So we are just about 5 weeks shy from the start of e3, which means we are about to hit prime time for rumors and reveals and leaks.
So for the month or so before the big show, thought it would be nice to have threads detailing the big 3 going into the conference. What we know, what is rumored, what we can expect and more.
I'm starting off with Microsoft simply because they only have one platform to show unlike Nintendo and Sony.
Monday June 6th
10AM PST/1PM EST
What We Know
Microsoft is coming into e3 2011 with a renewed sense of momentum. They are the best selling console in the States roughly for the past year (started post e3 and they were down a month or two), some added momentum worldwide due to the launch of Kinect, and prone to shine again with 3rd party titles.
However, their first party/exclusive line-up has been held to much debate this year. As we are currently 5 months into the year, and there has yet to be a major exclusive for the system, and one isn't really due until Gears of War 3 in Sept. And after that?
Microsoft doesn't have much in the way of first party titles to fill the year other than Forza and Gears of War so we can possibly expect a ton of surprises there.
There are also a handful of Kinect titles in the work including the Star Wars title they showed off at last year's convention.
What is Rumored
There isn't a whole lot rumored for the 360 at the moment, but one rumor that keeps making the rounds is a remake of Halo CE for the Xbox 360 due out in Nov to coincide with the game's 10 year anniversary. That would make sense as Microsoft doesn't have a key holiday title at the moment, and Halo has been their golden brand.
There is also word of a full reveal of their Kingdom title, and Disney working on an exclusive Kinect title.
What we Can Expect
Lots and lots of 3rd party love. The showpiece will no doubt be the reveal of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, word on the internet is TakeTwo is priming up Grand Theft Auto IV, and there's always a chance for Final Fantasy Versus 13 to make the jump.
Beyond that, a sequel to Dance Central isn't beyond the realm of reason as is a bigger push for Kinect by 3rd party developers. Rare is said to be hard at work on a Kinect Sports sequel so we shall see how that comes out.
Studio Listing
1st party
343 Industries/Wingnut - rumored to be making Halo CEmake
BigPark - last game released was Joy Ride
Good Science Studio - last game was Kinect Adventures
Lionhead - last game was Fable 3
RARE - last game was Kinect Sports
Xbox Live Productions - last game was South Park Tower Defense
Turn 10 - making Forza 4
3rd Party
Crytek - making Codename Kingdoms
Epic - making Gears 3
Gas Powered Games - making Age of Empires Online
Remedy - last game released was Alan Wake
Ruffian - last game was Crackdown 2
Undead Labs - making XBLA game
NanaOn-Sha - making Haunt for Kinect
Terminal Reality - making Star Wars Kinect
Grounding Inc - making Project Draco for Kinect
Grasshopper Manufacture - making Codename D