Gaming fans always anticipate the Oculus Rift every year during E3. Oculus, the parent company developing the VR headset has always been present since 2014. However, a recent communication from the company has confirmed that they won't attend the 2017 E3 game show. Reports have noted that they did not offer an explanation as to why they will skip this year's event.
Another big name gaming company is dropping out of this year's E3 event as well. EA has also expressed their intent to opt out of E3 2017 and has not issued an official reason for their withdrawal this year. Sources suspect that Oculus does not have any new hardware or accessories to show off this year, reports Game Rant. However, other developers and booths that rely on the Oculus Rift for VR experiences will more than likely proceed with their presentations. It appears that the Rift will still have a presence during the game show.
On the other hand, several analysts have suggested that Oculus might have dropped out of the game show due to its current financial problems. The company has already offered the Oculus Rift and its Touch controllers for a discounted price. Other news has claimed that the lack of interest on the Rift has even prompted Best Buy to remove its demo stations.
The company was recently figured in a lawsuit from Zenimax Media, which filed for a sales injunction on the Oculus Rift VR headset, reports Gamenguide. The company wanted around $6 billion in damages and wanted to halt all sales of the VR product. Its absence from E3 2017 could mean that the company is dedicating focus on the lawsuit or possibly preparing something new for its customers.
The non-attendance of EA and Oculus has possibly caused a stir among the gaming industry. Their absence from E3 2017 has probably made the Entertainment Software association a little uneasy. Even if the event is one of the biggest showcases for video games, it has reportedly seen fewer companies attending each year. Speculations note that the Oculus Rift's dwindling sales and the pending lawsuit might also determine their capacity to return next year.