E3 Expo 2009 : June 2-4 - news, info, coverage, etc.

[devilshalo]

So it's back. E3. Finally, I can take time off of work again to go to a convention just to play video games, but will it be the spectacle it once was? Will there be a bevy of booth babes? Performances from known artists? Free schwag? That will remain to be seen.

Entertainment Software Association announces 2009 E3 Expo
Los Angeles to Host Video Game Industry Event in June

Washington, DC - October 22, 2008 - The 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) will take place from June 2-4, 2009, at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today. The expanded E3 will welcome all qualified computer and video game industry audiences, including international and U.S.-based media, analysts, retailers, developers and business partners to preview the latest in interactive entertainment and technology.

"Video games are the fastest growing and most compelling sector of the entertainment industry. And, this upgraded event will reflect the growth, innovation and excitement of our industry," said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, which represents US computer and video game publishers and organizes the annual event. "The breadth, scope and quality of the changes made to the show will make E3 the must-attend event of the year."

"The E3 Expo will be the pre-eminent North American gaming show next year. The new, larger event is better for industry leaders and for serious gamers," commented John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts.

After conducting both qualitative and quantitative research, ESA officials stated changes were necessary to better meet the needs of both exhibitors and attendees these changes include increased booth sizes, increased qualified audiences, and an intensified focus on reinforcing the high-octane growth, innovation, and captivating entertainment that are driving the computer and video game industry.

"The video game business will be twice as big in 2009 as it was in 2006 when we had the last real E3 Expo - so get ready for some fireworks!" said Laurent Detoc, president of Ubisoft North America. "The changes made will ensure that the 2009 E3 Expo conveys the best of what makes us proud as entertainment leaders."

ESA also said IDG World Expo, whose principals have operated E3 since its inception in 1995, will produce the event with the ESA.

The event will be open to ESA members and non-members alike. Organizers noted they are expanding the list of companies eligible to participate. Companies involved in console, PC, online, and mobile game publishing and developing, qualified business partners, as well as makers of video game hardware and peripherals can exhibit.

[msdmoney]

I wonder if companies are really going to invest that heavily in an old style E3 given the current economy and all the recent layoffs.

[discostu1337]

It's only cool if they let us gamestop managers go again. It actually makes sense, since we sell the damn games to people.

I remember seeing Saints Row at E3, then telling all our customers forever that it's awesome. We ended up with like 200 reserves for a great game. Same thing with Black on PS2.

[sauce07]

yay, it's time for the yearly visit from Reggie
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/2076/reggiess5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Krayzie]

It's only cool if they let us gamestop managers go again. It actually makes sense, since we sell the damn games to people.

I remember seeing Saints Row at E3, then telling all our customers forever that it's awesome. We ended up with like 200 reserves for a great game. Same thing with Black on PS2.

Did black end up being a good game? I thought I remember hearing a lot of complaints about it?

[discostu1337]

Many say it's the best shooter for the PS2, it is a bit short though. I personally thought it was about even with Killzone, but most hated Killzone and I think it got a lot of 6's and 7's for reviews, while black scored much higher.

[fumanstan]

I never liked how they let every Gamestop or EB Games employee go, since it just made the hall crowded as hell. Managers and stuff would make sense, although they have Gamestop Manager meetings for publishers to show off games, as I went to one in Dallas a couple years ago.

[devilshalo]

I better not see ANY kids there.. it has always been an 18+ event because it's for *industry professionals*, but the last 2 years before it changed format and venue, there were whole families. That's what lead to the 4 hour lines to see the Wii.

[clappj]

I better not see ANY kids there.. it has always been an 18+ event because it's for *industry professionals*, but the last 2 years before it changed format and venue, there were whole families. That's what lead to the 4 hour lines to see the Wii.

Yeah, gotta keep the under 18 crowd away from the Wiis.
It's just not fair to all the adults! :lol:

[fumanstan]

Yeah, gotta keep the under 18 crowd away from the Wiis.
It's just not fair to all the adults! :lol:

Well it's kind of true. E3 is an industry event, not a public event. I don't think that many kids work in the industry :)

[clappj]

Well it's kind of true. E3 is an industry event, not a public event. I don't think that many kids work in the industry :)


I know. devilshalo's quote just struck me funny, since it seems the key age demographic for the majority of Wii games is under 18-years-old.

[devilshalo]

Video Games Live To Play E3
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Monday, April 13, 2009 11:19 AM

JVHGy9XEF9I

Video Games Live, that multimedia music group that plays the themes to video games live on stage, will be playing a show at the Greek Theater on June 4th, the last night of E3.

Since last performing in L.A., Video Games Live has added new material including music from Chrono Trigger & Chrono Cross, Diablo III, Mega Man, more Final Fantasy and Warcraft and many more. Plus, Video Games Live has promised very special guests from Japan and Europe, so you don't want to miss this one.

Here's the link to buy tickets.The special promotion code is "HALO."

VGL will also be playing in San Diego during Comic Con, on Thursday, July 23rd at 7:30PM with the San Diego Symphony.

Check out VGL's official site for details.

Have you ever seen a Video Game Live Show? It's as fun and cool as you would think, believe me. The level of musicianship, the showmanship and the appreciation for the source material is amazing. You haven't lived until you've heard the music from Final Fantasy games played by an entire orchestra. Talk about majestic!

[dx23]

I hope that this year Nintendo come to their senses and:

1- Instead of giving a financial report, they actually give a report on upcoming interesting games.

2- Keep this uncharismatic woman out of the building:
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/8344/26ae0d26a8b6499c7a43886lq0.gif

3- Announce interesting games.

