14 DAY TRIAL // E3 2013, the biggest video game related trade show in the world, takes place next week in Los Angeles and the stars of the show will undoubtedly be the next-gen consoles from Microsoft and Sony, the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4.
Both devices had reveal events that hinted at major changes and interesting video games projects, but both failed to convince core gamers so far, with longtime fans a little concerned by all the talk about entertainment, television watching and NFL deals.
E3 is the perfect place to dispel all these fears because this is a place infused with gaming, an avenue that allows companies to talk directly to their most avid fans and show them visions of the future that will impress them.
I expect Microsoft to once and for all clarify its stance about used games for the Xbox One and take a well-argued stand for its position.
I want Sony to show more interesting games for the PlayStation 4 and talk about how they will evolve familiar genres like shooters, action titles and racing (still hoping for a next-gen Gran Turismo reveal).
The Xbox One also needs more information about actual games and maybe a short trailer for the new Halo live action series from Steven Spielberg, which is the biggest announcement for the platform so far.
I also want both companies to make it clear that what they will be selling before the end of the year are gaming consoles rather than entertainment hubs or devices designed to be the center piece of the living room.
I understand the need to broaden the audience for the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4, and I genuinely like many of the ideas that Sony and Microsoft have.
But the two entities need to make sure that, in searching for a bigger audience, they don’t leave their core constituencies behind.