E3 '12: Conference Recap

Electronic Entertainment Expo 2012

Conference Recap

What is E3?

For all intents and purposes, E3 isn't a show intended for us gamers. In the end, it's a means for these publishers and developers to come out in to the world and reel in potential investors. A big way to do that, is to lure in the press and get all of the news out there, see what's good and what's not.

The point is less to please us gamers, but to show that they have what it takes to continue to make money for their investors. That way, getting new investors on board to rake in dough as well. 

With that said, how did this year's E3 fare? 

The Overall Good

There was a whole lot announced this E3, from all sides. Not only that, but we've also gotten to see how certain new things actually work, or were shown gameplay of games we haven't seen a lot from yet.

Every conference at least had something to show us. Like Microsoft's and Sony's response to Nintendo's shiny, new Wii U gamepad. Or Ubisoft's "Watch Dogs" and EA's innovations in the Madden franchise. All are definite positive steps forward.
Also, no mention whatsoever of the next generation of consoles. Albeit surprising, giving Microsoft's legal issues with the 360. 

Lastly, Reggie's Body was ready! 

The Overall Bad

Basically, this year it was 2011 light. The conferences weren't as poignant as they were last year, and Ubisoft even managed to beat two of the big three. Nintendo's conference even felt like it was slapped together in the last moment, opting to showcase everything about the Wii U console AND the 3DS on other dates than their conference. 

And the overabundance of concerts and bad hosts was just mindboggling. Usher? Really? And who the hell is Flo Ridah? Or Aisha? Or ... that internet guy that nobody knows about and who is about as funny as Dane Cook. 

The Overal Rankings:

And now for a little disclaimer segment. 

Sony: As it did last year, it managed to deliver a professional yet entertaining show. Though, it did not feel as tight as it did last year. Some parts, like the Wonderbook, had interesting tech, but lacked the focus usually associated with Sony. Also, many, many, many announcements were made. 

Microsoft: The show itself was embarrassingly put together, almost like it was made by the class clown. However, what it did have to show showed a lot of promise. That, and a lot of hype. Most of the time. Also, a nice variety of announcements were made. 

Nintendo: The entire presentation was a disgrace. Save for Miyamoto's introduction, the rest was a sad excuse of a conference. The Wii U was barely discussed, focusing more on the games. Albeit that way being a good means to show off their device, it was done remarkably not well. They preferred to tell, not show. And, again, all third party fun was mostly limited to a quick video. Not mentioning the deplorable 3DS segment that was literally 5 minutes long, possibly only put in there because they realized they forgot to put it in. All in all, they had NOTHING new to show save for a few third party Wii U games and ... NintendoLand.

Ubisoft: Fuck the hosts, fuck the opening and FUCK Shootmania up the ass with a rusty spoon. With that said, Ubisoft managed to show off the most exiting stuff and it single handedly saved the Wii U's face this E3. 

EA: LolEA

And now for the actual rankings:

Number 5: Electronic Arts Conference

Number 4: Nintendo Conference

Number 3: Microsoft Conference

Number 2: Ubisoft Conference

Number 1: Sony Conference

The Conference Article Links:

Microsoft: http://greyarchentertainment.blogspot.com/2012/06/e3-12-microsoft-conference.html

EA: http://greyarchentertainment.blogspot.com/2012/06/e3-12-ea-conference.html

Ubisoft: http://greyarchentertainment.blogspot.com/2012/06/ubisoft-conference-for-e3-2012-with.html

Sony: http://greyarchentertainment.blogspot.com/2012/06/e3-12-sony-conference.html

Nintendo: http://greyarchentertainment.blogspot.com/2012/06/e3-12-nintendo-conference.html