. Sony could do something near the time even if they aren't actually at E3. And all I need is a release date for Doom Eternal.
I'm gonna watch ubi and still hoping for assassin creed Rome.. but maybe the Vikings will make me happy as well
It's sad that the only reason to watch the Xbox conference is to see the multiplatform games that will sell better on PS4.
I have a feeling Sony will drop something the week before and beat everybody to the punch.
@Zukato love that gif! GitS?
Cyberpunk 2077 could be one of the best games of all time, FFVIIR is at the very least a remake of one of the best games of all time. Other than that, there's nothing we know of yet that's at all exciting to me, personally. That said, the real thrill of E3 is the surprise announcements, so there's still potential.
@tameshiyaku Sure is. It's from the PS1 game.
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