The week before E3 is like the calm before the storm. As we prepare for our very own video game super bowl, we’re here with a handy guide of just what to expect from this year’s Electronics Entertainment Expo.
To kick things off, here’s your conference schedule.
Note, EA is going their own route with the “EA Play” briefing, and Nintendo is again sticking to their online Nintendo Direct format.
- EA - Sunday, June 12, 1PM PST
- Bethesda - Sunday, June 12, 7PM PST
- Microsoft - Monday, June 13, 9:30AM PST
- PC Gaming Show - Tuesday, June 13, 11:30AM PST
- Ubisoft - Monday, June 13, 1PM PST
- Sony - Monday, June 13, 6PM PST
- Nintendo - Tuesday, June 14, 9AM PST
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With that out of the way, here’s what you should expect:
EA
For the RPG and MMO fan, the EA show is likely to only have one heavy hitter: Mass Effect: Andromeda. We’ve known for a while that Bioware plans to give us a new look at the game, and with a 2017 release date, this is likely to be our first detailed look at gameplay. Other than that, it’s the usual roster sports updates and giant shooters, including Battlefield 1 and Titanfall 2.
Bethesda
Even with Fallout 4 out the door and Elder Scrolls VI still a long way out, it looks like Bethesda’s presser is the place for RPG fans to be. Rumors are swirling that Skyrim may be coming to consoles, complete with all DLC and mod support similar to what Fallout just received. We’re also likely to get a look at what the second half of Fallout 4’s DLC roster looks like. Other rumored games are Dishonored 2, Prey 2, and The Evil Within 2. Music will be provided by U2. Not really!
Microsoft
I would keep a close eye on Microsoft this year. The Xbox One is lagging behind Sony’s PlayStation 4, and Microsoft should have something to prove. You can expect hardware announcements too, as rumor has it that Microsoft is working on an XB1 Slim and a more powerful next iteration to compete with Sony’s rumored PS4 Neo. More importantly, this is an important event to see if the big MS will push the Xbox brand further onto PCs to more consolidate the Windows and Xbox experiences.
On the RPG front, you can expect third parties to come in (CD Projekt Red, maybe?) and highlight known and announced-at-the-show titles, as well as the like of Scalebound, Platinum Games’ upcoming action RPG.
PC Gaming Show
The PC Gaming Show is the new kid on the block and lacks a bit of the unity seen from corporate based briefings. As such, it’s a little bit like the wild west. PC Gamer has confirmed that some major players will be taking the stage, including Studio Wildcard with ARK: Survival Evolved, Cloud Imperium with Star Citizen. Most exciting is Torn Banner Studios, who is best known for their excellent medieval brawler, Chivalry: Medieval Warfare, who will be showing their new spell slinger: Mirage: Arcane Warfare.
Ubisoft
There is no new Assassin’s Creed this year, so we’re expecting the hybrid action-RPG Watch Dogs 2 will step in to replace it at the show. We’ve known it’s coming for some time and this is the perfect time for the Ubisoft’s hack-centric open worlder to make a debut. We’ll hear something about Assassin’s Creed though, and more than likely hints or even a trailer at the next Far Cry.
Sony
Sony is also poised to have a big show. The biggest reveal is rumored to be the more powerful PlayStation 4.5, known internally as Neo. We’re also looking forward to new glimpses at Final Fantasy VII Remake and The Last Guardian, as well as the upcoming Rise of Iron expansion for Destiny. Also on the docket is PlayStation VR, which is set to launch in October, and is prime for a big final trade show push. Like Microsoft, we’re sure to see new, unannounced games revealed as well. Other possibilities include an update Hideo Kojima’s new game, and God of War. And because, hey, why not: No Man’s Sky.
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Nintendo
Nintendo is poised to be the dead fish this year, already confirming that we won’t be getting any new information on their upcoming NX console, and that Legend of Zelda for Wii U will be the only playable game. They will have livestreams dedicated to Pokemon, Monster Hunter, and Dragon Quest, however, so there may still be some excitement left if you’re a fan of those RPG franchises.
CD Projekt Red
Everyone wants to see Cyberpunk 2077, but it sounds like that won’t be the case. The studio does have something planned to show, however. Describing it as “a new type of video game format previously unexplored by the studio,” the easy guess is some form of Gwent game. Still, we can hope for something more, right?
Square Enix
Square jumped the gun and already had their show, but it’s a safe bet that we’ll see more from them, at least with playable titles on the show floor. Reveals include: Deus Ex: Go, a new breach mode for Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, which can also be played through VR, and Final Fantasy XII Remaster. It’s a safe bet we’ll find out more about Final Fantasy XV and the Nier sequel too.
Other Notables
That’s not all! Signs keep pointing to a reveal of Rockstar’s much anticipated sequel to Red Dead Redemption. We’re also hoping that Warner Bros. finally unveils the sequel to the wonderful Shadows of Mordor that was first hinted at on a resume back in March. Even if that actor has since chalked it up to a “database error,” it’s easy to guess that Shadows of Mordor 2 is on the way. Devolver Digital is bring the Norse inspired action-RPG Eitr. Other titles include: Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Obsidian’s much anticipated CRPG, Tyranny, The Dwarves, Warhammer 40: Inquisitor, Gyre: Maelstom, BattleChasers, Elex, Technomancer, and Shiness
Like every E3, this is only a taste of what may be in store. We could also be totally wrong since many of these companies has stopped short of confirming the most juicy rumors. Stay tuned next week as we break down just what the show had in store for us!