[steebo777]

:thumbsup: to all of that. That woman pissed me off.

[Michael Corvin]

Hate to break it to you guys, Cammie Dunaway will most certainly be there.

“I’m going to be up on stage presenting, something that your fans ought to love,” the exec told IGN.“But I’m not gonna snowboard, I’m not gonna show my mother’s day card. I’m just going to talk about the games.”

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[dx23]

Hate to break it to you guys, Cammie Dunaway will most certainly be there.



<embed src='http://videomedia.ign.com/ev/ev.swf' flashvars='article_ID=970604&downloadURL=http://wiimovies.ign.com/wii/video/article/970/970604/nintendo_dsi_interview_040709_flvlowwide.flv&allownetworking="all"' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' width='433' height='360' ></embed>


It's really bad when corporate idiots like her think that the people are there to see them instead of the products they are selling.

[Flay]

Just got my E3 media confirmation after playing resend the fax for the past two weeks.

I've got invites to the Big 3 press conferences and will be twittering it from the show. Probably posting to the forums as well.

I haven't made any booth appointments yet, so feel free to let me know what you want to hear about.

[fumanstan]

I signed up but never bothered to send in my credentials. :(

[devilshalo]

I signed up but never bothered to send in my credentials. :(

Doh! :doh:

Got my badge a couple of weeks ago. I'm all set for 3 days of gaming! :up:

[Liver&Onions]

here are some E3 MSFT rumors I'm hearing lately...taken from a twitter feed of one called Gamefork...

# My fave GTA4 character would have to be Packie McCreary.Him and his Irish goons are such a fiery bunch. DLC based on him would be just great5 minutes ago from web

# Imagine if Microsoft's E3 showstopper was Metal Gear Solid 4. With day 1 DLC expansion pack. Wow. That'd be something, In my OPINION anyway.9 minutes ago from web

# Would love if APB and Alan Wake (two games that have been in hiding for years) were shown at at MS's E3. In my OPINION that'd be just swell.10 minutes ago from web

[fumanstan]

FYI the twitter in question. http://twitter.com/GameFork/

2 of those make sense and have been rumored elsewhere, I believe. I know Rockstar had apparently twittered about DLC news coming soon, and the Game Fork twitter also mentioned the title Blood and a Four Leaf Clover.

I think it was also confirmed that more APB details were going to be at E3. http://kotaku.com/5260820/apb-putting-in-appearance-at-e3

[thematahara]

I thought it was pretty known that the next dlc would be based on the 3rd guy at the diamond exchange mission. The one who shot at Niko and Johhny. Or was that just speculation?

[maxfisher]

I'll be out at the show this year. Ought to be interesting. I'm sure some of our guys here and the big sites will have more in-depth coverage of the show, but I'll post some impressions too.

[Flay]

Just got an invite to the pre-show Ubisoft conference on June 1st. Should be interesting. The host is Joel McHale.

[PopcornTreeCt]

How about instead of DLC for GTAIV... a new game that's more like Vice City or San Andreas?

More Assassin's Creed 2 please. While you're at it, I want another Rainbow Six game... one every year would be nice.

How about more news on that Fallout game that takes place in New Vegas?

Beyond Good & Evil 2... more news please.

[WMAangel]

Just got an invite to the pre-show Ubisoft conference on June 1st. Should be interesting. The host is Joel McHale.

What? They are making a video game of The Soup? -pray-

I wonder if Man-kini will be a playable character....or if there will be bonus stages with Lou the Chihuahua? Maybe you "take some E" as a power-up!

[Michael Corvin]

The only thing I want to see from Ubi is Beyond Good & Evil 2.

[xmiyux]

I want more info on the Magic: The Gathering game.

I am also curious if Majesco is doing anything for the 360.

[Flay]

What? They are making a video game of The Soup? -pray-

I wonder if Man-kini will be a playable character....or if there will be bonus stages with Lou the Chihuahua? Maybe you "take some E" as a power-up!

LOL, It will probably be a huge plug for his upcoming sitcom, Community.

Th pilot is hilarious, btw. Caught it a couple nights ago.

[Flay]

Got my Microsoft badge for the pre-show press conference in the mail yesterday. Much lamer than previous years. It looks like a bookmark. What do they think, gamers actually read books? ;)

[Flay]

Booked so far:

Press conferences: Microsoft / Ubisoft / Nintendo / Sony

Booth Appointments: 2K Games, Capcom, Activision, Sony, MTV Games, Bethesda

Booth Appoints Waiting On: Microsoft, Nintendo, SOE, Eidos, Konami, Square Enix, THQ

Officially Snubbed by: Electronic Arts (booth & press conference)

[UncleGramps]

I don't care what gets announced. I'm just a sucker for the hype that surrounds E3 and I follow each of the big press conferences obsessively. So exciting, and only a week away! :banana:

[xmiyux]

Too bad is so scaled down now. I used to anticipate the week hardcore because it seemed like there were tons of surprises. Hopefully this year has some big shockers.


And details on Magic the Gathering on Live.

[dino88]

All I want is a new Hitman.

Maybe the big announcement will be a new Madden for 2009 :fc:

[mcfly]

I remember in the late 90s and early 00s E3 was THE thing to look forward to. Since it's been scaled back, there really isn't a major gaming event to get the blood pumping, is there?

[fumanstan]

The current E3 has been scaled back up significantly. While it's not as big as 3 years ago, I believe it's filling the same halls as it used to.

[RobLutter]

Really, if you work in a retailer that has reps from the big 3 (Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony) they shower you with enough swag on their monthly visits to get you by... and my company holds their own mini-E3 yearly for all managers from all the different suppliers/distributors/publishers that it makes the expenditure & time spent going seem kinda obsolete.

