X The E3 video game convention next week is expected to be more of a showcase for games coming out this fall rather than a launchpad for future titles, Credit Suisse analyst Stephen Ju said in a report Friday.
"As online/digital (delivery) continues to account for a progressively greater part of the revenue mix for all publishers and, further, as product release slates are for the most part well known, the likelihood for a surprise to emerge out of E3 over the years has diminished." Ju said.
He views the event as more of an opportunity for the game press and analysts to get their hands on soon-to-be-released games, so they can set proper expectations. The three-day E3 show officially opens on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
As important as the initial game sale is, publishers also are putting a greater emphasis on selling digital add-ons and online services for those titles, Ju said.
Activision Blizzard (ATVI) is expected to use E3 to tout "Destiny 2," due out Sept. 8, and "Call of Duty: WWII," due out Nov. 3.
IBD'S TAKE: For the latest news on the E3 conference, check out IBD's E3 news page.
Electronic Arts (EA) will heavily promote "Star Wars Battlefront 2" and its major sports franchises like "Madden NFL" at a preshow event that starts Saturday, as well as through console makers Microsoft (MSFT) and Sony (SNE) at the show.
"Star Wars Battlefront 2" is scheduled for release on Nov. 17.
Take-Two Interactive Software (TTWO) is expected to highlight its sports games "NBA 2K18" and "WWE 2K18" at E3.
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