Almost like a consistent broken record, 2020 proves to be one of the strangest console release years in video game history. E3 as fans have known it has been fragmented and extended far beyond what used to be the norm. In many ways, this is both a positive and negative result of this year: On one hand, many publishers are able to develop digital showcases independently, but there’s no cohesive schedule or exposition to consolidate the dates of each presentation. EvenNintendohasn’t adhered to its usual plan of preparing a Direct for E3/summer.
Typically, a Direct showcase is prepared for E3, but since this year’s exposition has been cancelled, there’s been no word on when to expect the next presentation. Due to the global pandemic and social distancing guidelines, much of the team atNintendohas been working from home under Japan’s state of emergency, and as a result, there’s only been rumors of when and if Nintendo will prepare a Direct for this summer.
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Direct Allegedly Postponed to July
In that vein, the biggest rumor gaining traction is the fact that a Nintendo Direct is being planned for this month. No official date has been provided by leaker KeliosFR, but on Twitter the userstated that the Nintendo Direct was coming at some point this July. This leaker had previously leaked other Nintendo Directs accurately in the past, but it does directly conflict with what Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa stated during a shareholder meeting just a few days ago. While it would still make sense for a Nintendo Direct to join the reveals from PlayStation and Xbox this summer, allegedly Nintendo had something else in mind.
Apparently Nintendo, who according to rumors had a big Direct presentation planned for June like every year, haddelayed the Direct presentation indefinitelyas a result of working from home. Just a few days ago, Furukawa also stated that there were no directs scheduled in the near future. This could be a result of how well-received Nintendo’s more focused and in-depth Direct presentations have been, akin to those forSuper Smash Bros.or more recently withAnimal Crossing: New Horizons. If true, this would be a reflection of a new desire for Nintendo to branch off into a different kind of PR plan for new titles on the console. But considering this latest rumor, Nintendo still believes in the effectiveness and success of Direct-style formats and won’t be eliminating them entirely.
No Direct This Year
Also mentioned during that same shareholder meeting, Nintendo is experimenting with different formats for unveiling future games as well. From what was reported, even though Nintendo Directs will likely be a mainstay in its big ticket marketing strategies, the company is also experimenting with standalone game reveals. Eschewing Nintendo Direct presentations entirely, some high profile releases may get individual trailers instead. Nintendo seemingly is already experimenting with this, as evident bythe surprise trailer drop forPaper Mario: The Origami King.
Even though releasing individual trailers for high profile releases gives these games their own limelight, it doesn’t come without risks. Nintendo is likely heavily weighing which games would receive that treatment based on pedigree. ThePaper Marioseries is a solid sweet spot in brand recognition, but wouldn’t suffer greatly from a shadow-dropped trailer. This trailer approach probably wouldn’t be ideal forlesser-known franchises likeEarthbound. It’s an unlikely scenario, but there is the possibility that Nintendo could consider individual trailers for big releases, and potentially set up another Mini-Direct for indie games again later this year.
When To Expect A Potential Direct
Assuming a Nintendo Direct is to come in July, there’s a few likely dates where the presentation would take place. The tail end of July has quite a few high profile gaming events happening, specifically Summer Game Fest on July 20 and Xbox’s first party games showcase on July 23. There’s also a few heavy hitters early next week,with Ubisoft Forward on July 12and the next Stadia Connect presentation on July 14. That leaves a few gaps in the remainder of the month, as well as an open week this week as well. Practically every Nintendo Direct in history has either come out on a Tuesday or Thursday, obviously with a few exceptions in between.
Assuming Nintendo’s feeling ambitious, July 9 would probably be the earliest possible date for a Nintendo Direct. But considering it’s already early in the week, that’s highly doubtful. The more likely choice for a Direct date in July would be Thursday, July 16. It’s a prime opening during a very announcement/showcase-heavy month, which would be perfect. Assuming Nintendo’s big E3 showcase is still on track for this summer, that would be the most likely date. But again that’s still a rumor, Nintendo would likely stay radio silent if there was no planned Direct happening this summer anyway.
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