[Michael Corvin]

So not much buzz around here. What games does everyone want to see? Mark me down for:

Beyond Good & Evil 2
Dead Rising 2
Crackdown 2
Halo: ODST
Rock Band: Beatles (+RB2 update info)
something from Rare

Pikmin 3
Kid Icarus (pie in the sky, I know)
Mario or Zelda sequel

PixelJunk Shooter
Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time

[K&AJones]

Well I know E3 will be trimmed down from previous years and many outfits are not showing all they have. I've already got my list for the year..

Red Faction - June 2nd
Ghostbusters - June 16th
Bioshock 2 - November 2
COD:WaW2 - November 11th
Army of Two: 40th Day - December ?
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 - Fall of 2009

Dead Rising 2 - Unknown Date?

Assassins Creed 2 - Early 2010
Predator vs Aliens - Early 2010

Note: new map pack for GOW2 coming out as well - July

[Michael Corvin]

I'm definitely down for Bioshock 2, I'm just not sure if I want to actually see anything. I think I'd rather go into that experience blind.

[Raul3]

I'm looking for Alan Wake of course.

[Tarantino]

The DLC for GTA was announced yesterday, and has nothing to do with the Irishmen...so take that guys Twitted with a grain of salt.

= J

[Flay]

Just booked an interview with Mark Whitten, the general manager for Xbox Live, on Wed. Post any of your Xbox Live related questions and I'll try to work them into the convo.

[Deftones]

Microsoft has announced Crackdown 2? Really? That's awesome news.

Saw this on Joystiq and thought it was pretty funny: http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/nintendos-e3-09-conference-lets-play-bingo/

[Raul3]

Crackdown 2? really? where? link?

[Michael Corvin]

Microsoft has announced Crackdown 2? Really? That's awesome news.

Saw this on Joystiq and thought it was pretty funny: http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/nintendos-e3-09-conference-lets-play-bingo/

Yeah, Joystiq did the Bingo thing last year as well. Pretty funny/cool idea.

[Kelkee]

So not much buzz around here. What games does everyone want to see?

No More Heros 2.

[Liver&Onions]

Too Human 2

[pridesticks06]

COD:WaW2 - November 11th


Is that supposed to be COD: MW2 (Modern Warfare 2)? I really would like more details on it, especially multiplayer. The only thing in the future for World at War is the second map pack, I believe next week. Then I assume WaW2 or something of the likes will be slated for a 2010 release. Also looking forward to some Assassin's Creed 2 stuff.

[Michael Corvin]

Too Human 2

Are you being facetious?

[edstein]

Just booked an interview with Mark Whitten, the general manager for Xbox Live, on Wed. Post any of your Xbox Live related questions and I'll try to work them into the convo.

As a Zune fan I'm interested in the new Xbox Live integration. We've heard that the upcoming ZuneHD with be integrated with Xbox Live. Will older versions have this capability as well? What about games, will any XBLA or community games be ported over to the Zune?

What ever happened to the Direct TV integration with Xbox Live? Was that dropped in favor of Netlfix?

What's with Movie Trailers? I don't see them in the Video marketplace anymore.

[Flay]

Sooooo, after creating the E3 schedule from hell, I've booked time with:

2K Games
Activision
Bethesda
Capcom
Eidos
Konami
Microsoft
MTV Games
Namco
Nintendo
Sega
SOE
Sony
THQ
Ubisoft
Warner Bros.

I've only been turned away by Electronic Arts and Square Enix at this point for booth appointments. I do have access to the pre-show press conferences for Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Nintendo & Sony.

If there are any specific questions about any games that you want me to ask, fire away from now until the show starts. Also, if you want to hear about the work of any smaller exhibitors at the show, mention them and I'll try to swing by if I can develop human cloning technology over the weekend.

[xmiyux]

See if you can find info on Magic the Gathering on XBLA. The only news i have seen online is from 2008 and claimed it was going to be released Spring 2009. Sounds pretty interesting. I'm particularly curious about:
1. DLC expansions will be sold as sets or as booster packs?
2. Will you be able to create your own decks with unlocked cards to compete online?


Also, if you come across anyone from Majesco or MSoft Studios, is there anything being done about a new Phantom Dust on the 360?

Finally, more info about the Wiimote device for the 360. How well does it work? (assuming you can get your hands on the thing) Is there already a roster of upcoming games that will support it (or will it be used for two games like the vision camera)?

[chess]

I'm feeling a bit past due for a Mario, Metroid or Zelda for Wii...and I'm sure nobody else will ask Ninetendo about them. ;)

Is Incog working on a Warhawk sequel or expansion? ("Spacehawk" was apparently copyrighted)

Is Activision planning to let somebody review Prototype before release?

Like others, I'm very interested in BG&E 2.

PS3 price drop needs to happen whether the "slim" rumor is true or not.

[xmiyux]

I'm also really curious if anything other than 1 vs. 100 is going to be added to Xbox Live. Last year was Netflix and that was a dynamite addition. I really hope something else very cool is added to the Gold service....

Something like dedicated servers to host games perhaps? ;)

[Michael Corvin]

If there are any specific questions about any games that you want me to ask, fire away from now until the show starts.

I am curious about Serious Sam 3. I've seen a couple of blurbs about it over the past year, but nothing more than "it's in the works." I'd like to know how far along it is and just anything really. I ask because it seems like an under the radar type title.

[Liver&Onions]

Are you being facetious?

No, I had fun with Too Human and want to see the rest of the trilogy come out.

[mrpayroll]

http://gizmodo.com/5272573/is-hulu-coming-to-xbox-360

Is Hulu Coming to Xbox 360?

