E3 2014 Overview: What Can We Expect From Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo?
The most important time of the year for gaming begins tomorrow when the Electronic Entertainment Expo, aka E3, kicks off in Los Angeles. The annual video game convention will feature, as always, presentations and previews from the biggest names and companies in the industry.
Last year, Sony and Microsoft wowed gamers with the showcasing of their next generation consoles, the Playstation 4 and Xbox One. This time around the focus will center on the games themselves.
So what can we expect from Sony and Microsoft during their press conferences tomorrow? And what about Nintendo, who is again forgoing a traditional presentation for a "Nintendo Digital Event" on Tuesday?
Microsoft will start the day off with it's showing at 9:30 a.m. Last year their press conference was somewhat overshadowed by Sony, who took full advantage of the Xbox One's high price tag, online requirements and restrictions on used games to subtly and not-so-subtly knock the new system. It was a folly that cost Microsoft since Sony sold over 4.2 million PS4 units in January compared to Microsoft's 3 million.
Microsoft is rearing to make a comeback now, offering Xbox One without the previous mandatory Kinect, and at $100 cheaper. They are also letting Xbox owners gain access to entertainment apps, like Hulu Plus and Netflix, without paying for the $60 Xbox Live Gold membership.
In terms of games, expect to see a preview of Halo 5, more of Sunset Overdrive, Forza Horizon 2, and hopefully, a new, unexpected title.
Sony will step to the plate at 6pm PT that evening. Sony, who had a great showing last year and is having great success with the PS4, is a remarkably good position. Their conference will likely focus on keeping its huge fanbase satisfied with some great new games. Uncharted 4 is already getting much buzz in the industry. Other titles that may show up are Rime and The Order: 1886.
Finally, Nintendo has possibly the most pressure out of all the major game companies. Sales for the Wii U have long been suffering. While the 3DS is doing well, the handheld won't be able to sustain Nintendo's dominance in the industry for long.
When their digital presentation is released on Tuesday morning, look to expect more about Smash Bros., and maybe a new Zelda title. However, Nintendo will need more than that if it's once to bounce back from the their recent losses. Hopefully, we will see something entirely new and innovative.
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