E3 2021 Predictions
E3 is just around the corner which is going to run from 12 to 15 June 2021. E3 2020 didn’t happen, and this year we’re doing a digital-only version, but I bet they are going to want to make a splash with their return to build up the hype. Today I am going to have a look at which games are likely to make headlines, plus have a go at predicting what else we’re going to see at the digital-only event coming only a few days away.
First of all let’s have a look at a few games that will likely hit the headlines during E3.
Starfield (Bethesda)
The cat is pretty much out of the bag on this one, and Starfield is going to be Bethesda’s big space opera. This one has been in development for some time and is likely to be exclusive to Xbox and PC via Xbox Game Pass. We’re likely to get more info, maybe a first look at gameplay and hopefully a release date too.
Halo Infinite (343 Studios)
Last year the Halo Infinite trailer didn’t really go down well with fans, leading to a huge delay for Halo Infinite to the latter half of 2021. We should see some improved gameplay and get some more details on multiplayer. I wouldn’t be surprised if we had an announcement of a multiplayer beta available soon, just to get the hype building for the big release in November.
Breath of the Wild 2 (Nintendo)
We’ve not heard much since the trailer at 2019’s E3, but it’s about time we saw some more from Link and Zelda to find out a little more about the sequel to 2017s Breath of the Wild, widely regarded as the best game of all time. Given its Zelda’s 35th Anniversary now seems like the perfect time to find out the next steps in the Legend of Zelda Saga.
Final Fantasy XVI (Square Enix)
Final Fantasy XVI is an upcoming action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix. It is the sixteenth game in the mainline Final Fantasy series and will be released for the PlayStation 5. It is being produced by Naoki Yoshida and directed by Hiroshi Takai. Final Fantasy XVI is set in the fictional land of Valisthea, a continent with six factions that is on the verge of conflict due to a spreading malady called the Blight.
Final Fantasy XVI is an action role-playing game set in the fantasy world of Valisthea, where the people live comfortably thanks to mountains of crystal called the Mothercrystals. The world is controlled by six factions: the Grand Duchy of Rosaria, the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, the Kingdom of Waloed, the Dhalmekian Republic, the Iron Kingdom, and the Crystalline Dominion. A central part of the plot is Eikons, summoned monsters controlled by or manifesting through humans called Dominants.
We’ve already seen a little more than we bargained for earlier this year, and hopefully we’ll see more at E3 2021.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is an upcoming action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game is a collaborative effort between game director Hidetaka Miyazaki and fantasy novelist George R. R. Martin and is scheduled for release on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
This is a meme at this point, but since 2019 we’ve had nothing, except leaked trailers. Hopefully, this E3 will be the time we get to see the full trailers the way we were meant to see them, rather than the grainy, mobile phone footage style that has been leaked.
Forspoken
Thrust into the dangerous land of Athia, the young hero must learn to harness magical abilities to survive. She’ll face many fearsome foes and overcome treacherous trials on a journey unlike any other. The game’s a narrative-driven adventure, and it’s developed by Luminous Productions. The studio’s philosophy is to create gameplay experiences that combine the latest technology with unbridled creativity – and that’s a pretty accurate way to describe their new game.
Forspoken has been designed specifically for the PlayStation 5, taking advantage of the new console’s power and features to create a game that feels like a true next-gen experience. In Forspoken, you’ll play the role of Frey, as she enters Athia for the first time. This new land is stunningly beautiful, but also cruel and deadly. Forspoken is set to release in 2022 for PS5 and PC.
Super Nintendo Switch / Switch Pro
Nintendo is expected to unveil their long-awaited upgrade to Nintendo Switch ahead of E3 2021, multiple outlets reported on Friday 28th May. This announcement will free up developers to announce their projects in development at E3 and fully start the hype train towards the Switch Pro, or Super Nintendo Switch. Nintendo themselves have a showcase planned for E3, which should show off both first party and third party games for the existing and new model of Nintendo Switch.
According to reports from Bloomberg and Eurogamer, the new model Nintendo Switch is set to be released in September or October, which will be sold alongside the existing Switch Lite meaning the current generation Nintendo Switch will be phased out over time. The Nintendo Switch Pro will be similar in size to the current Nintendo Switch, but it will have an OLED Screen and a 7 inch screen. The dock will be more sturdy and it’ll include ethernet integration, USB 3.0 ports and 4K output will be possible through the dock.
Nintendo Switch manufacturing has been difficult in 2020 and 2021, and demand has been strong with many outlets selling out of their Nintendo Switches on a regular basis. Nintendo have managed to avoid the chip shortage issues that the PlayStation 5 and XBox Series X suffer.
Nintendo have a track record for showing off new hardware at E3. Nintendo 3DS was shown before E3 2010 and the Wii was shown before E3 in 2006. Nintendo have also been very tight lipped about their slate for the 2nd half of 2021. We know the Pokemon remakes of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are set for November and then Pokemon Legends Acreus is due in January 2022. The one everyone wants to hear about is the follow up to 2017’s Breath of the Wild, and given it’s still Zelda’s 35th Anniversary then hopefully we’ll hear much more from Nintendo at E3 following their rather lacklustre Nintendo Direct in the early months of 2021.
That’s some of the rumours and games I think will hit the headlines for E3, ut we do also have a list of ‘virtual attendees’ and partners for the event.
Xbox (confirmed partner, showcase expected)
Nintendo (confirmed partner, showcase expected)
Future Games Show (showcase confirmed for June 13)
PC Gaming Show (showcase confirmed for June 13)
Square Enix (confirmed partner, showcase expected)
Ubisoft (showcase confirmed for June 12)
Warner Bros (confirmed partner, showcase expected)
Capcom (confirmed partner)
Activision (confirmed partner)
Bandai Namco (confirmed partner)
Sega (confirmed partner)
Gearbox (confirmed partner)
There’s a lot to look forward to coming soon, and I am super hyped for E3 this year. It’s going to be different, but we should have some big announcements for games to look forward to in the latter half of 2021 and beyond.