This year, E3 will be Digital and Completely Free

Numerous folks were saddened last year when E3, the biggest gaming convention event of the year, was cancelled due to pandemic related complications. But the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), who run the show, have announced that it will be back for 2021, and it will be free to attend! Theres one catch, though: its online only.

The official date for the event will be between June 12 and June 15. During this time, a number of game studios, developers, and publishers will get together to showcase their latest projects. Unlike in the past, however, this will be a reimagined, all-virtual event. Broadcast live, anyone will be able to tune in to the event at no cost, according to ESA president and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis.

We are evolving this year's E3 into a more inclusive event, but will still look to excite the fans with major reveals and insider opportunities that make this event the indispensable center stage for video games.

So far, numerous big names have been confirmed to be in attendance for the event, including (but not limited to):

• Nintendo
• Xbox
• Capcom
• Konami
• Ubisoft
• Take-Two Interactive
• Warner Bros. Games
• Koch Media.

The ESA claims that there are still more coming.

So why the emphasis on it being free? A while back, there were rumors of E3 being a digital event hidden behind a paywall. If you wanted to see any of it, you'd have to pay a fee. Unsurprisingly, this was not a popular idea, with many folks speaking against it. Their emphasis on it being free are possibly to alleviate any concerns.

Its good to hear that the event is still happening, however. E3 has been a source of excitement for countless people, myself included. While some may not care for the its one big marketing commercial aspect (which is completely true and valid), we just love getting together and getting excited about new video games. And with the ESA pulling donations to politicians after the BLM protests, we can feel a bit morally better about taking part.

Were not going to dive terribly deep into speculation just yet. But to get the mind running, here are some of our initial thoughts on those companies in attendance.

• Nintendo: Most likely going to reveal a Nintendo Switch Pro console that we keep hearing about
• Xbox: Theyll likely announce new studios they own, reveal some new games, promote Halo
• Capcom: Wed love to hear about a Resident Evil 4 remake, which follows their trend. Likely will hear more about Resident Evil Village.
• Konami: Expect something about Metal Gear, were not excited about it though.
• Ubisoft: Could be anything really, they own tons of IPs.
• Take-Two Interactive: Perhaps something about the GTA Online standalone game. Maybe new titles.
• Warner Bros. Games: At the most hopeful, we might hear about a new Mortal Kombat game. Id sooner expect something DC universe related, given the recent trends.
• Koch Media: No clue, to be honest.
• Sony: Notice they're not on the list? They haven't been for the last three years. It makes little difference, they hold their own event around the same time. Expect announcements about their exclusive games, and the various live-action movies and shows being made based on those games.

Share your own speculation, wed love to hear what everyone is hoping or looking forward to.