Possible Influences of E3 2010
PlayStation Move
The Electronics Entertainment Expo of 2010 may prove to be quite important to the course of the video game industry for years to come? Why? The rise of multiple technologies is the reason.
The OnLive video game service is being released on June 17th. Its debut will be live at E32010, with hopes of attracting a sizable fan base in order to allow for a smooth genesis. The OnLive service is not only seeing opposition from those who dislike the idea of virtual ownership of video games, but also by the current top three video game companies (being Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo). If OnLive does manage to become a mainstream product, then the need for purchasing an expensive console will be nullified. You will now simply just buy a micro-console and be able to play graphics intense games on a low end laptop or computer, for a monthly subscription of $15.
If OnLive does become a major competitor in the video game industry, then that proves to be trouble for Xbox Live and PlayStation Network users. OnLive also hones its own community features and capabilities, as well as a fairly entertaining gaming lineup thus far. Only time can tell how well this new service will go, but if it does go better than expected, you can expect to see Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo making some drastic decisions.
The rise of 3D gaming is also becoming apparent as well. PlayStation 3 has made the first definite step towards 3D gaming with the announcement of a hardware update, as well as the 3D glasses. The first first-person-shooter to come out with full 3D support with be Killzone 3, which is also being displayed at E3 2010.After it’s announcement, Microsoft also announced the need to embrace 3d as well. Everything in the video game industry seems to be about jumping on the bandwagon, and you can be assured the Microsoft will be following suit sometime soon.
One of the last major things I can picture having some sort of significance is the introduction of motion controlled gaming by Sony and Microsoft. They both seem to be taking a different or elevated take on the idea of motion controls in opposition to Nintendo. Microsoft is decided to go with the hands-free motion controlled device, essentially what has ben done by the PlayStation 3 Eye-Toy. This is much more friendly towards family oriented or mini-games. However, this would be used poorly for an action-intense game such as an FPS or fighting game.
The PlayStation Move is becoming what the Nintendo Wii wishes it could be. It has greater degree’s of motion and the support of greater technology (being the PlayStation 3 hardware). The smooth motion controls offered by PlayStation Move allow for an extremely versatile controller. As seen in prior demonstrations, you can use these controllers as a bow and arrow, your fists, a gun, a bowling ball, and much more. Not only can the PlayStation Move be used for mini-games, but it can also be used by hardcore games as well.
All in all, the Electronics Entertainment Expo of 2010 is shaping up to be quite the important E3. It will decide the fate of the upcoming OnLive cloud gaming service, the future of 3D gaming as well as the rise of more competition within motion controlled gaming.
