**Been a gamer since Dec. 25th 1988.**

• 1Jun 13

  The Big 3's Keys to Success at E3 2013

  

  The wonder that is the Electronic Entertainment Expo, aka E3, kicks into high gear next week.  Since this is a trade show event and not open to the public I'll be watching from my cozy computer chair and tuning into Gamespot for the live coverage.  I've been watching E3 on Gamespot since 2008 and E3 is the pinnacle of gaming news for me every year.  This year is particularly special in that I plan on purchasing one of the next generation consoles this holiday season so I'll be glued to this E3 to help make my purchase.  Because of this, I thought that I would go through and hash out my key expectations for a successful E3 2013 for each of the Big 3 console makers.

  

  Sony really impressed me with their Playstation 4 press release back in February.  The focus on developing high end, innovating games and making it easy for developers to do so has put Sony's PS4 at rank #1 on my list.  Not to mention that Sony has secured plenty of exclusives which makes them focused on what a gaming console should do, play games!  With this in mind here are my key expectations for Sony to succeed at E3 2013:

  1. Keeping the Console Price Reasonable - Sony will no doubt release pricing information at E3 and in order for them to not shoot themselves in the foot is to apply the lessons learned from the outrageous PS3 starting price.  Since Sony has already talked about the sensitive pricing issue with the last generation, I fully expect Sony to not make this same mistake again.  I'm predicting that this console will run around $400 (USD).
  2. Show us the Console - Sony's conference showed us the power of the PS4 but never showed the physical hardware. This was a great move on Sony's part because now they can reveal the actual hardware and generate an overwhelming buzz at E3.  I think it's pretty safe to say that the console will probably be black in color and similar to the PS3.
  3. Stay on the Offensive - Sony gobbled up many exclusives for the PS4 launch and had a stellar press conference.  This put them in high standing with many gamers (including me) and so far has dominated as the fan favorite.  But the fight is far from over and Sony shouldn't sit back on their lead.  They need to continue what they are doing and keeping the gamers wanting more and I fully expect Sony to do just that.

  PS4 Games I'll be looking forward to seeing at E3:

  • Final Fantasy XV
  • Killzone: Shadow Fall
  • inFamous: Second Son

  

  Microsoft unveiled their next generation console, the Xbox One, just a month ago.  Showing off the hardware was nice but the lack of games made many gamers feel like Microsoft lost their focus.  As an Xbox 360 and Kinect owner, the lack of game announcements and heavy focus on TV manipulation was really concerning, which is why Xbox One is currently ranked #2 on my list.  With this in mind here are my key expectations for Microsoft to succeed at E3 2013:

  1. Talk about Games - This is probably pretty obvious for most people.  Microsoft needs to come out swinging at their press conference and show that they too can lock up exclusives.  Not only that, they need to ensure that their "gaming console" is focused on the number one audience for their product, gamers.  With such a backlash from the gaming community I fully expect Microsoft to go games crazy at E3.
  2. Don't force the Kinect 2.0 - Microsoft needs to offer a console this holiday season that doesn't force gamers to buy the Kinect.  Making core gamers pay for this piece of equipment when they don't want it will surely turn loyal fans over to Sony or Nintendo.  Microsoft could really do something special and offer a Kinect-less console at a cheaper price and it could be a possible game changer.  Unfortunately, I don't expect Microsoft to offer an option like this at E3.
  3. Being friends with benefits with EA - Microsoft has partnered with EA on the Xbox One but there wasn't much talk during the Microsoft press conference.  EA, whether you like them or not, is a huge software powerhouse for the industry.  If Microsoft can secure some big name EA exclusives this could really make the Xbox One a fierce competitor.  Having the possibility of having all EA sports games as exclusives or something to that extent could be huge.  I fully expect Microsoft to announce the benefits it will get from EA but I don't think EA will fully commit to Microsoft just yet.

  Xbox One Games I'll be looking forward to seeing at E3:

  • Quantum Break
  • Ryse
  • Forza Motorsport 5

  

  Lastly, we have Nintendo and their Wii U.  Abysmal hardware sales have turned many gamers and developers away from this console.  I've had a chance to play my friend's Wii U and it was fun but the lack of sales is the reason I haven't bought the console myself and this is why the Wii U is ranked #3 on my list.  With this in mind here are my key expectations for Nintendo to succeed at E3 2013:

  1. First party big hitters - In order for outside developers and gamers alike to fully commit to the console there needs to be a reason why.  The current list of games for the Wii U, at the moment, is quite lackluster.  Nintendo needs Mario and Link to save the day, literally.  Getting gamers excited about their favorites is a great first step for Nintendo.  I fully expect Nintendo to show off (and some of these games are already confirmed to be at E3) the next Super Smash, 3D Mario, Mario Kart, and Zelda.
  2. Continue to be different - Nintendo opting out of having a press conference was a good move on Nintendo's part.  The press conference buzz is all going to be about Sony and Microsoft and their next generation consoles so why waste the money?  By opting to do a smaller show this year at E3, at the very least, has people talking about it and that's what they need.  I fully expect Nintendo to not only continue to be different but generate a lot of buzz with their move at E3 2013.  Let's just hope Nintendo can bring it.
  3. Survive - The gaming console industry needs Nintendo.  Having 3 big console makers means that there is more competition and this is ultimately good for the gaming industry.  More competition means that console makers and developers need to continue to produce high quality and innovative products.  I fully expect Nintendo to pull out all the stops at this E3 and continue to show why Nintendo is here to stay.

  Wii U Games I'll be looking forward to seeing at E3:

  • Super Smash Bros. Wii U
  • Super Mario Wii U
  • Mario Kart Wii U

  ********************************************

  E3 2013 is going to be another outstanding event and I'm really looking forward to seeing where the gaming industry is headed.  I shared my keys to success for the Big 3 at E3 2013 but I would like to hear what you guys think on the subject in the comments below.

  • Posted Jun 1, 2013 4:21 pm GMT
  • Category: Editorial
  • Tag
  • Print
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Digg
• 19May 13

  My Bioshock Infinite Review

  

  For those that are interested, click here.

  • Posted May 19, 2013 6:04 pm GMT
  • Category: Games
  • Tag
  • Print
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Digg
• 21Apr 13

  My LEGO The Lord of the Rings Review

  

  For those that are interested, click here.

  • Posted Apr 21, 2013 8:18 pm GMT
  • Category: Games
  • Tag
  • Print
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Digg

See Previous Blog Posts »