It wasn’t going to last forever. The boom in gaming fueled by the pandemic is coming to an end, and companies in the spacing are feeling the effects. We’re no longer cooped up as much at home, and people are rediscovering other interests, like outdoor activities and travel.

Gaming giants Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo are seeing sales declines, which naturally is affecting profits.

The video game industry, like many others, will have more uncertainty for a while as we begin to see consumers settle into new habits.

Microsoft is doubling down on its huge gaming bet as it strikes a deal to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion. CEO Satya Nadella explains that the will play a key role in the development of metaverse platforms at Microsoft. In other words, they’re not leaving this space to Meta/Facebook.

Microsoft gains iconic titles in the deal:

Microsoft is acquiring Activision, the troubled publisher of Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Diablo. The deal will value Activision at $68.7 billion, far in excess of the $26 billion Microsoft paid to acquire LinkedIn in 2016. It’s Microsoft’s biggest push into gaming, and the company says it will be the “third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony” once the deal closes.

Microsoft plans to add many of Activision’s games to Xbox Game Pass once the deal closes. With the acquisition of Activision, Microsoft will soon publish franchises like Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Call of Duty, and Candy Crush. “Upon close, we will offer as many Activision Blizzard games as we can within Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, both new titles and games from Activision Blizzard’s incredible catalog,” says Microsoft’s CEO of gaming Phil Spencer.

There have been tons of problems at Activision Blizzard regarding allegations of sexual harassment. Microsoft will have plenty to deal with through any transition. For gamers it will be interesting to see if this creative studio will thrive or wilt under the Microsoft umbrella. Nadella is an excellent CEO so their track record is improving.

So what would you do? Put up with all the stress and bullshit from complaining fans of your game, or would you sell like he did and become a billionaire?

Seems like an easy choice to me. Gamers can be obsessive, and that’s certainly with a popular game like Minecraft.

Cashing in seems like the obvious end game.

After a backlash that will rank as one of the most powerful ever seen in the world of video games, Microsoft recently made the surprising decision to back down on some of their more controversial Xbox One policies.

Specifically the Xbox One will now no longer restrict the sale and use of used games, and game buying and sharing will work largely as it has this previous generation, including maintaining the classic game use archetype of just sticking a disc in the console. They’ve also dropped the unpopular measure that would ask you to “check in” online once every 24 hours, regardless of if you’re actually playing online or not.

Considering the set the world on fire kind of hatred these and other Xbox One policies drew, you’d think this announcement would be met with a shower of rose petals and a loud and proud declaration from the Microsoft faithful, and gamers everywhere, that the console war is on once more.

Instead the reaction is more…interesting.

See it turns out that very vocal gaming group who spoke so adamantly against the Xbox One’s features, are now many of the same gamers who are taking to message boards on sites around the web, and are complaining about Microsoft’s lack of conviction, or how this still changes nothing for the more expensive console. The most interesting argument though, best vocalized by Gizmodo, comes from the once silent minority that now loudly argue that some of the same policies Microsoft was villainized for, were actually potentially great ideas.

To understand this sudden turnaround of emotion, you have to take into account the pride gamers have.

See, people don’t brag about what brand of microwave they own, nor does the maker of your Blu-Ray player incite many flame wars. But who makes your video game console? That does matter to people. People attach themselves to a system and react personally to any successes, or failures, endured along the way. The most vocal of which are described as fanboys, but really every gamer takes some sort of stance on the console they chose.

It’s a timeless tradition that may be occasionally entertaining, but is also very tiring. The fact is that if the average consumer could afford to buy all video game consoles, they would. That they can’t is a big reason that pride exists in the way it does.

The Xbox One changed things though. It gave people a villain. A black hated system that the average gamer could point to and say “That’s the bad guy!” Gaming has not really had something like that on the level of the Xbox One, and there was a certain comfort people took in decreeing the PS4 the champion of the people.

Now, it doesn’t matter that Microsoft listened to the complaints and gave people what they seemingly wanted, because all they did was test people’s pride, and force them to react in ways that don’t make them back down from the once so clear views of the console battlefield that existed not long ago. A large number of people not only invested their money in backing the PS4 early, but that pride as well.

