Microsoft, Nintendo ready game announcements for subdued, virtual E3

Gaming conference E3 is back, though this year's will be an entirely online affair, something that analyst predict may kill the typical buzz involved. — AFP

For gamers, the annual E3 video game showcase in Los Angeles is usually like Christmas in summertime. While this year's digital-only festivities will be far more muted, the industry is readying a raft of new releases aimed at building on a pandemic-fueled boom.

Ubisoft Entertainment SA plans to showcase a new Far Cry game and reveal future content for the recent blockbuster Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Microsoft Corp. will lay out what’s next in store for the Xbox console, including updates on Halo Infinite, and Nintendo Co. will reveal titles coming to its Switch portable gaming device this year.