By Mark Wilson, 9:40 AM on Fri May 29 2009,

Olivia Munn, geek goddess of Attack of the Show, posted an interesting tweet last night. "Just finished promos for hulu/microsoft event I'm doing on june 8!" Just what hulu/Microsoft event could she be referring to?

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2009/05/huluxbox.jpg

To us, it seems likely that this event is supporting a Hulu on Xbox 360 announcement coming at E3. Why? Because Hulu on the 360 makes a lot of sense. Quite simply, it's the best internet service you can bring to a TV. So if Microsoft were to pick just one piece of internet entertainment to offer Xboxers (and with no web browser, they need to pick and choose), Hulu (and maybe YouTube) would be top on the list.

Also note that in Europe, Microsoft is supporting the Sky Player. It's a media content service somewhat like hulu but with support for live shows. And it's being integrated right into the XMB. We could see hulu arrive to the platform in a very similar manner. (So it'll probably look a bit different from our tongue-in-cheek artist's rendering.)

But the biggest reason that we're betting on Hulu 360 is because Microsoft's Shane Kim admitted months ago that the company was investigating Hulu connectivity on the platform. So don't be surprised if we hear more next week at E3. Microsoft's press conference is on Monday and we'll be there liveblogging. [Thanks Jake!]

Chris

[Michael Corvin]

So are all these companies going to shoot their wads early again?

[Dragon Fly]

See if you can find info on Magic the Gathering on XBLA. The only news i have seen online is from 2008 and claimed it was going to be released Spring 2009. Sounds pretty interesting. I'm particularly curious about:
1. DLC expansions will be sold as sets or as booster packs?
2. Will you be able to create your own decks with unlocked cards to compete online?

Also, if you come across anyone from Majesco or MSoft Studios, is there anything being done about a new Phantom Dust on the 360?


xmiyux, I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't know about the MtG game until you mentioned it a few posts back. Sounds really interesting! Also, a Phantom Dust 2 would be kick-ass, though I doubt it would ever get off the ground. With that being said the original was one of the most played games in my xbox!

[Liver&Onions]

So are all these companies going to shoot their wads early again?

you haven't been checking out Game Trailers then have you? Loads are being shot all over the place.

[Liver&Onions]

http://www.thehdroom.com/news/First_LEGO_Indiana_Jones_2_The_Adventure_Continues_Screens__Details_for_PS3_Xbox_360_Wii/4883

[chrisih8u]

I read that there will be no Twisted Metal stuff. :down: Awhile ago I heard that they were making one. Did the franchise die? I thought Twisted Metal Black and that PSP game were pretty good.

[K&AJones]

For Flay

At this point the only request I have is to get as much info you can from Sega on the upcoming Aliens vs Predator game

There's been a few screens and not much else. This and along with some sort of Stargate game have came and gone left and right and I hope this time someone can actually bring this game out with what it can offer.

Storyline? - when and where will it be based on?
Co-op (2 & 4 player)- almost becoming a main-stay in games and this one seems to be a good fit.
Future add-ons? - does it stand to reason new map packs will be offered later on?

[edstein]

Starcraft II? Is it coming out or not. What the fuck!!!

[Flay]

Thanks for the questions, everyone. I'll do my best to look into each one.

FYI, we've got a little front page love on DVDTalk: http://www.dvdtalk.com/ We will keep the Twitter widget up on the front page through the show.

You will also be able to find each event live-blogged on VGT's home page throughout the show via Twitter. I'll be uploading pics direct to Twitter as well. :)

[fumanstan]

Starcraft II? Is it coming out or not. What the fuck!!!

Too bad Blizzard won't be at E3! :)

[mrpayroll]

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10252156-1.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=Crave

May 29, 2009 10:25 AM PDT
Xbox 360 to get Hulu? (Update: Probably not)

by David Carnoy (Credit: Gizmodo)

Ah, there's nothing like a little random tweet to start a rumor.

"Just finished promos for hulu/microsoft event I'm doing on june 8!" Olivia Munn of G4's "Attack of the Show" wrote on her Twitter feed last night.

Seems harmless enough on the surface, but put it in the hands of some zealous bloggers, their antennas on high alert for any E3 related news (Microsoft's press conference is on Monday), and the rumor wheels start churning. Could Microsoft be planning to announce Hulu support for the Xbox 360?

Sounds good to me--and a lot of other people, too. Some folks are already streaming Hulu to their Xbox 360s using a little software program called PlayOn, but the idea here is an integrated Hulu application along the lines of the Netflix video streaming plug-in that's currently available to Xbox Live Gold subscribers who also have a Netflix account.

Those keeping score between Microsoft and Sony will be quick to note that the PS3 already has Hulu support via the PS3's built-in Web browser. If Microsoft were to add Hulu as well, it would be a small coup, and it wouldn't be a shocker considering Microsoft has been looking at possible XBox 360 tie-ins to Hulu and YouTube for several months. However, at yesterday's All Things D conference, NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker reiterated Hulu's , anti-Boxee stance saying that, "Right now we're committed to Hulu being an online experience, and that's where our vision is today, and I think that will continue." So, take this rumor for what it's worth.

Comments?

(Source: Twitter via Gizmodo)

Update: Alas, Ms. Munn's Hulu-Microsoft connection is related to Microsoft's new Bing search engine and a Bingathon on Hulu June 8. Ms. Munn refers to the event on her Web site, calling Bing a "Web browser." (Thanks to commenter Ninjatuned for pointing this out). Of course, Microsoft could still announce Hulu support for the Xbox 360 on Monday, but we wouldn't bet on it.

