E3 2007: E3 2007 Predictions

GamingNexus has a well thought out list of predictions for E3 2007. Charles Husemann runs down his prognostications in a well thought out and entertaining article.

The first prediction is obvious but the underlying reasons may not be. There will be less coverage because of the downsizing the show has undergone. Fewer members of the press are being let in which means that two or three people will be trying to cover the same ground that five or six reps with packed schedules used to cover. Not only that but they will be competing with street analysts and retailers for attention.

The second problem is the setup and general lack of space. With the new E3 format, there are just going to be a lot of bugs to work out. The conferences are being held at several different hotels bringing up problems with parking which in turn will generate missed appointments… you get the picture. The press will have some legitimate complaints this year.

Sony is the next big factor. It’s a make or break year for them. After the Riiiidge Racer incident and the pricing nightmare of last year, how will the newly revamped Sony come out this year. Add to that pressure predictions of price drops for all formats and you have things really heating up.

Other things we should see; a strong showing from Alan Wake, some real movement to fulfill the promises made by Games for Windows now that Chris Early is on board, and hopefully Nintendo will discover there is an internet out there.

GameCock is going to be making some major noise with their cool swag and party but most small developers will get lost in the crush.

Finally, this will the year of the Casual Games. They will be every where.

Despite the new smaller format there is a lot to be excited about at this year’s E3.