Ready Trader One: Events, Stocks To Watch At E3

The 24th Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) kicks off June 11 in Los Angeles, but the news is already flowing this weekend, with many gaming companies showcasing their biggest announcements and presentations. Here’s a look at the events and stocks to watch.

The Big Three

Microsoft Corporation MSFT

The Xbox One maker is set to announce “Halo: Infinite,” the much-anticipated next installment in the darling Halo franchise. They have also teased “something new” at their press conference, scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday.

Nintendo Ltd NTDOY

While Nintendo already presented information on the latest “Pokemon: Sword” and “Pokemon: Shield” games, there are still plenty of Switch announcements to come, including “Luigi’s Mansion 3” and an update of “Zelda: Link’s Awakening.” Their Treehouse event airs at 12 p.m. on June 11.

Sony Corp SNE

In a surprise move last November, Sony announced it would not hold a press conference on PlayStation this year. It is the first time in the conference's 24-year history PlayStation will not present. Still, plenty of games will be coming to PS4 this year, and the company has teased possible PS5 details.

A New Competitor Approaches

Alphabet Inc GOOGL

Google surprised everyone in March with its announcement of Google Stadia, a video game streaming platform using the infrastructure of Google Search to bring games directly to people’s TVs. On June 6, Google presented the pricing and games structure of Stadia, and promises more announcements throughout the conference.

Netflix, Inc. NFLX

Streaming titan Netflix made a cryptic and surprise announcement that it would appear at E3 to unveil “news about its plan within the gaming space,” according to Geoff Keighley, head of E3.

Watch This List

Tencent TCEHY

“Fortnite” and “Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds” have dominated the multiplayer market for the last two years. Expect big announcements and e-sports events from these two brands.

Electronic Arts Inc. EA

“Apex: Legends,” the first contender threatening to dethrone “Fortnite” in the battle royale genre, will have its first big showing since launching in February. Expect something big.

Activision Blizzard, Inc. ATVI

Ever the steady publisher, Blizzard will likely show of the wild success of Overwatch League, the official “Overwatch” e-sports league, as well as announcements on “Warcraft 3: Reforged” and “Hearthstone.”

Square Enix SQNXF

Square Enix will likely show dozens of games, but really only one matters: “Final Fantasy: VII: Remake.” Likely the most anticipated game at all of E3, a release date is sure to be around the corner, since the first trailer for the 20-years-in-the-making remake dropped less than a month ago.