It’s the gaming event that the majority of gamers have in their smartphone calendar. Excitement, disappointments and shocks are three ingredients that help to define the event. Rumours can turn into reality and shocks can deliver an electrifying release of joy. But what should we be expecting from this year’s E3 event? Let’s take a look.
This year’s E3 event is expected to be more competitive than ever, this is because the three juggernaut console manufactures are all out to impress like never before. Microsoft needs to make some drastic changes in order to accelerate sales and consumer confidence, Sony has PlayStation VR to focus on, and Nintendo are expected to give us some juicy details about their upcoming console release. Yes, gamers are in for a treat.
XBOX One
Microsoft are finally expected to provide some changes to the aesthetics of the XBOX One. It’s one of the largest consoles in size to have ever released by any manufacture and it makes total sense that the console will see a slim edition. However, Microsoft will need to do far more than this to attract a new audience. With Sony seemingly working on an updated version of the PS4, you can only expect Microsoft to follow suit. Again, performance enhancements could be something included, however, 4K capabilities are expected to be a feature arriving next year. Virtual reality is another area that is sure to be featured.
Here are just a few games that could make an appearance:
- Crackdown 3
- Elite Dangerous: Horizons
- Forza 7
- Gears of War 4
- Gigantic
- Halo Wars 2
- Planet Coaster
- ReCore
- Scalebound
- Sea of Thieves
- Titanfall 2
- Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands
- Tomb Raider
PS4
Sony have seen plenty of success to date from the PlayStation 4 and this trend is expected to accelerate if Sony keep heading in the right direction. PlayStation VR, which launches in October, will certainly be a highlight at this year’s E3 event. If rumours are to be believed, then an upgraded PS4 should be announced. This has been greeted with a strong divide, this is because current owners of the console don’t want to feel as though they’ve already got something that is out-of-date. Yet, all of this speculation could be taken out of context, Sony are probably going to take a far more subtle approach – at least that’s what makes sense.
Alienation is a great game, but it’s not a word that Sony would like to apply to their fan base. After all, alienating fans is not a smart approach, neither is creating a divide.
Here are just a few games that could make an appearance:
- Nier 2
- Gravity Rush 2
- Yakuza 0
- Resident Evil 7
- Horizon Zero Dawn
- GT Sport
- The Last of Us
- Titanfall 2
- God of War 4
- Crash Bandicoot
- Jak and Daxter Reboot
- Dreams
- The Last Guardian
Nintendo
Even fans of the two above consoles are probably a little curious to learn about Nintendo’s new console. Of course, they probably won’t admit it, but Nintendo is a fantastic brand and it could easily have an amazing future depending on what they actually decide to release. Generally speaking, Nintendo have recently produced under powered consoles when compared to the competition. This could all be about to change, and Nintendo might actually enter the console market this time around with something more powerful.
It sounds plausible that cartridges could make a return, this could probably be received as a positive move, and something many gamers would love to see. Also, if this did happen, it would question the idea that digital media will become the only option – something I don’t believe will actually happen anytime soon.
If the console does get announced, then here are a few titles that could also get a mention, at least we’d like to imagine so:
- The Legend of Zelda: Remastered
- Mario 64: Remastered
- Mario Kart 9
- Mario VR
- Super Mario Galaxy 3
- Mario Party 11
- Sonic VR
What we learn at this year’s E3 could prove to be a pivotal moment for all three companies. Held in the beautiful Southern Californian city of Los Angeles, the event begins on the 14th of June and ends two days later on the 16th. Whichever console camp you’re from, exhilarant times are just around the corner. Are you excited? Leave your dream announcements in the comment box below.
