The E3 Expo isn’t about home improvement — it’s all about in-home entertainment. With the show happening here in Los Angeles, I had to see it for myself. For three days the Los Angeles Convention Center transforms into the epicenter of gaming, as developers, publishers, and fans converge for an intense celebration of games and technology.
While CES is a broad technology showcase that often highlights gaming, E3 is focused squarely on games. If you’re a developer or a platform holder looking to make a statement, E3 is the place to be. Last year’s Halo 4 announcement was a major draw, and the franchise remained a huge attraction this year. Long lines formed for demos, and the Halo presence felt like a centerpiece of Microsoft’s efforts — not surprising given its status as a flagship franchise.
Sony PlayStation and Nintendo took a different approach. Because both platforms host many beloved titles with passionate fanbases, they set up numerous individual demo stations so attendees could try multiple games. Nintendo’s Wii Fit continues to expand its offerings; some of the new activities, like a bobsled-themed game that required awkward balancing, came off as a bit silly, but overall Nintendo’s presentation was impressive and family-friendly.
The PlayStation Move ecosystem has also continued to grow, and Sony’s booth strongly catered to serious gamers who want a focused, intense play experience. On Microsoft’s side, Kinect didn’t dominate the floor as visibly as other platforms, but it was certainly present throughout the show.