Microsoft events to go digital for remainder of 2020

SHEFFIELD, UK - JUNE 2ND 2019: Shot taken overhead of half a black Microsoft Xbox One controller with emphasis on the colourful buttons sitting on the left of a dark black background, perfect for presentation material like powerpoints
By Travel Weekly


Computer tech giant Microsoft is moving to a digital-first strategy for its events during 2020, and potentially through to mid-2021.

According to multiple reports, the news follows the cancellation of June’s major video game tradeshow, E3, which last year attracted more than 66,000 people.

Off the back of that, Microsoft had reportedly planned a digital event as a replacement for its E3 presentation, a strategy that will now carry over to the rest of its product showcases.

“In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we are adjusting our event calendar and strategy,” a Microsoft spokesperson told multiple outlets.

“For the remainder of 2020, we are embracing the opportunity to experiment with new platforms to provide our partners, customers and developers the highest quality, digital-first experiences.”

As with the wider events industry, the video game industry has been significantly impacted by the international spread of COVID-19, with other major events like the Game Developers Conference (GDC) pushed back or cancelled.

Microsoft’s major announcement means that none of its events over the rest of the year will be in-person, which could extend through to 2021.

As it stands, a scarce number of major events are still planning to go ahead with their 2020 plans, including Gamescom (25 to 29 August), which last year attracted a whopping 373,000 people.

It is unclear whether Microsoft will still attend the major video game event, or if its presence will be strictly digital.

However, according to an email sent to members of Microsoft’s MVP program, partially shared on Twitter, the transition to digital would apply to all events both inside and outside the company until June or July 2021.

Based on confirmed dates for next year’s iteration of E3, this could also affect Microsoft’s attendance at the major video game tradeshow.

According to Eurogamer, this would rule out a large-scale physical launch for the upcoming Xbox Series X, plus the return of the company’s traditional fan event, last year named X019, in its usual format.

The Nibbler has contacted Microsoft for comment.

Featured image: Xbox One controller (iStock.com/Chris Cook)

Latest News

  • Aviation
  • News

Profile: Delta CEO Ed Bastian

Bastian says the airline business isn't for the faint hearted. We're sure Alan Joyce would agree!