Microsoft announced that it will not have any kind of presence at the next two major gaming conferences, Gamescom and the Tokyo Game Show. Xbox director of programming Larry Hryb (a.k.a. Major Nelson) said that Microsoft plans to change their marketing strategy, opting instead to focus on "smaller, more localized promotions and experiences" to get the word out about their products.
Microsoft announced a new Xbox service at E3, SmartGlass, which adds wireless connectivity between the Xbox 360 and tablets/smartphones. It will likely be Microsoft's last major Xbox-related announcement until the unveiling of the next Xbox, Durango, which many hope to see sometime around next year's E3.
E3, Gamescom and Tokyo Game Show are the three biggest gaming events of the year, and all three take place within the span of four months. Without any other major announcement, attending all three shows does seem a little... superfluous.
Gamescom 2012 will be held in Cologne, Germany on August 15th-19th. Tokyo Game Show lasts from September 20th through the 23rd.
[Via Major Nelson]
