PixlBit

The PixlBit Staff sounds off before this year's big show kicks off.

Patrick's Predictions

You know, I've been thinking about this for weeks, and I just don't have too much that hasn't already been said. I figure that this will be one of the more predictable E3s, partially due to the sheer volume of predictions. But also due to the premature video releases and events leading up to the show.

For Nintendo, we'll see a refresh of all the IPs that they had previously announced with firm release dates for Luigi's Mansion 2, Animal Crossing, Paper Mario and Fire Emblem 3DS. They will announce one or two new AAA titles for the system and highlight their online numbers. Then they will turn to a reinvention of the WiiU and announce their exclusive titles, as well as the launch date. Finally, they will showcase their developers' innovations with the new hardware, specifically Irrational Games. They may even announce an exclusive, timed deal for Bioshock Infinite.

Microsoft is the dark horse, and I'm definitely not qualified to predict this portion of the converence. Nevertheless, I will predict! They usually are the lightest on the number of games, instead focusing on their online prowess and applications that will be coming to the system. This time, they will have to unveil one new IP. They will also have to announce one more exclusive partnership to XBLA and hopefully focus on a slew of new indie titles. Their market for this sector of the industry has grown, so it should be shown on the highest stage for their massive, casual audience.

Sony will have to fight both of its competitors in the form of a Battle Royale. The soon to be announced character roster could highlight an amazing conference with a succession of unveilings that lead to partnerships with the characters who will be included in the mysterious, SSBB clone. There is a great opportunity to excite fans everywhere with their favorite characters exclusive to the console, in addition to ones that nobody could have imagined. If there would be one way to trump Super Smash Brothers, it would be through a high volume of high quality characters as diverse as financially possible. Then they could use these new contenders to Battle Royale as a jumping point to ascend into the future of the platform. They could do all of this, yet they'll probably pick a conservative form to their conference, highlighting their sales on the Ps3 and Vita's launch.

Show us something new, for the love of game.