Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Says E3 Just Isn't the Same Without Sony

Xbox boss Phil Spencer might be missing the friendly rivalry that defines E3 after saying the show just isn't the same without Sony and Activision. Spencer hopes the two company returns for E3 because having the spotlight to yourself just isn't as fun.

During a Giant Bomb E3 livestream, Spencer said that E3's status was diminished without Sony and Activision. "I wish Sony was here. E3 is not as good when they're not here," Spencer said regarding the absence of Sony and Activision.

Sony announced last year that it was skipping E3 2019. Instead it took a Nintendo-like approach and began making company specific announcements via direct PlayStation livestreams. It was where Sony announced the release date for Death Stranding and premiered a new trailer for Final Fantasy 7 Remake ahead of this year's show.

Sony's decision to skip the show led to a wave of similar announcements from other companies. Activision also announced it was skipping this year's show, and EA said it would not hold a press conference at its EA Play event.

It's not just E3 either. Sony announced that it would not hold a PlayStation Experience event in 2018 either. Some have suggested that Sony's decision to skip major events was because of its limited slate of games, but Sony has also taken the opportunity to reveal new info on its next-gen console in unconventional ways. Like in an exclusive reveal in Wired magazine.

Hopefully Sony and Activision will return to showcase at major gaming events. As noted on social media, attendance at this year's E3 felt particularly low. Especially in the later days of the conference.

Check out our E3 2019 guide for more news and announcements from this week's show.