The Post Conference Wrap Up

Earlier this week Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony held media press conferences in preparation for E3. During these press conferences the “Big Three” usually announce new games, features, accessories, and other information regarding their consoles. This year was also particularly important since Nintendo and Sony were directly presenting their answers to the Xbox 360, with their own next-generation consoles. In this article, I take a look at the new information revealed by Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo and what it all really comes down to.

Microsoft

There were only a handful of things Microsoft needed to show us at this year’s E3. One of those things is obviously games; MS rolled out brand new trailers for upcoming titles that will be hitting the Xbox 360 this year. Peter Moore (Corporate VP of Interactive Entertainment Business, Entertainment and Devices Division for MS) broke the big news of a Grand Theft Auto IV release that will be due in mid-October next year. This will be a simultaneous release for all platforms, and is a very important point considering the strong advantage Sony had with the GTA games in the last generation. As you have probably already heard, Halo 3 was announced and makers Bungie teased us with a short, but powerful trailer. They are back with a powerful graphical engine and what seems to be the last of the Halo trilogy, story wise. Peter Moore went on to add that by this holiday over 180 titles will be available to play on the Xbox 360. It’s safe to say Microsoft delivered in the game field.

In response to Sony, MS has also announced the Xbox Player, a HD-DVD player that will be out this holiday season for a suspected US$199. Moore also announced a couple more accessories, including a wireless headset and a wireless steering wheel – to go along with Forza 2 (along it will work with other driving titles). Microsoft also made other announcements including the Games for Windows cross-platform capabilities with the Xbox 360. Through Live Anywhere, you will be able to use Live on your cell-phone, PC, and Xbox 360. Cross-Platform gaming has been tried before and we’ll see if Microsoft can pull it off.

So, was this enough? I was quite pleased indeed with Microsoft’s press briefing. New game titles were announced, new accessories, and new features for cross-platform gaming. I would have liked to see some updates for the Xbox Live service, or a new dashboard to have been announced. But, maybe it is still a little early and it’s a safe bet that there will be updates down the road. Simply put, Microsoft did their best to try and convince those people who are still on the fence about buying an Xbox 360; to buy one. With the Grand Theft Auto announcement, it’s evident they are trying to sway people from waiting for a PS3, and instead getting an Xbox 360 now.

Overall Rating (based on expectations): 80 / 100