E3 2015: Remembering the best moments of past conferences

Monday marks the beginning of E3 2015's major press conferences. (Unless, of course, you count Oculus, which had its press conference yesterday.) To help build some anticipation for next week, let's take a look at some of the most memorable press conference moments over the event's history.

E3 2003: Valve Debuts Half-Life 2 and Source

While not revealed at a traditional blockbuster press conference, this is an E3 reveal that truly changed everything. Gabe Newell went to E3 2003 and surprised everyone with the official reveal for Half-Life 2. On top of that, he unveiled the Source engine for the first time, dazzling viewers with its realistic physics, effects, and character models.

Both fans and critics were sold from the beginning, as Half-Life 2 quickly garnered Best Game of E3 2003 honors from various outlets. The rest is history, as Half-Life 2 enjoys its place as the Shacknews Chatty Community's Best PC Game of All-Time.

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E3 2004: Nintendo Returns to Hyrule

There was once a day when Nintendo took part in bombastic E3 press conferences. Before settling into its niche Nintendo Direct events, Nintendo had some of its own memorable E3 moments. The biggest of those moments came in 2004 when NOA President Reggie Fils-Aime concluded Nintendo's presentation with one of the company's biggest heroes.

This was the first reveal for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. While the cel-shaded Link of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker had his own fans, many fans had clamored for an aesthetic closer to the all-time classic Ocarina of Time. Their wish was granted when Link came riding in on Epona, paving the way for his GameCube swansong/Wii debut.

Ten years later, Link has still proven to have that mass appeal, as fans rejoiced during E3 2014 when Nintendo showed the first footage for The Legend of Zelda on Wii U, a game that sadly will not be at this year's show.

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E3 2009: E3 Meets The Beatles

When the music game genre was at its absolute height, Harmonix played the ultimate trump card by revealing a deal with iconic rock band The Beatles. The Beatles Rock Band first made its appearance at E3 2009 during Microsoft's Press Briefing. A full plastic band took the stage, playing "Day Tripper" and re-creating the classic concert atmosphere as best they could. The display was later followed up by surviving band members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr making a live appearance.

This clip is a reminder of how much fun the plastic instrument era was and makes a good case for its return. Thankfully, over five years later, the platic instrument phenomenon is ready for a revival, with both Rock Band and Guitar Hero ready to return to E3.

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E3 2009: Hideo Kojima Takes the Microsoft Stage

For over ten years, Metal Gear Solid had been associated with PlayStation platforms. Solid Snake's story (with the exception of the GameCube's Twin Snakes) had played out on PlayStation for over ten years, so to see franchise creator Hideo Kojima hit the Microsoft stage at E3 2009 was nothing short of stunning.

If minds weren't already blown by that point, his actual announcement was. Kojima announced Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, a spin-off starring Raiden that would be helmed by action game masters Platinum Games. It would focus less on stealth and more on insane, over-the-top violence.

Metal Gear Solid would only spread from there, with Konami announcing almost five years later that the franchise would also hit PC. Big Boss' story is set to continue with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, but that will unfortunately be Kojima's final game with Konami.

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E3 2010: Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!

In 2010, Konami held one of the most bizarre press conferences in E3 history. The A/V setups weren't working properly, the games shown were of little interest (and not surprisingly, wound up either being mediocre or outright bad), and there was dancing. There was so much bad dancing.

One of the strangest moments of that press conference saw Slang director Fererico Bayer hype up Lucha Libre AAA 2010: Heroes del Ring by introducing three real-life luchadores. After announcing that they would all compete in matches during each day of the event, everyone started chopping each other. While the wrestling fans ate it up, it was a strange sight for just about anyone else.

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E3 2013: Sony Drops the Mic

The new console wars were raring to heat up in 2013, with both Microsoft and Sony ready to step into the next-generation. However, going into E3 2013, consumer faith in Microsoft's gaming department was at an all-time low, amidst news that the Xbox One would feature a restrictive DRM that would not allow users to rent or share games. It was a policy that essentially forced users to buy new games, with those games tied to those consoles. While the idea was stringently anti-consumer, it was guaranteed to be a bonafide money-maker, so the thought was that Sony would soon follow suit.

