Before E3 2019, EA Play Returns--But Without A Press Conference

It can be easy to assume the Electronic Entertainment Expo is becoming irrelevant, as some developers and publishers have opted to skip the trade show altogether. Even Sony has decided to dodge the event, stating that it's looking for "inventive opportunities to engage the community." Electronic Arts will once again hold a pre-E3 event, EA Play, once again, but without the accompanying press conference.

According to a post by EA, the company is "skipping the press conference this year." EA Play, the company's pre-E3 showcase, returns to Los Angeles this year, kicking off just before the big show begins on Tuesday, June 11.

EA Play starts on Friday, June 7, with what the company describes as "an all-new EA Play kickoff event." While the post doesn't detail specific plans for the day, it does claim there will be "multiple live streams" to replace a more standard press conference. Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9, are "where players will get hands-on with our games." Similarly, EA doesn't specify what games will be playable during the weekend before the trade show, but the company assures players can check out some of their "biggest games."

In addition to live streams and hands-on experiences with some of the company's games, EA states they'll have streamers beaming gameplay to EA's official website from their Creator's Cave located in the Hollywood Palladium. There will be exclusive gameplay reveals, developer talks, breaking news, and more unveiled during EA Play this year, the company says.

During last year's EA Play, the company showed off more gameplay of Anthem, BioWare's ambitious if troubled looter-shooter. EA also detailed its plans for Battlefield V, revealing that the World War I shooter will feature a 64-player battle royale mode. Additionally, the company unveiled the new EA Originals title Sea of Solitude, a post-apocalyptic exploration game. EA only showed off 10 games during last year's EA Play, but the announcements made quite a few headlines regardless.

Tickets to EA Play's three-day event--June 7-9--will be available next month. The list of games, ticket availability, program schedule, and more will also become available in the coming weeks and months.