E3 2010: Glitz, glamour and even some games
June 14, 2010 - By Justin E. Gehrke
The 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo officially kicks off this Tuesday, in Los Angeles. Geared toward the gaming community, as always, this year’s event also looks to attract mainstream hobbyists, who see gaming as a diversion, not necessarily an electronic religion.
This year’s event is expected to attract as many as 45,000 people, with displays and attractions from around 250 vendors. While the number of expected attendees is half that of the 2005 E3, it would still represent a nearly 10% increase over last year’s event.
What exactly is the purpose of the event? Well, gaming industry types use it as an opportunity to see what their peers are working on and, hopefully, get some insight into what the next big thing might be. Additionally, big name companies bring big name celebrities and host extravagant parties to cement their names in the mind of attendees.
Rachel Bilson, of O.C. fame, and Kenan Thompson, SNL cast member, are both scheduled to host sponsored parties. Additionally, Captain Sig Hansen, of Deadliest Catch, and Bear Grylls, of Man vs. Wild, are also slated to appear as part of Crave Games’ product showcase. What do any of these celebrities have to do with gaming? The answer may be “nothing,” but that won’t keep people from flocking to the respective sponsor’s events and booths.
Yes, gone are the days of an E3 dominated by pimple-faced, lily-white geeks. The event has definitely gone mainstream. This doesn’t mean that gaming won’t still be at the forefront though.
So what exciting things can consumer’s expect to see with regard to games? Microsoft and Sony are slated to showcase new games designed around camera-based systems Nintendo is expected to market its new, pulse-detecting Wii Vitality Sensor and new, 3-D hand-held device, the 3DS. Sony’s showcase of wonders will focus on the company’s new line of 3-D games, to include Gran Tourismo 5 and Killzone 3.
New game titles expected to debut include: DJ Hero II, Guitar Hero: Legends of Rock, Def Jam Rapstar, Rock Band 3, Gears of War III, Halo: Reach, Fable III, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Dead Space 2, Crysis 2, Dead Rising 2, GoldenEye 007 (Rumored sequel), Legend of Zelda (Rumored Wii version)
Of course, there will be some noteworthy debuts, impressive trailers, and a few surpises. For those who can’t attend but want to stay abreast of all the latest developments, E3 has set up a registration list on the event’s official website to provide email notifications of game debuts, game plays, and trailers.
The complete schedule of events, videos, and everything else E3 can be found on the Electronic Entertainment Expo’s official website.