Chris

[pinata242]

First up: LEGO Harry Potter officially announced!

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London – Embargoed until 1400 GMT, June 1, 2009 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and TT Games are teaming up with the LEGO Group, to merge two of the world’s most popular brands with the creation of LEGO® Harry Potter: Years 1-4. Based on the first four Harry Potter books and movies that tell the story of Harry’s first four years at Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, LEGO® Harry Potter: Years 1-4 offers an engaging mix of magical gameplay and light-hearted humour. LEGO® Harry Potter: Years 1-4 is being developed by TT Games and will be published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and is scheduled for release in 2010.

LEGO® Harry Potter: Years 1-4 will give gamers the chance to experience the magic and adventure of Harry Potter in a new and uniquely LEGO way. Playing as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley™ and Hermione Granger™, as well as other favourite characters, gamers will have the opportunity to attend lessons, cast spells, mix potions, fly on broomsticks and complete tasks to earn house points. Throughout the game, players will also have the freedom to explore iconic settings from the wizarding world including Hogwarts castle, Diagon Alley™, the Forbidden Forest and the village of Hogsmeade™!

“With LEGO® Harry Potter: Years 1-4 we are creating an open, wide-ranging experience within Hogwarts that is full of fun and LEGO magic,” said Tom Stone, Managing Director, TT Games. “Harry Potter is one of the most beloved and well-respected characters, and we look forward to bringing gamers a new way of interacting in the universe with the LEGO games’ great humour and exploration.”

“Harry Potter is one of the world’s most popular and inspirational heroes, and LEGO® Harry Potter: Years 1-4 will appeal to a generation of gamers who grew up immersed in the Harry Potter books and films, and also loved playing with LEGO toys,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Development and Production, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The game is geared for players to experience a good mix of puzzle solving gameplay with exploration and battle in some of the most beloved Harry Potter environments, plus a few other surprises.”

“We’re excited to announce this gaming experience based on the amazing Harry Potter universe,” said Henrik Taudorf Lorensen, Vice President, New Business Development, the LEGO Group. “LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 is built around the same values of family-friendly creative game play that are present in other LEGO videogames, while delivering new elements of exploration and depth that we believe will engage children in imaginative play both virtually and physically.”

[pinata242]

Reminder that the Microsoft conference begins in 3 hours at 1:25 EDT / 10:25 PDT.

Live feeds:
G4 (http://e3.g4tv.com/e32009/index/)
GameTrailers (http://www.gametrailers.com/e3/?show=Press+Conferences#Content)
Xbox.com (http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/e309/default.htm)
IGN (http://e3.ign.com/)
Gamespot (http://e3.gamespot.com/press-conference/microsoft-e3/)

[discostu1337]

"Halo: Reach" the new big announcement for the Microsoft conference? Someone found an achievement page from xbox.com for this title already....He always is the first to post achievement lists for games, usually months in advance, and is never wrong...

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/images/news/haloreach.JPG
-credit to "The Pants Party"

[Groucho]

Let the Halo: Reach Around jokes begin!

[Superman07]

Flay:

I'd also like to know an update and/or possibility of the Hulu (or direct network streams) rumor on XBL.

[FusionX]

Let the Halo: Reach Around jokes begin!

Let's hope any Halo: Reach jokes are actually funny and not bland or predictable. I bet it plays well at Gamefaqs though.

[lordwow]

I second wanting more Magic: The Gathering XBLA info. It's supposed to hit soon with almost no info out.

[pinata242]

If there's any Hulu info to be had, rest assured we'll know during the conference in 1.5 hours. Asking about it if they hint at nothing seems like a waste of time, IMHO.

[darkside]

Hell ya to the Secret of Monkey Island remake on XBLA.
http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6210601/the-secret-of-monkey-island-special-edition-first-look?tag=top_stories;title;3

[PopcornTreeCt]

First up: LEGO Harry Potter officially announced!

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:up: Lego Harry Potter

[pinata242]

Hell ya to the Secret of Monkey Island remake on XBLA.
http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6210601/the-secret-of-monkey-island-special-edition-first-look?tag=top_stories;title;3

Needs mouse support! I will most likely be buying this. Though I was ok with a retail disc with the full collection.

[darkside]

Needs mouse support! I will most likely be buying this. Though I was ok with a retail disc with the full collection.
Tales of Monkey Island also sounds cool from Tell Tale games. 5 episodes like Sam & Max and Strong Bad.

[WMAangel]

First up: LEGO Harry Potter officially announced!


Nice, I really like the Lego games, and HP always seemed like an obvious fit....

Sucks it is only "Years 1-4" though, obviously to split the series into a sequel for "Years 5-7"....and then a "The Complete Saga" combination release later, just like Star Wars.....we're onto you suckas!!

[DRG]

Another :up: for Lego Harry Potter. It's a natural for the franchise, seeing that they already paired up for a toy line plus the setting should be a natural fit for the gameplay... casting spells to build things from Legos similar to how it was done with the Jedi powers in the Star Wars Lego games.

[pinata242]

I can't wait for Lego LOTR when The Hobbit hits theaters.

[Shagrath]

Harmonix is supposedly going to be at the MS conference showing off Beatles!

[dan30oly]

Let me know when Lego Saw is announced.

[JasonF]

Let me know when Lego Saw is announced.

http://sp6.fotolog.com/photo/6/26/2/saw_maniacos/1212275573_f.jpg

[pinata242]

Harmonix is supposedly going to be at the MS conference showing off Beatles!

I plan to squeal.

[Quack]

I want me some Olivia :drool:

[invisiblegt]

Harmonix is supposedly going to be at the MS conference showing off Beatles!

