E3 2021 marks the return of the annual video game trade show, with Ubisoft joining the lineup of featured publishers and hosting its virtual event this June. In light of current world events, the company looks to continue its series of Ubisoft Forward online conferences, scheduled to deliver some of its biggest announcements of the year. While details remain under wraps, we're already expecting news on many upcoming games.
This June's Ubisoft Forward marks our first formal conference from the publisher since September 2020, which delivered more upcoming games, new reveals, and updates to existing titles. The next show presents a tease of what's ahead for 2021, likely providing updates on previously announced projects, with surprises par for the course.
Ubisoft has teased some big inclusions with Ubisoft Forward, and we've got the date in the calendar, kicking off on June 12. We're expecting anticipated titles like Far Cry 6, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Quarantine, and Riders Republic to feature, with more in the schedule for a packed virtual show. Here's what you need to know about Ubisoft Forward at E3 2021, plus what we expect to see announced.
Ubisoft Forward at E3 2021: Date and start time
Ubisoft has announced its Ubisoft Forward live stream commences on Saturday, June 12, at 12 p.m. PDT/3 p.m. EDT/8 p.m. BST/9 p.m. CEST. The conference is among the first confirmed for the season and viewable live through official Ubisoft or E3 2021 channels. While past Ubisoft Forward events featured pre-show and post-show programming, the publisher is yet to confirm similar plans for its June 12 showing.
How to watch Ubisoft Forward live stream
Ubisoft joins a lineup of partnered E3 2021 exhibitors, set to broadcast its announcements on the show's first day. We're expecting the official Ubisoft Forward website, YouTube, and Twitch channels to all host the event as it happens.
Ubisoft is expected to detail more on how to watch Ubisoft Forward closer to the event.
Ubisoft Forward announcements: What to expect
With Ubisoft Forward fast approaching, the company has teased what to expect. We expect the conference to retain the same focus on Ubisoft's upcoming games catalog, including titles headed to store shelves later this year and projects at earlier stages in development.
Ubisoft's near-future lineup includes some heavyweight franchises, with Ubisoft Forward shining the spotlight on these projects. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Quarantine, an upcoming spin-off for the hit tactical shooter, is set to make its appearance at E3 2021, under the new name Rainbow Six Extraction. Set in a world ravished by a deadly parasite, the cooperative title has understandably laid low amid the global pandemic. The title has resurfaced with branding better-suited to the current climate but retaining the same player-versus-zombie action promised by its reveal trailer two years prior.
Far Cry 6 could see a significant appearance at E3 2021 as the latest entry in the long-running shooter series, spanning consoles and PC. The sixth installment heads to the fictional paradise of Yara, now-turned dystopia under the rule of Antón Castillo, played by Giancarlo Esposito. With the title delayed beyond its initial February launch target, we expect more details on gameplay, likely coupled with a new trailer ahead of its October 7, 2021 release date.
It could be a big year for Ubisoft sports games, too, with Riders Republic and Roller Champions likely gunning for 2021 release dates. The former, unveiled as last year's Ubisoft Forward, brings massively multiplayer gameplay to extreme outdoor sports. The mash-up was recently delayed until later this year, signaling an E3 appearance. Roller Champions, Ubisoft's free-to-play competitive sports game set to take on Rocket League, has also seen closed alpha and beta tests. With development far along, we're expecting a 2021 release or even a surprise drop tied to Ubisoft Forward.
That's far from everything Ubisoft has in the pipeline, with other titles in development but yet to receive firm dates. The publisher has already set expectations for some projects, with Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake and Tom Clancy's The Division: Heartland not set to feature at its June Forward showcase.
We're not expecting an appearance from Skull & Bones, recently delayed (again) firmly into 2022, following various reports of rocky development. Tom Clancy's The Division caretaker, Massive Entertainment, also has untitled Avatar and Star Wars titles in the works, although still early in production, with no indication of plans for E3 2021. We've been hearing the Avatar project is steadily progressing, but the upcoming Star Wars experience remains some time out.
The company may touch on its two big virtual reality projects set in the Assassin's Creed and Splinter Cell franchises or provide an update on Beyond Good and Evil 2.
Ubisoft is expected to bring several anticipated titles to its E3 2021 presence, laying the foundations for its end-of-year release calendar. It's just one of several top publishers expected to host dedicated press conferences this summer, with Microsoft, Sony, Electronic Arts, and more reportedly preparing digital events. It's also the first year on the market for Microsoft's best Xbox console, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5, which is likely to shift the focus to next-generation experiences. Let us know what you hope to see from Ubisoft, and other publishers at E3 2021, in the comments.