The thing is this though. Sometimes, determining the villain is a matter of perspective. If Microsoft had truly believed that their policies would win people over in the end, no amount of heat would have forced them to abandon their beliefs, and they would have (albeit slowly) reaped the rewards of putting out a system they could stand behind and fully support. They would have ceased to be the villain, and would have become the battle tested hero…the only thing people love more than a golden boy.

If  that wasn’t the case though, then make no mistake that Microsoft made the smart business decision to change their policies. However, if they hoped that they would be carried on the shoulders of the populace all the way to the throne in doing so, they have underestimated the pride of gamers. What’s worse is that very pride now forces those same gamers to question if a company that can make such major changes to their system based on knee jerk impressions, has any pride of their own.

However, this year it seems that every major developer and publisher was determined to re-kindle that old spark the event used to have, and across the board triumphantly accomplished just that with an E3 filled with the usual great game announcements, but bolstered by one time only events like Microsoft’s follow up to the “Xbox One” debacle, Nintendo’s rebellious direct service announcements, and of course the true reveal of the PS4.

Ultimately, like so many E3s, it would be the announcements of the “Big 3” that stole the show, and are still on the lips of gamers worldwide. Now that the presentations are done though, how did the world’s largest game companies fare at the most publicized video game event in the world? Well, let’s start with…

Microsoft

Microsoft had a lot of explaining to do after a reveal of the Xbox One that emphasized multimedia capabilities over gaming, as well as invoked the dreaded ideas of used game restrictions, and mandatory internet connectivity, that generally left a lot of people feeling pretty irate, and unsure of the future of the system.

While there were many ways to go about this, they made the somewhat interesting decision to go out on stage, drop a turd, hang a $499 price tag on it, and exit stage left.

It’s not that the presentation wasn’t better than the reveal, it certainly was, but even though they did things like focus on major gaming announcements over any media aspects, it seemed even the best announcements came with a catch. A good example is the return of “Killer Instinct,” in the form of a free title. While it should have been an untainted glorious moment of shock and hype, even that was watered down by the reveal that you can only play as one character on the outset, unless you paid into the game’s freemium model. As for major reveals and unique announcements, they were few and far between, and did little to excite.

More than any individual announcements though, it was the greater ideas that hindered Microsoft and the Xbox One. Try as they might they couldn’t escape the stench of bullshit that lingered well after every mention of used games restrictions, online connectivity, and even ideas which challenge the very notion of game ownership itself. As a result, there was a certain tension surrounding the proceedings that prevented even the most exciting announcements from drawing more than the odd applause here and there. It was uncomfortable to watch at its best, and embarrassing at its worst.

Yet I can’t give Microsoft failing marks. Like it or not, they have created a system that addresses issues in the industry from a business perspective, and even though they are horrible, dreadful, just plain awful ideas for consumers, they are at least original approaches to creating a system. But despite the fact no one can accuse Microsoft of playing it safe, there’s also no conceiving the argument that says they played it smart, or even intelligible.

Grade: C-

Nintendo

Nintendo chose to forego the traditional E3 announcements, and instead made their presentation via their new Nintendo Direct service. The results were interesting, as what was sacrificed in the energy and emotion present at a live event, was replaced with a confident, error free presentation that you can only achieve through that format.

It was the opposite of Microsoft then, as Nintendo gave a smart and safe demonstration of their future.

This would hurt them when it came to the content of the presentation itself though, as so much of what was presented just built off of that stellar Nintendo Direct announcement made not long ago. While games like the new “Super Smash Bros,” that incredible looking “Wind Waker” HD re-make, a new “Mario Kart,” and “Super Mario 3D Land” all draw the required “ooohs and aahhs,” there was no sense of urgency from Nintendo when it came to convincing the doubters of the long term capabilities of the Wii U and 3DS.

In a way though, that’s okay. Nintendo has existed like this for as long as anyone can remember, and any major shifts in that dynamic would shake up the core fanbase that makes them the unique, and profitable, company they are. At the same time though, considering they aren’t working with the runaway hardware successes that were the Wii and Nintendo DS, this approach doesn’t have the same weight it once carried.

Still, this was Nintendo being Nintendo another year. At this point you’re either on board with this method, or against it. Ultimately they did nothing to change the mentality of either party for good or bad.