Instead, Sony went the other way. It concluded its E3 2013 press conference by revealing that the PlayStation 4 would fully support used games, which got a massive ovation from the crowd in attendance. Furthermore, Sony added that the PlayStation 4 would launch at $399, a full $100 lower than the Xbox One. For many, the choice was made, with PlayStation 4 coming out the clear winner of E3.

To further rub salt in Microsoft's wounds, SCE Worldwide President Shuhei Yoshida took part in a special tutorial video for how to share PS4 games, a gag that likely still stings Microsoft to this day.

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Of course, there's only so much to cover and so little time. So if there are any big-time press conference moments I missed, be sure to let us know in the comments. Enjoy E3 2015, everyone!

E3 2015: Remembering the best moments of past conferences

Opinion: E3's Future Being Led by Nintendo

While I've covered E3 in various capacities for years, I only attended for the first time two years ago. I arrived in time to attend the Sony press conference with the late Andrew Yoon. Though it certainly would have been within his editorial power to assign me to news writing duty, he found me a seat and then stepped outside to cover the news himself, knowing it was my first time seeing such an event first-hand. It was selfless and kind, and still appreciate it to this day.

That press conference is the only one I've attended, and that's by choice. Last year, though I had been invited to attend various conferences, I abstained. I largely plan to do that again this year. Seeing the press conferences in-person simply isn't a practical avenue for coverage, so many journalists choose to watch remotely. I'll be flying thousands of miles on Sunday so that on Monday, I can sit in my hotel with Twitch open on my iPad, helping to write and delegate news as it breaks. It's simply more efficient.

This is just one manner in which E3's history and legacy is hitting the cold reality of modern media and information propagation. Within a few years, I expect companies to rethink their approach in a variety of ways. And in ways both positive and negative, Nintendo has surprisingly positioned itself ahead of the curve.

After all, what's the point in reserving a large stage space if a growing number of the media aren't there to cover it? Companies can fill the seats with fans--and judging by the hooting and hollering, they already do--but media invites are becoming as impractical for publishers as it is for journalists. Eventually, the mere spectacle doesn't seem worth the investment.

That isn't to say that companies will or should call off their presentations altogether. But given that many of the people vital to the process are watching streams, an all-streaming solution makes more sense. Nintendo's move to digital presentations may have been a cost-cutting measure, but it's also a look into the inevitable future. Microsoft, Sony, EA, Ubisoft, and now Bethesda and a PC coalition may all enjoy filling a theater with screaming fans, but that's only reaching a few thousand people in-person. The streaming aspect of their conferences, with a much lower upfront cost, is reaching more people by orders of magnitude.

Then we have the E3 show floor, a dizzying mass of lights and sounds where companies put out their best and brightest. Preparing an E3 demo is difficult, time-consuming work. As we move deeper into the age of digital distribution, however, we'll find less and less reason why these demos need to be kept in the relative secrecy of the Los Angeles Convention Center. No publisher wants journalists reporting that they played a buggy build, so playtesting E3 demos is as much a part of the process as testing the final product.

As a result, distributing special timed demos to the home audience is bound to become more common practice. Nintendo began distributing demos at Best Buy locations last year, again showing a remarkable amount of prescience for a company that's so often regarded as lagging behind.

Not all of these changes are what's best for gamers, however. We've also seen a trend in the last few years of game companies cutting out journalists altogether with its own internal blogs and interviews becoming an increasing part of the coverage cycle. This exercise cuts out a powerful consumer advocacy tool, but is preferred by publishers since it allows them to control their messaging.

Nintendo has shown early practice of this too. Its Treehouse interviews at E3 are formulated to include a tightly-regimented roll-out of reveals throughout the show, while assuring that nothing inadvertently slips or is misunderstood. Nintendo still provides some interview access to the media, but keeps most of its developer pool safely ensconsed in its own playground. Other publishers are starting to exercise the same practice this year, and it's a trend we'll continue to see grow.

Direct streaming, widely distributed demos, and internal interviews are all ways to keep messaging secure and consistent. Some of these methods, like public demos, are consumer-friendly, while others, like internal interviews, are less so. The shared commonality is that all of them deemphasize the role of journalists in the E3 spectacle. That may not be Nintendo's goal, but it's certainly setting precedents to that effect. That means the changing face of E3 will also necessitate a shift in games journalism. As these changes take hold, we'll need to adapt too.

Opinion: E3's Future Being Led by Nintendo

YouTube Gaming launching this summer to compete with Twitch

As we previously reported, YouTube is setting its sights on Twitch by launching YouTube Gaming this summer as well as providing improved live-streaming tools.

