Michael Pachter: Sony Skipping E3 is a Huge Strategic Error, Microsoft and Nintendo Big E3 Winners - News
by William D'Angelo , posted on 03 September 2021 / 2,783 Views
Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter in the latest Pachter Factor Q&A discussed the winners and losers from E3 2021. He said that "Microsoft and Nintendo kicked butt" and Sony skipping E3 2021 altogether was a strategic error.
"Biggest winners, my view is Microsoft, because they announced a lot of stuff we didn't actually know was coming," said Pachter.
"A lot of people don't like what they heard from Nintendo, because they didn't hear there is a new Zelda game, although they teased it," Pachter continued. "But they didn't hear the name of the game or when it is coming. I think the content from Nintendo is pretty impressive.
"I know a lot of people aren't big fans of Metroid, but I think that's a pretty interesting franchise. I think it's pretty bold of them to go in the 2D direction and I frankly think that's going to be a big, big game."
Pachter went on to discuss Sony and how they are the one of the biggest losers of E3 2021 as they skipped the show for another year. He hopes they return to E3 in 2022.
"I think Sony is taking the wrong direction," he added. "I think they are making a huge strategic error abandoning E3. I think that is just the wrong thing to do and I am hopeful that they figure it out and they come back next year.
"Somebody convinced them that you know they'll save $20 million by skipping E3 and in this year's maybe that was a prudent decision. But they skipped the one prior as well and I think it's just a bad move. Really dumb strategy, because you can't buy that much press for $20 million.
"You know having an event and getting all your fans to focus on that single event is really, really powerful and that whoever's advising their management that skipping E3 is a cost conscious move and it's smart is just wrong. They're just dumb.
"So my bias is Sony is and will continue to be the biggest loser at E3 by skipping the show. And I think the really should wake up and recognize it is an opportunity for them to showcase their games and they're very good, and their hardware, which is very good, to the world. You know when the world is paying attention. I hope they're back in 2022."
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.
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I need a chrome extension that inverts every statement in a Michael Pachter article.
Why this website keep giving clout to this man? Just stop sharing his stupid takes
he keeps me entertained, need him
because the website relies on news and traffic and here we have nearly 2 ,500 views and that's above the average so I don't begrudge the fact that he's quoted , the otherside of the coin is there is lots of other news so why engage with this.
It was a month ago.....seriously is he paid to offer advice or his perceptive a month after the event?
To funny!
E3 brings in people from all video game fandoms allowing for some cross-exposure. Sony's events are going to bring in mostly PS fans so I think there will be less exposure to outsiders.
E3 is the reason why I'm more hyped to get an XBox Series than a PS5. There's still no big State of Play which would be equal to an digital E3 show.
No games but u r hyped o.O
It was such a big mistake and they are still sold out everywhere and the fastest selling console. Maybe it was a mistake but a huge strategic error? Based on what? All Sony needs to focus on doing is producing top quality AAA games nothing else will matter.
Biggest loser in e3 is pachter himself haha!
Sony not attending and having their own press conference is way better,
They don't need e3 anymore coz they on a league of their own now!
Yeah they might get big headed but they pulling it off hahaha!
Its a massive marketing event. The question is why doesnt Sony show up? Is it because they want full control on the event or they make more money? E3 is a great group event and marketing tool.
the reason is it's outdated and doesn't fulfill its original purpose .
Thanks Michael, this certainly made Sony decision the wisest possible and pose to MS as doing biggest blunder.
IMHO it wasn't an error to not show up at E3. They had nothing to show, so it was a good decision to avoid E3 to not put a spotlight on that lack. Next year the situation will probably be different.
i agree with other things he said, but he is delusional now.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually agree with Pachter. There is not a better way for Sony's marketing department to spend that kind of money. However, when you read the details, he still bashes Nintendo, in spite of almost everyone else praising Nintendo. This guy just really hates Nintendo.
Why was this downvoted to oblilvion?
I know it's a meme here to say the opposite as Pachter or flat out deny it but yeah... Kinda right this one time.
the exception to the rule it seems.
The reasons Sony decided to skip E3 go beyond the usual gamer related interest that it generates and goes to the heart of its origins as a trade show to display and sell your your product to retailers and Sony's decision was the way the modern gaming industry retail supply chain works the xmas/ holiday game season orders need to be locked away by the first quarter of the year, so with earlier Sony retailer only events, meaning around 90% of orders are completed during Jan/ Feb, E3 June is too late, and that just left the media side of E3 and they felt that the 20 million or so spent at E3 could be used better throughout the year , also the time Sony took the decision E3 was struggling and Nintendo was focusing on Directs .while events like MS and zenimax along with a dearth of other events have helped this year's E3 only the longer term will tell us if it was the right move,'
We may see Sony return earlier if E3 adapts the way it presents its retail and public side,by having an earlier retail focused event or dropping that side altogether in favor of the public media side.