Grade: B

Sony

It’s not often that a president of a major gaming corporation can literally drop the mic after an interview and not be accused of hubris. However, when Sony president Jack Tretton did just that recently, it felt instead like an almost necessary exclamation point to their presentation.

Microsoft may have lacked confidence, and Nintendo may have been missing energy, but Sony thrived off of a surplus of both those aspects with a conference as well executed as any the event has ever seen. In so many ways it was the opposite of that pathetic 2006 conference that ushered in the age of the PS3, and was filled to the brim with an enticing combination of both major reveals, and necessary, but properly handled, announcements, such as the PS4’s stance on used games (play all you want), required connectivity (doesn’t exist), and game ownership (if you bought it, it’s yours to do what you want with).

In case it wasn’t obvious beforehand, Sony was aiming right for the heart of Microsoft and attacking all of their failures with an almost bully like glee. What could have been a cheap tactic instead proved to be the driving force behind one of the event’s best showings ever. The trailers of games like “Kingdom Hearts III” and “Final Fantasy XV” along with the demonstrations of “Destiny” and “Watch Dogs” may draw all of the YouTube views, but it was the announcement regarding the used game policy that drew the biggest applause.

It’s a little bizarre that the reveal you would be able to continue do something you’ve always been able to in gaming would inspire a better ovation than any other single reveal at E3, but such is the world the Xbox One has created, and the one Sony chose to take advantage of. Yet even if that wasn’t the case, their presentation would have still been best of show for sheer entertainment value alone, and quality of titles. Combine all of that with the game changing $399 price point of the PS4, and there’s not enough mics in the world Sony could drop to signify their victory.

Grade: A

Final Thoughts:

Most of the talk from this year’s E3 revolves around Sony and Microsoft, and most of that is about Sony’s complete victory with an announcement that draws historic parallels with the PS1/Sega Saturn war of E3 1995. While it’s impossible to completely write off a company that ultimately has Bill Gates signing the checks, the fact remains that Sony nearly made all of the right moves, and Microsoft nearly all of the wrong ones, even if it was for one day only.

A few people here and there have made the comment that there has never been a domination so complete on the video game hardware scene. While that remains to be seen, for right now Sony finds themselves in a place they haven’t been since the heyday of the PS2, and that’s atop the video game world.

Oh and Nintendo? They’re still off somewhere in the Mushroom Kingdom, keeping it real for all us sinners, and maintaining their position as “The Dude” of gaming.

As bad as it was though, it’s not exactly the worst tragedy in the history of mankind, the video game industry or, for that matter, even Microsoft’s gaming division.

So while the controversial Xbox One may prove to be their biggest bust of all, for now let’s all keep things in perspective by revisiting the top five biggest mistakes Microsoft has ever made.

5. The Duke

A controller is one of the most important parts of launching a video game system, and when that system is your first one ever, may even come to define part of your image for all time.

If that is true, then unfortunately part of Microsoft’s image will always be that of a big fat failure.

“The Duke” as it would commonly be referred to, was a gargantuan gaming controller recognized by Guiness as one of the largest of all time, and by everyone else as one of the worst. Awkward for most, and impossible for some, “The Duke” would later be phased out in favor of the Japanese model “Controller S.”

Though it would lead to one of best controller designs of all time in the “360 Wireless,” few will ever forget the pain and hand aches associated with “The Duke.”

4. HD-DVD

Though Blu-Ray hasn’t exactly set the world on fire in the way that DVD’s did, Toshiba’s similar “HD-DVD” format didn’t even make a spark.

Yet when it came time to support a next-gen disc format, which one do you think Microsoft chose?

In a way it’s difficult to fault them for doing so, since at that time the format wars were far fom resolved, and Sony was a big backer of Blu-Ray, but try telling that to everyone that jumped the gun and bought a 360 HD-DVD player, only to have it collecting dust along with a small stack of HD-DVD titles less than a year later.

3. Acquiring Rare

When Microsoft acquired developer Rare for a cool $375 million, it looked like they had pulled off one of the great gaming coups of all time. After all, Rare was only one of the most storied developers ever, and had produced the greatest N64 games this side of Nintendo.

Much like a brilliant assistant coach leaving Bill Belichick though, once Rare was free from the umbrella of Nintendo’s influence, they would flounder in the spotlight.

