E3 2021 was a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it did not stop developers and publishers from announcing new games, hardware, and updates to existing titles. Microsoft’s Xbox and Bethesda showcase was highly anticipated and did not disappoint, with the reveal of the next entry in the “Halo” franchise, “Halo Infinite,” and the announcement of “Starfield,” a new sci-fi RPG from Bethesda Game Studios. Nintendo’s showcase revealed new game announcements, including “Breath of the Wild 2” and “Metroid Dread,” while Ubisoft unveiled “Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora” and “Rainbow Six Extraction.” Square Enix showcased new games such as “Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy” and updates to existing titles.
E3 2021: The Biggest Reveals and Surprises From the Annual Gaming Expo
Introduction
The annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) is the biggest event in the video game industry. E3 2021 was no exception, with developers and publishers announcing new games, hardware, and updates to existing titles. The event was held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but that didn’t stop the excitement and hype from building. In this article, we’ll take a look at the biggest reveals and surprises from E3 2021.
Xbox and Bethesda
Microsoft’s Xbox and Bethesda showcase was one of the most anticipated events of E3 2021. The companies didn’t disappoint, announcing several new titles and updates to existing franchises. The highlight of the showcase was the official reveal of the next entry in the popular “Halo” franchise, “Halo Infinite.” The game received a new trailer and a multiplayer gameplay demo, both of which were well-received by fans.
Other highlights from the Xbox and Bethesda showcase included the announcement of “Starfield,” a new sci-fi RPG from Bethesda Game Studios, and the reveal of “Forza Horizon 5,” the latest entry in the popular racing franchise. Microsoft also announced that several of its first-party titles, including “Halo Infinite” and “Forza Horizon 5,” would be available on Xbox Game Pass on launch day.
Nintendo
Nintendo’s E3 2021 showcase was filled with surprises and new game announcements. The company kicked off the presentation with the reveal of “Kazuya” as the latest DLC fighter for “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.” The character comes from the “Tekken” franchise and has a unique move set that should shake up the game’s competitive scene.
Nintendo also announced several new games, including “Metroid Dread,” the long-awaited sequel to the “Metroid” franchise, and “Breath of the Wild 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to the 2017 hit “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.” The company also revealed a new “Mario Party” game and updates to several existing titles, including “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” and “Splatoon 2.”
Ubisoft
Ubisoft’s E3 2021 showcase was filled with new game announcements and updates to existing franchises. The company unveiled “Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora,” an open-world game set in the world of James Cameron’s “Avatar” film franchise. The game is being developed by Massive Entertainment, the studio behind “Tom Clancy’s The Division.”
Ubisoft also announced “Rainbow Six Extraction,” a cooperative shooter that pits players against an alien threat, and “Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope,” a sequel to the popular “Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle” crossover game. The company also showcased updates to “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla” and “Far Cry 6.”
Square Enix
Square Enix’s E3 2021 showcase was filled with new game announcements and updates to existing titles. The company kicked off the presentation with a new trailer for “Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy,” a single-player action game based on the popular comic book franchise. The game is being developed by Eidos Montreal, the studio behind the “Deus Ex” series.
Square Enix also announced “Legend of Mana,” a remastered version of the classic RPG, and “Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster,” a collection of the first six “Final Fantasy” games. The company also showcased updates to “Final Fantasy XIV” and “Life is Strange: True Colors.”
Conclusion
E3 2021 may have been held virtually, but that didn’t stop the excitement and hype from building. Developers and publishers showcased new games, hardware, and updates to existing franchises that fans have been eagerly anticipating. The highlights from this year’s event included the official reveal of “Halo Infinite,” new game announcements from Nintendo, and surprises from Ubisoft and Square Enix. With the gaming industry on a constant rise, we can expect even more thrilling announcements and updates in the future.