Tuesday, June 02, 2009
E3: VIDEO GAME CONVENTION RETURNS TO FORMER GLORY
on Salt Lake Tribune
Submitted: June 2, 2009
The world’s biggest and loudest video game convention is back.
Tens of thousands of gamers, retailers, journalists and gaming developers are converging on the Los Angeles Convention Center beginning today to attend the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), a three-day affair that is now going back to the glitzy and noise-filled circus atmosphere of years past.
For the last two years, after bigger game publishers like Nintendo and Sony complained of the cost of setting up huge booths, the E3 convention was whittled down to a quieter, more exclusive affair.
While gaming journalists got more work done, the last two years were considered a bust because the convention lacked attention from more mainstream media.
Now, the E3 will attempt to bring back the glamor of the video-gaming business, along with expected announcements that will lure gamers back to stores.
Here are some long-awaited games likely to debut on the show floor.
“Modern Warfare 2” » The sequel to the best-selling military shooter “Call of Duty 4,” already has made waves with some early teasers showing off the new first-person game.
“Heavy Rain” » This mystery thriller exclusively for the PlayStation 3 has amazing lifelike graphics and characters.
“Bioshock 2” » One of the most talked about first-person shooters from last year, a game that takes place in an underwater city, continues with this highly-anticipated sequel.
“Split Second” » Disney Interactive has been working on what some believe might be the next great racing game.
“Rock Band: Beatles” » Like the other “Rock Band” titles, players pick up the guitar, microphone or drums, only this time to the tune of hits like “Penny Lane” and “Sgt. Pepper’s.”
DJ turntable controllers » Not one but two games, “Scratch: The Ultimate DJ” and “DJ Hero,” will introduce turntable controllers for new music games.
“God of War III” » The latest iteration of the popular hack-and-slash series finally comes to the PlayStation 3.