While I absolutely abhor Rock Band's engine, the inclusion of the Beatles may just be enough to get me to put down the World Tour guitar, and, at the very least, rent this.

[Quack]

Harmonix is supposedly going to be at the MS conference showing off Beatles!

And no sooner do you ask Microsoft leads off with them!

[Shagrath]

Anyone have a link to a feed that actually works?

[superfro]

That Beatles video was fan-fucking-amazing!

[pinata242]

Anyone have a link to a feed that actually works?

G4 is shitty, but working... kinda.

[Bandit03]

IGN seems to be working fine

[pinata242]

You have a link to their video feed?

This should be streaming on the console itself, dammit.

[Quack]

Yokozuna?

[Michael Corvin]

I can't get any of them to work so I'm reading Kotaku's live blog.

Oh, and exclusive song to Live? That's pretty weak and also means the PS3 will probably have one as well.

[Quack]

Wonder how much Paul and Ringo got paid for those 3 minutes of awkwardness.

[darkside]

Wow, Beatles live on the show and they sucked.

[pinata242]

Paul and ringo are there!?!?!? Holy shit!

[Mad Dawg]

Paul and Ringo bringing the awkward!!

[chess]

While I absolutely abhor Rock Band's engine, the inclusion of the Beatles may just be enough to get me to put down the World Tour guitar, and, at the very least, rent this.

This post confuses me. Guitar Hero may be more interesting on medium difficulty, but otherwise, Harmonix >>>>> Neversoft.

[darkside]

No charts. Thank you Microsoft.

[darkside]

Great can't wait to see how much Ride sucks.

Wow, I can't wait for all the lawsuits Activision gets for that ankle breaking controller.

[Bandit03]

Pinata go here (http://e3.ign.com/), but heres the direct link (http://video.ign.com/streaming/e3-2009/)

[pinata242]

Finally after installing a new fucking plug-in.

Of course they don't support Chrome so I had to fall back to the bloated Firefox.

Finally on at least...

[Quack]

Don't think I'll be skateboarding anytime soon :P

[pinata242]

And IGN has failed for me.

[darkside]

And IGN has failed for me.

I'm having no issues watching on Gamespot. You aren't missing much. Modern Warfare 2 Ice climbing. Boring. Wait, they are killing shit now. How revolutionary. Looks awesome, but this game is a something everyone is buying anyway. Move on.

[Michael Corvin]

Granted I've never live blogged and I know you have to type quick, but damn crecente's typing is atrocious.

[Bandit03]

And IGN has failed for me.

Me too :( I'm trying xbox and gamespot now

[Bandit03]

Gamestop (http://e3.gamespot.com/press-conference/microsoft-e3/) seems to be working

[Quack]

I was hoping he'd get pwned.

[Quack]

Final Fantasy XIII up now.

[Bandit03]

^
Looks great but I'll stick with the PS3 for this one

[darkside]

Exclusive time. And his mic sucks. Great. This looks cool. Metroidvania type game.
Nice glitch during the live demo. Looks cool though.

[superfro]

This looks cool. Metroidvania type game.

It looks goddamn awesome!

[Bandit03]

It looks goddamn awesome!

:up:

[Shagrath]

Crackdown 2!!!!

Yes!

[flashburn]

Crackdown 2 with Armored Suits?! OMFG Awesome.

[superfro]

crackdown 2!!!!

Yes!

Fuck yes! :)

[Quack]

Zombies!!! :up:

[darkside]

Left 4 Dead 2 and Crackdown 2. Very nice.

[chess]

Exclusive time. And his mic sucks. Great. This looks cool. Metroidvania type game.
Nice glitch during the live demo. Looks cool though.

My ears perked up a bit at Metroidvania. Can't see anything from work though... :(

[superfro]

I can't say I was expecting to see L4D2 so soon.

[Bandit03]

Splinter Cell Conviction looks really good

[GizmoDVD]

L4D2 Looks....awesome. I just peed.

[darkside]

I can't say I was expecting to see L4D2 so soon.
It sold incredibly well so its not a total shock. Splinter Cell is not my kind of game, but this looks very good.

[pinata242]

Conviction looks like a great movie. Interesting way to incorporate objective briefings into the environment like that.

[superfro]

It sold incredibly well so its not a total shock.

Oh..I know it's uber popular. Just the 1 year turn around and at the expense of charge DLC for the exsisting game. Just seems odd. Thought they would've gone a different route. But I guess why bother when you can pump out another $60 disc release huh? :lol:

And yeah...that Conviction stuff looked pretty awesome.

[darkside]

Wow so we are getting Forza 2 and 3 this gen on 360 and still no Gran Turismo 5?

[flashburn]

What's Gran Turismo? ;)

[Bandit03]

Darkside:
Have a feeling were gonna hear about it tomorrow :lol:

[chess]

I can't say I was expecting to see L4D2 so soon.

Same here. I can't see the video to compare presentation, but I'm surprised it's not a DLC expansion, since the chief complaint on the first L4D was regarding length/content.

[devilshalo]

Who's gonna be the first to put boobies on their Forza 3 car?! :lol:

[darkside]

^
Have a feeling were gonna hear about it tomorrow :lol:
I would hope so unless it will be a PS4 game.

Ah, Halo. Time for a pee break.

[GoVegan]

Is there a site that compiles all the announcements and such from E3 in a concise list? I don't have time to watch video feeds while I'm supposed to be working.

[GizmoDVD]

Same here. I can't see the video to compare presentation, but I'm surprised it's not a DLC expansion, since the chief complaint on the first L4D was regarding length/content.

I'm a bit shocked there has been zero DLC for L4D (besides the freebie). I'd gladly pay $10 for some new maps/weapons.

