The Boring E3

So, in less than a week, the video game world will be a-flutter with news about the latest installments for game franchises, and updates to remakes of classics, as well as surprise announcements of games we've yet to hear about. This is a gamer's second most favorite time of the year: This is when you should get your "must buy" list established for the upcoming flood of new releases in time for the Holidays.

As I look at the list of games to be displayed at E3, and speculate on the secret reveals and huge announcements, I find myself unimpressed. Microsoft and Sony have gone on record and stated that there will not be any console reveals this E3 (although there are some who feel there may be a console reveal, still), and there are mixed sentiments from several well-known developers about the abilities of the Wii-U (whose specs we should find out about at E3). A lot of the games I see that are getting the most buzz are from titles that are sequels to games that are beginning to show their age. Aside from third or fourth iterations of a game, developers are also re-releasing titles that were made a couple of console generations ago with improved graphics and gameplay. Though some of these I am looking forward to (SimCity!), none of it is original or unique.

I guess I'm finding this E3, and maybe even the gaming world as whole, a little more lackluster than it had been in the past. With the growth of huge publishers buying up great game developers to churn out sequels to huge money-making titles annually, or bi-annually, there is little room for development of new content, and different types of games. Publishers are not going to put time and money into a game that hasn't proven itself in the past because of the possibility that it may not turn a large profit. One can take a look at Hollywood and see the regular releases of sequels to blockbuster movies as a very similar tactic. Most of the titles being produced are good titles, they're fun to play, and online multiplayer helps reconcile gamers paying so much for what can usually amount to a very glorified 6-8hr single player tutorial.

I know there are still developers out there who create their own content on their terms and release the titles on their own, but they cannot compare to the sheer power that larger publishers have to overshadow these small and unique games. I still find these games from time-to-time, and I enjoy them a lot. They are fun, different and well worth the money I pay for them. These small developers dare to go against what large publishers will tell you is the trend of gaming and create something that goes against everything and still sell the game, earning millions of dollars in the process.

I guess what my underlying point is throughout this very long tirade is that I miss the days when all developers had a level playing field, and there wasn't a few large companies blocking out small and new games from the majority's view with rehashes of the same game. If you take the time and look you will find these games, which are very different from your run-of-the-mill million dollar hits. You will find these games are made with passion and can have more replayability and enjoyment and cost far less. E3 is a great time for a lot of people in the video game industry: it helps create buzz for content that may have been previously overlooked, and it also helps amplify what is already a huge amount of anticipation for the larger titles. This year, I think I will try to find the smaller games being talked about at E3 and find something new to be excited about.

I'm....in total agreement.

I don't really look into games that much but I know exactly what you mean. I guess nowadays people are afraid to try something new, consumers and gamers such as ourselves usually would be hesitant to try a new title since it does not have the well-known franchise to back it up. It is probably because of this that most would only look forward to sequels of games that already exist. Look at what we've been excited for so far: Skyrim (TES:V) Diablo 3. Both are sequels, they have the legacy to back them up.

I'm not saying that both of these are bad (because they are probably the best games of both these years) but when a game such as Call of Duty has found a certain formula that will keep people coming back, I'm guessing they will be hesitant to stray away from the norm. They are businesses, and they want to take the least amounts of risks possible. What is somewhat disappointing to me is that people really are willing to buy the same product with a different name over and over again every year.

Look at Minecraft, some people must have decided to try it out and see that it was good, back in it's Dev days... What it has now become is proof that (forgive me for being corny) everything is possible. A man had an idea to remake a game to focus more on the building aspect, and that is practically how a lot of people (such as myself) have found this community. Through the server.

I guess I too will try the random new and small games from lesser known devs. I remember first playing Minecraft on October 2010 (Alpha, Halloween Update) and it has not disappointed me.

Valve's already gone on record saying No HL3 this E3... I'm hoping Gabe's just fucking with us...

As to the rest of your post: I think we should create our own gaming convention. And basically make the rules as such that it attracts indie developers, or at least limits the major developers to the same amount of space every one else can afford. When I went to pax, there were a few indie developers, but many of them got lost in the sea of loud noise and "High Octane" booths.

@Crane: I can see what you mean about PAX being overwhelmed by large name publishers/devs, however I did see a fair number of smaller developers there showcasing their games. I was more pumped about some of those games than I was about the big-name titles that were there.


@katphish: Something your post reminds me of is name recognition. IF more gamers were aware of who is behind the development of games, then publishers may be more willing to take risks on new IPs since that person's name would have the recognition, rather than the game itself.

This generation has existed for to long.

As someone who has attended and E3...I must say, I am unimpressed. PAX East was WAY more fun to attend. As to the news side of it, I only barely pay attention, until a week or so after the event is over. Then I fill up my amazon wish list.

I wouldn't get to judging too quickly. E3 is almost always filled with surprises, and hopefully this one will be no different. On top of that, even though this E3 may not be the one with the most original content, we will still be able to see what our favorite developers have been up to since their last major release.

I'm not saying I'm positive that the event will be a glorious one, but I feel people are jumping to conclusions a little too early. (If we're halfway through the event and nothing has been a major eye-opener, then we'll come to the conclusion that this event was lame. But as of now, we have not seen anything.)

@Xraptor: My point wasn't that I wasn't excited about upcoming reveals or anything, my point was that it all seems to be much of the same, again. Publishers don't seem to want to risk the chance of a failed new game when they know they'll make serious cash off an iteration of last year's major success. Look at the CoD series as the most blatant of the culprit. It would be nice if some new, original content were being developed by some of the big name publishers, and we didn't have to rely on up-start developers with no serious financial backing to create something never-before-seen.

waiting for episode 3 waiting for episode 3 waiting for episode 3 *shakes nervously*

Masterchief was awesome in CoD : Revelations. I think Blizzard really outdid themselves with that one.

Here's what I know:
1. EA are probably going for a NFS:Most Wanted 2/Remake (See random video of the moment - sums this up)
2. Valve are not announcing anything new. They will be expanding on CS:GO and DOTA2. HL3 might be at the VGA's though, so stay alert. Also, they haven't said anything about an ARG, but there could be one (But VERY unlikely)

Nice report there Doggy, cheers.

@moondoggy23 Black Ops II is surprisingly original. Sure, there have always been futuristic shooter games, but the fact that Treyarch moved away from the modern warfare crap makes me very happy.

@xraptor, you are absolutely right, making a game that is a perfect combination of previous call of duty titles, halo, and metal gear solid makes for a completely original game.

@moon, I am right with you as well, I am excited to see what comes out of E3 but I am far more excited to see what the smaller independent developers will come out with. I am looking forward to more info on Halo 4 but again, that is just another sequel to a very good game that came out a long long time ago.