Even as in-person gaming events return, digital showcases are here to stay. Summer Game Fest was (almost) all digital, replacing the hectic, in-person buzz of E3. A little bit of the drama was lost, and there was less opportunity for journalists to speak directly to creators or to experience the random indie titles, but it also meant it could be covered by a wider range of voices and all fans could experience the reveals – despite many of them feeling uninspired – together. While these in-person big ticket events will likely continue to emerge from hibernation (Gamescom is physical again after its digital-only 2021), Nintendo Directs and the like aren’t going anywhere. With Ubisoft though, I’m not sure I understand the strategy.