[GizmoDVD]

Is there a site that compiles all the announcements and such from E3 in a concise list? I don't have time to watch video feeds while I'm supposed to be working.

Kotaku.com

[darkside]

Is there a site that compiles all the announcements and such from E3 in a concise list? I don't have time to watch video feeds while I'm supposed to be working.

Joystiq seems to be doing a good job of getting them posted as they are announced.

[superfro]

So Halo ODST changes up play by playing other characters through different times to piece together the story? Halo Eternal Darkness? :)

[darkside]

Not so top secret. This game was exposed before the conference. Nice job getting away from Halo Bungie.

[Liver&Onions]

fuck halo shit, bring out ALAN WAKE

[Shagrath]

Alan Wake is here!

[pinata242]

fuck halo shit, bring out ALAN WAKE

Granted :lol:

[darkside]

Finally Alan Wake. I want this one.

[Liver&Onions]

wow - impeccable timing.

[superfro]

fuck halo shit, bring out ALAN WAKE

And you wasted that power on a video game. :lol:

[Bandit03]

YAY Alan Wake might be released this generation

[darkside]

Alan Wake and Heavy Rain are probably the two games I'm most looking forward to at E3. This looks really cool.

[pinata242]

RUSTY!!! trickery

[devilshalo]

Holy crap.. what is this?

[Liver&Onions]

YUM!

OMG - Alan Wake and Heavy Rain will make me blow the load if they both are out this year.

[Liver&Onions]

Slow Motion Flare FTW!

[darkside]

2010 fuck

[Bandit03]

Spring 2010 :sad:

[darkside]

Last FM support! Hell Ya. Now give me my Hulu.

[GoVegan]

Thanks for the sites. That makes it easier to understand what people are talking about.

[Quack]

I want 1 vs 100.

[Bandit03]

Glad to hear about the Netflix improvements

[Quack]

1080p w00t!

[darkside]

Instant 1080p. Wouldn't that depend on my connection?

[slop101]

Paul and ringo are there!?!?!? Holy shit!meh. I'd be much more impressed if they would've gotten either of the Beatles' guitarists. I mean, these games are more about the guitar, right?

[darkside]

meh. I'd be much more impressed if they would've gotten either of the Beatles' guitarists. I mean, these games are more about the guitar, right?
That could have tied into the Left 4 Dead 2 announcement also.

[pinata242]

Facebook!?

[darkside]

They give me Facebook and Last.FM, but no Hulu. Damn.

[pinata242]

They give me Facebook and Last.FM, but no Hulu. Damn.

Yet...?

[Michael Corvin]

That could have tied into the Left 4 Dead 2 announcement also.

rotfl

I almost spit Dr. Pepper on my computer monitor.

[pinata242]

Facebook Connect is a nice feature.

[Decker]

Like these Facebook features! :up:

Bummer no hulu, though.

[superfro]

Great to hear that you can add a bunch of people to your friends list from Facebook on the 360. Oh wait....still 100 friend cap. Nevermind. :(

[pinata242]

And Twitter.

[darkside]

I'm going to annoy the hell out of people with Twitter and Facebook on the 360.

[Quack]

That's pretty interesting see Fbook on there.

[superfro]

The Facebook and Twitter additions are pretty brilliant.

[Quack]

Oh boy.....a surprise maybe???

[pinata242]

Metal Gear?

[darkside]

Metal Glear Solid. Nice job dude.

[Decker]

Kojima!

[UncleGramps]

Man, I hate Facebook. But at least we get Twitter too.

[Quack]

I love watching people read off teleprompters. lol

[darkside]

Yep, Raiden.

[Decker]

MGS :Rising. Is it 360 exclusive or PS3 as well?

[Michael Corvin]

The Facebook and Twitter additions are pretty brilliant.

I agree. Seeing the Twitter, Facebook & Netflix logos on the 360 box could sway quite a few consumers that haven't hitched their wagon to a particular console yet.

[Bandit03]

Damn I want to see more :lol:

[flashburn]

:lol: Raiden.

[pinata242]

Metal Gear completes the 360 experience?

[darkside]

MGS :Rising. Is it 360 exclusive or PS3 as well?

Not exclusive, but Sony is still screwed. There is little reason to own one if you look at the overall big games for both.

[darkside]

Oh god not a motion controller. Stop with Metal Gear.

[Decker]

Here comes motion control...

[pinata242]

"Can we copy what Nintendo did without infringing on the copyright?"

[Quack]

Make me the controller????

[Decker]

But this sucks in real life.

[pinata242]

Jesus fucking christ...

That looks terrible. They really need to have younger kids playing this stuff.

[Quack]

He was pretty slow on that pit-stop.

[pinata242]

Doesn't that fly in the face of Tony Hawk's Ride controller?

[Bandit03]

Not looking forward to it but interested to see how it works

[Decker]

The folks at Ride can't be happy about this.

[pinata242]

Video phone :up:

Should have been on the Wii a long time ago with their multi-generational family penetration (heh heh).

[Quack]

I feel like I'm on an LSD trip with some of the things they're doing.

[Decker]

Wow.

[superfro]

This motion thing does nothing for me, but if it gets in the face of the Wii folks, then good for them.

[pinata242]

Na-Tall. Not Nay-Tal. :lol:

Just say what you mean: games babies can play.

[Decker]

Project Natal? Sounds like it's got a LONG way to go.

[Michael Corvin]

The folks at Ride can't be happy about this.

:lol: Their $100 peripheral is outdated in just over an hour.

As for the motion, navigating the NXE Minority Report style sounds badass.