While the re-make of “Conker” for Xbox was fun, and the 360 launch game “Kameo: Elements of Power” was decent enough, it was that other 360 launch title “Perfect Dark Zero” that would define their future with Microsoft.

It’s a future that includes titles ranging from boring to broken, with hardly a commercial or critical hit to be found. While some gamers hold out hope for the glorious return of one of gaming’s most famed developers, or maybe just a new “Killer Instinct,” it’s looking less and less likely the 11 year old mega deal will ever pan out.

2. Lack of Support for the Japanese Market

As one of the first U.S. grown gaming systems to make it, Microsoft has always had a strained relationship with gamers from the land of the rising sun.

You could argue that they are up against a cultural barrier that isn’t entirely their fault, but from soft system launches in Japan to serious issues in successively seeking out major Japanese developer’s support, Microsoft has done no favors for themselves when trying to gain the support of the creatively, and financially, lucrative Japanese market.

In many ways it feels like they’ve completely written off the idea of ever really selling in Japan and, as a result, guarantee they will never be able to make a serious impact on their biggest rivals until they do.

1. The Red Rings of Death

Really, what else could it be?

The Xbox 360 did a lot of great things for gaming, but instead of being remembered for the brilliance of Xbox Live, or an assortment of classic titles, the lasting image of the 360 will always be blinking red lights indicating a massive system failure that almost every 360 owner has had to experience at some point, or at the least fear forever.

Though a return and re-furbish option became available, once you got the red rings, you never really escaped them, just as Microsoft would never be able to escape the issue, even late into the system’s life span when the lights would become far less prevalent.

Instead the red lights of death are Microsoft’s version of herpes, in that they dealt with it once, and it’s now with them forever.

I may never get a chance to do so elsewhere, so let me pay tribute to one of my favorite critics, the late, great Roger Ebert, by paraphrasing his famous review of the film “North” to convey my feelings on the news that the next Xbox will likely require you to always be online.

I hate that idea. Hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it. Hate it. I hate every simpering stupid vacant audience-insulting implication of it. It hate the sensibility that thinks anyone will like it. I hate the implied insult to the audience by its belief that anyone would be entertained by it.

While still not the official Microsoft statement, the recent, and soon to be infamous, tweets of Microsoft creative director Adam Orth on the subject seem to imply that if Microsoft isn’t already committed to the idea of making a console that requires an internet connection, they’ve certainly considered it.

Specifically he summed up the notion of a console that requires an internet connection with three simple words.

“Deal with it.”

Used as a rebuttal to every befuddled complaint thrown his way, Adam Orth would like it very much if we never dare question the motivations or intentions of Microsoft again. Because of these outlandish and insulting comments, Microsoft is now the ones who have to “deal with it,” as they scramble to make sure everyone knows that the views of Adam Orth “Do not reflect the customer centric views we take to our products.”

If you haven’t done so already, please take a moment to laugh at that statement. You can either laugh at the implication that the creative director of Microsoft’s views somehow do not reflect the company he works for, or have a chuckle at the fact that the problem isn’t his viewpoints necessarily, but rather that he couldn’t say them in a more PR friendly manner.

Whatever you do though, don’t take this situation seriously. I do not mean to expect these rumors to turn out to be false (they most likely aren’t), but rather do not join the legions who will suddenly give credence to the notion of an online required console as a possible evolution of the medium, or attempt to play the devil’s advocate on the subject by attempting to analyze the notion as an inevitability.

For supporting this idea, Microsoft  is simply wrong. They were wrong when they released consoles that died more frequently than a light bulb, and they are wrong again in creating a new system that once again suggests that purchasing a console and owning a game does not guarantee your ability to use either.

There is no logical argument that exists to support a DRM system in the current state the technology exists in, for anyone not on the corporate take. While there are an abundance of logical arguments against the system, none should be used to entertain this particular notion. Instead, if you are opposed to this idea, please just laugh uncontrollably at it anytime a Microsoft representative brings up the idea publically, in order to pay the same respect to them, that they do to you by supporting DRM.

If the next generation Xbox is online only, it should also come with a statement that all owners must sign, have notarized, and officially submit to a court of law. That statement will read:

“We hereby wave our right to ever complain through any available medium regarding any technical issues that may arise preventing us from using our systems. We have weighed our options to choose rationality and common sense against blind allegiance, and have chosen to deal with it.”