YouTube Gaming is a hub that has been specifically designed to to curate gaming content found all over YouTube and can be accessed directly from its website as well as a dedicated mobile app. YouTube users will have the option of adding a channel to their collection, which allows for quick access, or performing the more traditional subscription method, which will alert the user when a live show is airing. A total of 25,000 games will have their own page on YouTube Gaming, which ensures gamers will find exactly what they want to watch, when they want.

As for the improved live-streaming tools, YouTube Gaming will allow streams to automatically be converted into a YouTube video as well as no longer requiring shows to be scheduled ahead of time to broadcast. This means those who are the punctual type can stream whatever game they like when they’re about to play it. This is certainly a departure from how Twitch works, which doesn’t allow livestream videos to be archived by default, meaning losing access to your stream after it airs because you forgot to archive the video won’t be a problem with YouTube Gaming.

This is certainly an interesting route YouTube is taking as video game content has always done exceptionally well on the service. The combination of YouTube’s well-known brand and curating an experience geared specifically towards gaming content may provide some healthy competition and another alternative to Twitch. In other words, you can finally show your love for Hatred without the fear of being banned for doing so.

Speaking of YouTube, have you subscribed to our page? With today's announcement, we're sure we're going to be ramping up the content even moreso in the coming months.

YouTube Gaming launching this summer to compete with Twitch

Watch Chattycast #50 Live at 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT

With mere days to go before E3 starts in earnest, the crew takes a moment from packing its bags to chat about what they expect to see out of the event. And since we industry types need a studios straight man, we bring back Dr. Games as our sounding board. All that and Chatty members attempting to get us to break embargoes are just a listen away.

As always, thank to everyone who provide topics this week: Amusatron, and Hemtroll. If you want see your name in lights, keep an eye on Chatty to suggest topics! And, special thanks to Chatty user dael for contributing music to the show, and to Bryan "Doctor Games" Carr for production assistance.

• I want you guys each to make two predictions on the 'Cast about what E3 will reveal that hasn't been announced so far. The first prediction will be based on all the information you've already got to work with and are fairly certain will come to pass. The second prediction is your longshot, the thing you're really, really hoping will happen but have no definitive information to indicate that it will. 
• Games like Assassin's Creed, The Witcher and Shadow of Mordor have you play a master swordsman regularly fighting a dozen enemies at a time but it doesn't always work as well as you'd want it to. What is the most enjoyable 1-vs-many sword fighting system you've seen in a game?

Watch Chattycast #50 Live at 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT

E3 2015: Most Anticipated Multiplatform Games

As part of our coverage for E3 2015, Shacknews is taking a look at some of the most anticipated games for this year's show. Today, News Editor Daniel Perez is looking at the most awaited games across multiple gaming platforms.

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Multiplatform games are the kinds of titles we can all enjoy, regardless what console we own or if we choose to be a member of the PC Master Race. While we continue to argue which is the best platform to play our games on, we can also come together and gush over a game that’s been released across multiple platforms. We may not all be well versed in the Halo series or God of War series, but we sure as hell know how great of an experience CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers. For the final installment of our pre-E3 coverage, we take a look at some of the most highly-anticipated multiplatform games we expect to make an appearance at E3 2015.

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Fallout 4

We were all blown away when Bethesda announced Fallout 4 two weeks prior to the start of E3. Based on its debut trailer, we learned Fallout 4 will be taking place in Boston as well as toyed with the idea of Bethesda showing us an earlier post-apocalypse. We’ve also heard reports of Fallout 4 possibly releasing in 2015, with GameStop going as far as saying it’ll launch on October 23. Bethesda has yet to announce when we can expect to adventure through a post-apocalyptic Boston in Fallout 4, but what we do know is they’ll have a lot more to show at E3 during its first-ever showcase.

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Star Wars Battlefront

It’s been nearly 10 years since the release of Star Wars Battlefront II, which is why fans of the series are extremely excited for its release later this year. If you’re unfamiliar with the Battlefront series, the best way we can describe it is combine Dice’s iconic Battlefield series with some of the most well-known battles in the Star Wars universe, which of course, includes the Battle of Hoth. We know Battlefront will release on November 17 and will offer the Battle of Jakku for free the following month, but we have yet to see an official gameplay demo of the game as its reveal trailer was created with its in-game engine, but didn’t resemble what we will experience when we actually play the game. We have a feeling EA’s showing of Battlefront will finally show us some actual gameplay footage.

