E3 is returning this year after the 2020 event got canceled due to the ongoing pandemic. For 2021, E3 will be a free all-digital event that will take place from June 12-15. Several of the biggest video game developers are confirmed to be in the event, so gamers should expect a jam-packed showcase this year.
As expected, the days leading up to E3 2021 have been full of rumors on which games could be showcased at the event. Although the companies present at E3 2021 are already known, there is still much information on what will actually be shown at the event that is still being kept under wraps. Now, here is a breakdown of some of the biggest game reveals and announcements that could be showcased at E3 2021.
Guardians of the Galaxy
It is no secret that Square Enix's Marvel's Avengers did not garner the critical acclaim that the studio was expecting, given that the game received mixed reviews upon its release last year. However, there are rumors now that Marvel is entrusting yet another major game to Square Enix, which is claimed to be Guardians of the Galaxy. While details about this rumor are pretty thin right now, leakers claim that Guardians of the Galaxy will be one of Square Enix's main highlights at E3 2021.
Marvel XCOM
Several days ago, a leak revealed that 2K is currently working with Marvel and Firaxis on a new turn-based strategy game that will feature several iconic characters from Marvel's comic books. The leak revealed that the game is listed as Codename CODA and is also described as "XCOM meets Marvel's heroes."Â However, Marvel fans shouldn't get their hopes too high on E3 reveal, as it was indicated that, while real, it's unsure if it'll be at E3.
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands
Another possible 2K game that could be revealed at E3 2021 is Wonderlands, which is said to be a spin-off to Borderlands. Unfortunately, very little information was shared on the leak, but it seems obvious that Wonderlands will feature Tiny Tina as a main character. This is exciting for fans of Borderlands 3, given that the character only had a small role in the game. Although 2K is yet to confirm the existence of Wonderlands, a tweet from the official Summer Game Fest account revealed that Gearbox and 2K are set to announce a new game at its E3 presentation on June 10, and many believe that it will be Wonderlands.
The Outer Worlds 2
Less than a year ago, a rumor surfaced online regarding The Outer Worlds 2. Although nothing was confirmed months after the rumor first came to light, Microsoft and Obsidian Entertainment may have been saving the game's announcement for E3 2021. Given that The Outer Worlds 2 received strong reviews at its release, it wouldn't be surprising if Obsidian is already hard at work in developing its sequel. There is a possibility that the studio will announce The Outer Worlds 2 at Microsoft's E3 showcase on June 13.
NBA 2K22
NBA 2K22 is yet another game from 2K Games that is rumored to be showcased at E3 2021. Given that much is still unknown about NBA 2K22 given the unusual circumstances the games industry has found itself in the last few years, no one really knows what's next for the 2K franchise. Regardless, the hype and anticipation for NBA 2K22 continue to soar, especially now that the NBA season approaches its conclusion.
New Final Fantasy PS5 Exclusive
Just last month, Square Enix confirmed that it would be in attendance at E3 2021, though just like most developers, the studio didn't divulge what it will showcase at the event. However, there are rumors that Square Enix is currently developing another major Final Fantasy game, which is claimed to be a PS5 exclusive, and that the studio is preparing to announce it at E3 2021.
Of course, assuming that the rumors are true, announcing a new Final Fantasy game would be one of the biggest surprises at E3 2021. However, fans shouldn't set their hopes too high given that Square Enix already has a lot on its plate with Final Fantasy 16, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, and the PS5 port of Final Fantasy 14, as well as other IP more likely to be there.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Another major studio that is confirmed to be present at E3 2021 is Capcom, leading many to speculate whether the studio will announce something from the Resident Evil franchise. Resident Evil 4 is rumored to be Capcom's next remake after the company has released the successful remakes of both Resident Evil 2 and 3 in the last two years. Unfortunately, the highly anticipated remake remains unconfirmed, though Capcom announced months ago that Resident Evil 4 would receive a VR version. Nonetheless, given that 2021 is also Resident Evil's 25th anniversary, it wouldn't be all that surprising for Capcom to finally put the rumors to rest by announcing Resident Evil 4 Remake at E3 2021.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
It has been two years since Nintendo wowed E3 2019's audience with the reveal of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2. Unfortunately, very little information was released about the game since then, leaving fans wondering about the sequel's status. Given that The Legend of Zelda is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, it wouldn't be surprising if Nintendo plans to reveal more of Breath of the Wild 2 at E3 2021. As for when players can expect the game, rumors claim that the release date has been pushed back to 2022, though this is yet to be confirmed by Nintendo.
Metroid Prime 4
Another massive game from Nintendo that is rumored to appear at E3 2021 is Metroid Prime 4. Although Nintendo did release a teaser as early as E3 2017, the game underwent a troubled development process that eventually led to it restarting production. However, given the persistent rumors that a pro version of the Nintendo Switch is just around the corner, it wouldn't be unlikely if Metroid Prime 4 would take advantage of the many features of the rumored console. Although it is yet to be seen whether Metroid Prime 4 would indeed be showcased at E3 2021, it would undoubtedly make headlines should Nintendo decide to update players on its development.
Elden Ring
Bandai Namco is scheduled to take on E3 2021's virtual stage on Tuesday, June 15th, 2021. While there are many games that Bandai Namco could showcase at the event, many hope that it will be Elden Ring. After a brief announcement trailer at E3 2019, Bandai Namco and developer FromSoftware has been mostly silent on the development of Elden Ring. Given the massive hype for the game, thanks in part to the involvement of George R.R. Martin, a detailed showcase of Elden Ring at E3 2021 would undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the upcoming event.