Every year, the game industry gathers together (and desperately tries to keep out the general public…failing at that last one) and display their wares, making announcements about games and hardware over the next year. This show is called the Electronic Entertainment Expo – or E3, hosted by the Entertainment Software Association. ESA is – for the sake of transparency – one of the interested parties in the Supreme Court cased Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association (ESA handled the 9th Circuit level).
As stated earlier, E3 is a trade show. It’s a four-day event starting with major press conferences, followed with displays on the exhibition floor.
What should we expect?
Nintendo: The big N is likely to announce a new console system to be released in late 2012. I would be surprised if they didn’t. “Project Cafe,” as it is presently called will be a high-definition system. I heard a rumor saying that the new system will be using blu-ray.
Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword should get a release date. It was announced last year, and I am among many who are disappointed that it isn’t out yet.
Some justification for the presently lackluster 3DS. I suspect it had not-so-great launch games, and this summer, fall and winter, there will be some (hopefully) good releases. I’m looking forward to Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, and Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater just to name two off the top of my head.
Microsoft:
Making Kinect games that appeal to hardcore users (which is Microsoft’s base).
I would not expect an XBOX 360 successor announced until at least next year, and no release until 2013/2014. 360 will be Microsoft’s workhorse for a couple more years, and it’s still a safe buy if you don’t have one yet.
Expect more LIVE features. No, I cannot go into more detail at this time.
A sequel to Alan Wake, the survival (horror?) game from last year.
Sony
Any Sony announcement that doesn’t address security of the PlayStation Network would be a terrible mistake (not that Sony doesn’t know how to look like idiots at E3)
Any Sony press conference that heavily relies on Kaz Hirai (who is the source of much mockery because of his public bonehead decisions), would be equally disastrous.
I would not be surprised if Sony unveils a ‘preview’ of the PlayStation 4, but nothing too serious or concrete – if they unveil it at all.
Sony will likely show their new portable system. I’m looking forward to what they say. The PSP had some mistakes – the need for a non-standard memory stick AND the UMD were bold choices. It’s my observation that Sony tried (tries?) to control the user experience – not unlike Apple – but that Sony finds a way to inspire ire among gamers. There’s a famous example back in 2005 when Sony announced at their press conference that “The next generation doesn’t start until we say it does.” Similar Sony superiority has a habit of making gamers angry.
How will TRR cover E3?
TRR will look at the major press conferences and digest them for you. If I discover something good, I’ll announce it.
If there are reader questions, I’ll do my best to get them answered.
Monday of E3 has a bulk of the press conferences, with Nintendo’s being tomorrow. There will be an update later today.
Geoffrey Beebe reporting