[Bandit03]

:lol: Their $100 peripheral is outdated in just over an hour.

rotfl

[devilshalo]

Spielberg?! :eek:

[Decker]

:lol: Their $100 peripheral is outdated in just over an hour.

As for the motion, navigating the NXE Minority Report style sounds badass.

At least they let them go first. :lol:

[pinata242]

Project Natal is the IMAX of gaming - Steven Speilberg.

[Quack]

I hope Jurassic Park IV isn't far behind!

[superfro]

I have a feeling saying the Natal skateboard game is equal to the Tony Hawk one is like saying I don't need to check out Fight Night 4 because I have Wii Boxing.

[Quack]

Look at this yahoo....I need sunglasses from the glare from his pullover.

[Decker]

Love the facial recognition. cool.

[Michael Corvin]

I hope Jurassic Park IV isn't far behind!

O/T but with all this love for IMAX and 3D you would think JPIV would be a no brainer at this point in time.

[darkside]

Their press conference ruled and they have to end with this bullshit. Shut up all ready.

They act like the Wii and Playstation Eye never existed.

[devilshalo]

Geezus.. this is stupid.

[wlmowery]

And we thought the NXE was sluggish already....

:o

[Bandit03]

Looked like his avatar was having a seizure :lol:

[Quack]

And how much is this little add on going to cost us consumers? Looks like a little pricey piece of hardware.

[darkside]

Nice way to bag on waggle when you are showing something completely pathetic.

Paint party? More like Lemon Party.

[Schloob1]

meh. I'd be much more impressed if they would've gotten either of the Beatles' guitarists. I mean, these games are more about the guitar, right?

Please say you are being REALLY sarcastic? This post has to be one of the most tasteless posts I have read in ages slop. First off Paul did play guitar for the Beatles, and then obviously the other 2 can't be there since they are dead. If you did not realize this please read up on your music history.

[Decker]

Ok this paint demo is pretty lame. Yawn.

[wlmowery]

Please say you are being REALLY sarcastic? This post has to be one of the most tasteless posts I have read in ages slop. First off Paul did play guitar for the Beatles, and then obviously the other 2 can't be there since they are dead. If you did not realize this please read up on your music history.

Broken sarcasm/humor detector alert :D :banana:

[pinata242]

Ok this paint demo is pretty lame. Yawn.

Seriously. This is tech demo shit.

[sauce07]

so you can paint a fake picture?

[Decker]

This demo is a Press Conerence killer. I'm off to lunch now.

[Michael Corvin]

Can someone say Power Glove?

[wlmowery]

While impressive from a hardware perspective, this is just going to far. I love the Wii for its capabilities, but I don't need by 360 to "take motion to the next level". That's not what I use the 360 for...

[Michael Corvin]

Oh and did I miss anything from Rare?

[Quack]

Can someone say Power Glove?

:up:

[superfro]

I know we're all jaded against the stuff this motion gaming represents, but this is the shit that's going to get them mainstream press.

[pinata242]

Why are partners only getting dev kits today?

[chess]

I find none of this the least bit interesting except for that Metroidvania bit. I have a motion controller and the novelty has pretty much worn off. Metal Gear is an option I passed up quite a while ago. When I get a 360, I'll likely get L4D and Crackdown.

What was the Metroidvania thing?

...and where's Dead Rising?

[pinata242]

Oooh, let's see what Peter Molyneux and promise us now.

[Quack]

Milo sounds British.

No sale.

[superfro]

See...now you can get imaginary friends and kids can grow up to kill for Milo. How can you hate that?

[devilshalo]

I want to see this Claire in a bikini. :drool:

[pinata242]

I hope GatorDeb never gets Milo. Poor thing would starve to death.

[Quack]

Draw some pictures in your journal? Get a life Milo!!

[sauce07]

please tell me you can kill Milo in horrendous ways

[chess]

I know we're all jaded against the stuff this motion gaming represents, but this is the shit that's going to get them mainstream press.

Yeah...but is it good press or bad press?

Probable headlines:

Microsoft rips off Wii
Microsoft sued by Nintendo

I seriously doubt you'll get:

Microsoft one-ups Nintendo
Microsoft revolutionizes game control

[jiggawhat]

I don't think Sony or Nintendo will be able to top MS's press conference.

[wlmowery]

See...now you can get imaginary friends and kids can grow up to kill for Milo. How can you hate that?

I agree with crecente from kotaku - this is abit freaky....

I can see some kid going to counseling now... "And who do you spend time with?" "My friend Milo" "and who is that" "The boy who lives in our TV...."

[superfro]

Yeah...but is it good press or bad press?

Probable headlines:

Microsoft rips off Wii
Microsoft sued by Nintendo

I seriously doubt you'll get:

Microsoft one-ups Nintendo
Microsoft revolutionizes game control

Guess we'll see.

[slop101]

Please say you are being REALLY sarcastic? This post has to be one of the most tasteless posts I have read in ages slop. First off Paul did play guitar for the Beatles, and then obviously the other 2 can't be there since they are dead. If you did not realize this please read up on your music history.Holy shit, really?! I had no idea. Wow, where have I been?

[Decker]

Choke on THAT, Wii!

[superfro]

I will say that Peter M. isn't the guy I want coming out to hype up how "unbelievable groundbreaking" something is. :lol:

[pinata242]

This press conference I think was presented backwards. How do you lead off with Beatles and end with this?

[Quack]

Nintendo better have something really good to hope to top that.

[Kelkee]

"Can we copy what Nintendo did without infringing on the copyright?"

What a waste IMO.

The 360 is targeted to the "hardcore" gamer. They are not gonna care about this Wii cloned technology.