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Call of Duty Black Ops 3

Love it or hate it, there are a lot of people playing the Call of Duty series on a regular basis. Activision teased Black Ops 3 a few months ago, which we learned about its ambitious multiplayer mode and its single-player campaign, which picks up where Black Ops 2 left off. Considering how Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare evolved the aging first-person shooter series, we’re hopeful Black Ops 3 can keep that fresh coat of paint still looking brand-spanking new at this year’s E3.

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Mirror’s Edge Catalyst

A follow up to Dice’s Mirror’s Edge was finally announced this year as Mirror’s Edge Catalyst is expected to make its first appearance at this year’s E3. Catalyst won’t be a true sequel, but instead, it’ll be a game that honors the first game and will dive deeper into Faith’s story. The game is expected to bring new and interesting gameplay and features, although we have yet to see any screenshots or videos of the game in action. This year’s E3 will be the first time anyone sees the game, and after waiting so long for a new Mirror’s Edge game, we hope it’ll be worth the wait.

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Assassin’s Creed Syndicate

After the abomination that was Assassin’s Creed Unity, Ubisoft has a lot to prove with its next Assassin’s Creed game. Assassin’s Creed Syndicate has a heavy burden to bare and Ubisoft is aware of this, which is why we wouldn’t be surprised if this title turns out to be the most-polished game in the series to date. Syndicate takes place in London in 1868 and features two playable protagonists: twins Jacob and Evie Frye. While the setting may not set the Internet on fire, having multiple playable characters seems to be quite popular these days in the gaming industry. We’ll see if this formula can help revitalize the Assassin’s Creed series when Ubisoft shows it off at E3 next week.

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Just Cause 3

Square Enix announced the third game in the Just Cause series late last year, and since then we’ve seen a trailer with tons of explosions and its first gameplay trailer with even more explosions. Just Cause 3 will star Rico Rodriguez once again as he attempts to liberate Medici from the regime of the ruthless dictator General Di Ravello. Rico will once again be equipped with a parachute and a grapple, although both are said to be vastly improved in Just Cause 3.

E3 2015: Most Anticipated Multiplatform Games

Tearaway Unfolded bends and folds its way to a September release on PS4

Media Molecule and Sony have announced Tearaway Unfolded will be available on the PlayStation 4 on September 8th for $39.99.

Those who pre-order Tearaway Unfolded will be given the Crafted Edition of the game, which includes a number of bonus content including exclusive costumes and decorations inspired by other PlayStation titles. Custom decorations for Lemmings, Gravity Rush, No Man’s Sky, The Order: 1886, God of War, Infamous, The Last of Us, and Killzone will be available as well as papercraft plans for Sackboy and Baby Wendigo, a Pig Crown, and the game’s soundtrack round out the additional content available in the Crafted Edition.

Media Molecule did some very impressive work with the original Tearaway for the PlayStation Vita. According to our preview of the game, it appears the studio is expected to take advantage of every aspect of the PlayStation 4 as they some interesting ideas for the DualShock 4’s touch pad and tilt sensors for the game.

Tearaway Unfolded bends and folds its way to a September release on PS4

E3 2015: Killzone dev releases teaser image of new game 'Horizon'

Killzone developer Guerrilla Games has released an image on its Facebook page which appears to be a tease for an upcoming E3 announcement.

The image appears to be of a multi-tiered city located near the sea with a very large wall protecting it. Smoke can be seen billowing into portions of the city from some sea vessels located offshore. Off in the horizon, we see a mountain and the sun slowly rising from behind it.

“Horizon” has been rumored to be the name of Guerrilla Games’ new IP, which has been described as a completely different experience than its Killzone franchise. According to a Eurogamer report back in May 2014, Horizon could be an open-world RPG, although there’s been no official word from Guerrilla Games in response to that rumor.

It’s been nearly two years since Killzone Shadow Fall was released, which means this year’s E3 could be prime time for Guerrilla Games to finally announce what it’s been working on. If It does turn out to be an open-world RPG, we hope it’s as polished and full of content like CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

[Via Facebook]

E3 2015: Killzone dev releases teaser image of new game 'Horizon'