Due to coronavirus concerns, Microsoft has decided to switch to all-digital events through July 2021.
This comes from an e-mail that was sent out to Microsoft MVPs (via Twitter), stating:
It's official: All Microsoft conferences will be digital-only through July 2021. pic.twitter.com/wTBb7Z6pQB
— Ginny Caughey (@gcaughey) April 6, 2020
Such Microsoft events include Microsoft Ignite and, most likely, XO20. It also seems that Microsoft has already decided to skip a public E3 conference for 2021. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) recently revealed that a “reimagined” E3 would take place from June 15th-17th in 2021.
In place of an E3 conference this year, Microsoft plans to hold an all-digital conference similar to the renowned Nintendo Direct conferences. We’re still waiting on the details for that, but it’s safe to say that Microsoft will hold another digital conference around the same time in 2021.
What’s Up With The Xbox Series X?
In other Xbox news, Phil Spencer recently spoke with IGN and said that the Xbox Series X wouldn’t be delayed for any individual game that suffers setbacks:
“I do think that if everything was there, for the software, the services, and the hardware, I don’t think I would hold it for any individual game. Obviously the one you think about is Halo, it’s iconic with the launch. [343 Industries studio head Bonnie Ross] and the team are doing a really good job on Halo: Infinite right now. They’re learning on the job just like we all are. I think we’ll go in eyes wide open on what we’re trying to get done, but I don’t think we would hold the launch of the overall platform on any individual game. I think we just have to be very transparent with people on where we are and how we’re trending.”
What are your thoughts on Microsoft holding digital conferences through July 2021? Do you think the Xbox Series X will release on time? Let us know in the comments below!
