E3 2013 will kick off on the 11th June all the way through to the 13th and as with all E3 events we will get the opportunity to see upcoming gaming titles and game console along with a variety of other services, hardware and possibly software to feed your digital lifestyle. Last years E3 conference lacked any huge game titles and no memorable title releases. However, at this years conference this is all about to change with the juggernauts of gaming, Microsoft and Sony, coming head to head for the consumers choice of console. Within this article are a selection of likely reveals for this years E3 conference.
Xbox One
The next-generation Xbox has already been revealed by Microsoft with a mixture of responses, them who love home entertainment loved it; while the gamers were not so pleased. At this years conference, just weeks after the Xbox One officially showed its face, we are likely to receive further details on the One’s re-used games policy and confirm if re-used games will require always-on DRM. Microsoft may also announce a price cut on its current generation Xbox, the Xbox 360, from its own online store. We will also likely be presented with further hardware specifications for the new console and multiple game titles will be revealed for the new console.
PlayStation 4
The PlayStation 4 has been officially revealed by Sony, although, no hardware was revealed. At E3 we will likely gain a peek at the new hardware as Sony recently teased on its YouTube channel. We will likely also be introduced to new features on the console and gain further hardware details. A small number of game titles dedicated to the PlayStation 4 may also show their faces at E3 and Sony may have partnered up with some form of content provider. While the price is unlikely to be revealed yet, the hardware and features may give an idea of the price range when revealed at the conference.
Watch Dogs
Watch Dogs has been the topic of conversation for a long time now and first showed its face at last years E3 conference, it then appeared again at the PS4 reveal earlier this year. The game very likely to show its face at E3 possibly with more hands on game play. The game is based around a city which is essentially run by computers under the operation of the central operating system. These systems control every activity which goes on such as traffic lights, mobile phone networks and much more; in such a digital city you become a hacker, you can see where it is going. The game certainly looks awesome and the kind of game any geek would enjoy. Some game play has been released by press who got hands-on and a trailer has also be revealed by Ubisoft themselves.
Halo
As you may be aware a new Halo live-action series is coming to the Xbox One, but what about a game? As some have noted a spin-off game may be revealed but not necessarily a game which is part of the primary Halo franchise. However, some believe that Halo 5 may shows its face and get the hardcore gamers back on the side of Microsoft at E3.
The Last Guardian
The Last Guardian is likely to be a “killer PlayStation 4 title” and it has been in development for a long time. The adventure game has revealed little about itself in my opinion but is almost certain to take to stage at E3; it did appear on the E3 listings website.
Wii U
The Wii U has seen limited success around the world and at E3 it is likely to be talked about by Nintendo considerably and a price cut may even take place. I believe that both the 8GB basic model and the 32GB deluxe model will receive price drops; at least I hope. Some have also rumoured that a new controller will be unveiled for the Wii U, but I would not put money on that, I would personally expect all the Wii U announcements to be about new game titles and further support of its console which is much needed. Nintendo are not holding a large conference like usual but a small and private conference for press to reveal new software etc.
Mad Catz Project M.O.J.O
Mad Catz made their name in the gaming industry as a accessory maker; however, as announced on June 7th they are going to be revealing a new console based up the Android OS currently named Project M.O.J.O. Little more is known about this console, it is likely to have a flashy design and be fairly sleek. All we do know is it is running on the Android OS like many other new yet small consoles.
PS Vita
The PS Vita entered a hard market, the premium portable gaming device saw little interest after a few months with many being happy to play games on their smartphones. The hardware is great and the software is also fairly impressive, but the support from developers has lacked. Sony did take the price of the Vita down in Japan but are unlikely to do this in the U.S simply because they don’t want too. The PS Vita is likely to become an accessory to the PS4, how? I’m not entirely sure but I’m almost certain it will.
Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag
Assassins Creed IV is likely to be demonstrated in some way on the next-generation consoles. We already know a lot about Black Flag’s characters and overall story with a trailer already being released, but E3 will likely show us a more “hands-on” game play experience.
Super Smash Bros.
Some are calling it Super Smash Bros. and some are not. But Nintendo have confirmed that its Brawler character will make an appearance in some way at E3, a new retro game title could be what the Wii U needs to attract its classic gamers and bring a new audience to its console.
These are a selection of likely reveals at this years E3 conference. A variety of other new hardware and software is said to take to the stage such as Unreal Engine 4 and Battlefield 4. However, its the PS4 and Xbox One which will be the highlight of the show. I’m most excited about the Watch Dogs reveal for PS4, what about you? Leave your comments in the section provided below and don’t forget to come back for coverage during E3 2013.
Image’s Courtesy of Sony & Microsoft.