The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has unveiled an all-virtual E3 2021. This brings arguably gaming's highest-profile event to a never-before-seen format.

So, how do you access E3 2021? Who's attending? How much does it cost? Let's find out.

E3 2021: What We Know

People at a conference like E3.

The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) saw cancellation last year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This raised questions and speculation whether E3 was going to go ahead this year, and how it would work.

Well, there's some splendid news: E3 is going ahead this year! Here's what we know so far:

In a recent press release, the ESA announced E3 will take place virtually between June 12th-15th, with developers "showcasing their latest news and games directly to fans around the world".

There was speculation about what it would cost to attend this upcoming E3, as well as any hidden paywalls. Thankfully, the ESA has cleared that up, saying that "E3 will be completely free for all attendees and there will not be a paywall", although there may be age restrictions on certain pieces of content.

The four-day event will stream via the "new E3 exclusive online portal and supporting mobile app, as well as other major video platforms" and you even have the option to apply to co-stream E3 2021.

With its all-new streaming format, organizers have delivered nothing quite like this in terms of how accessible its content is to the gaming community.

If you've always wanted to be a part of E3, but the cost, timing, or location has been a problem, this is an incredible opportunity to get the newest, most exciting updates in the gaming industry from the comfort of your home.

Who's Confirmed at E3?

An Xbox Series X controller in blue.

So far, we've got confirmed appearances from Nintendo, Xbox, Capcom, Konami, Ubisoft, Take-Two Interactive, Warner Bros. Games, and Koch Media.

This is not the complete list, though one would've expected big players like Sony and EA to be confirmed partners in the first round of announcements. Maybe E3 will announce these later, but it is conceivable that certain companies are taking a step back from E3 to focus on other projects.

Sony, for example, has been engaging with their community through their Play At Home initiative and likely has their hands full with PS5 production issues, upcoming exclusives, and talks of certain remakes.

This is, however, not a bad first announcement at all, and there'll be plenty to look forward to—there's a good chance we could get a more in-depth look at Nintendo's upgraded Switch coming later this year, as well as new reveals of cross-gen games and Xbox exclusives.

As we get closer to E3, expect more confirmed appearances, and don't let it surprise you if there's a wild card or two that's announced on the day.

E3 2021: What We Don't Know

The subscription form for E3 2021

Besides not knowing the complete list of developers showcasing their work at E3, we still don't know the specific schedule of the four-day event.

Although we can look at the running order of past E3s, we don't know for certain whether Microsoft's conference will be first or last, how long each conference will be, and if there will be any repeats to account for different time zones.

Also, you can't sign up to access E3 2021 just yet. The website currently says that "registration opens spring 2021", recommending that you subscribe to the latest news using the E3Expo.com form you can see pictured above.

With the announcement of E3 just days ago, it's understandable that organizers haven't released all the information immediately, and it's likely that a lot of behind-the-scenes work is happening.

A Memorable E3 2021?

For better or worse, this is going to be a memorable E3.

With an inclusive approach to this year's event, designed for you to stream it free of charge from the comfort of your home, this is the most accessible an E3 event has ever been—we should commend the ESA and its partners for that.

Even though a virtual event comes with its own potential shortfalls and isn't a match for the atmosphere of a live event, there can be no denying that E3 2021 is going to be an event to remember.