Originally, I wasn’t sure whether or not to report on the Ouya, mostly because I feel like I met my quota on farfetched console rumors with that Xbox 720 report leak. However, between the underwhelming Wii U unveiling at E3, and Microsoft and Sony remaining mum on their future plans, 720 leaks aside, it’s getting harder and harder to get properly hyped up for the next generation of consoles based on mere official information. So here I am, reporting on another console that may or may not exist.

Cynicism aside, the truth is that there are a lot of reasons to be excited about the Ouya. Because Ouya isn’t just a vaguely dirty-sounding word, but is instead a rumored new entrant into the console wars that has the backing of veterans like Ed Fries (Xbox) and CEO Julie Uhram (IGN).

Now, obviously, anybody trying to make a successful new console has to have an ace up their sleeve to separate themselves from the industry giants. The Ouya’s trump card, as first reported by The Verge, is its Android-powered core, which will supposedly help the console double as a development kit. Essentially, the Ouya is “hacker friendly” and allows for gamers that buy it to create their own titles. Even more appealing is the consoles alleged price tag, which is said to be set at $99, and will feature completely free games.

While there is apparently more information about the Ouya set to break in the coming days, what we have now is tantalizing enough. The idea of a major release system encouraging a lassez faire attitude towards its consumers concerning security policies and publishing rights is an interesting one, and brings consoles closer toward their seemingly inevitable assimilation with some of the finer points of PC gaming. In fact, there is a lot about the Ouya that reflects the recent evolutionary trends in gaming. It combines a little bit of mobile app gaming, the explosion of the indie development market, and is supposedly set to offer the whole package to you for a foundation-shattering price point.

It’s a console based around the concepts of freedom and independence, making the 4th of July the perfect day to consider its potential impact. Because honestly, whether or not the Ouya bucks the trend of previous cinderella entrants into the console market and actually makes it is, at this time, largely irrelevant. As the “Madden” franchise has shown, when there is a lack of real competition in a market, it’s hard for your product to not become stale. And if even half of the information about the Ouya turns out be accurate, it is at least an exciting idea that may hopefully force the major players to consider the benefits of its more appealing ideas.

While the Wii U has been making its publicity tour, including an awkward appearance on “The Jimmy Fallon Show,” there has been a very shocking dearth of information from Sony and Microsoft concerning their next generation plans. That is, until now.

Well… possibly.

There is this absolutely massive 56-page report that is currently making its rounds on the front page of most major gaming websites.  Its contents are various, but the general summary of it is a detailed “game plan” of sorts for Microsoft’s next console launch, including features, a price point, and a broad ranged analysis of the console market both at the time of the documents origins and how it will look by 2013 (the next console’s supposed launch date) and beyond.

Now, this report is being classified as a “leak” as it apparently made its rounds internally around Microsoft back in 2010. However, while Microsoft is naturally remaining mum on the subject of its origins and accuracy, there are many who believe the report to be more or less a hoax, albeit a very detailed and professional one. Nevertheless, the most eye-grabbing bits of the report are the specific features of the alleged new console (which is named Xbox 720 in the report). Among them are:

– Blu-ray functionality (oh come on Microsoft, giving up on HD-DVD so easily?)

– Enhanced Kinect support, including the expansion of the system to allow up to four players and a new sensor all together

– A $299 price point

– Cloud support for taking your multimedia files anywhere

– Potential tablet integration

– Enhanced reality glasses, dubbed Fortaleza, that provide features such as heads-up displays and other virtual reality aspects

– Games that are “4x to 6x better looking than current titles”

Considering features such as Blu-ray support and new Kinect hardware have already been more or less confirmed by reliable sources, and other now official ideas such as Smartglass are mentioned in the report, its hard not to believe that at one point at least some of this document was genuine.

But that’s not the real story to come from this leak. More than any specific features, or numbers that were mentioned, the really intriguing part of the document is the notion it carries that after this next console there will be no need for more hardware upgrades. In fact, there is a general vibe throughout the report that the future of gaming is not reliant on further physical systems from Microsoft or anyone. This isn’t some outdated minority opinion either, as “God of War” developer David Jaffe has gone on record with a similar idea that  “the next generation of hardware will be the last consoles. And they should be.”

There are many conclusions that can be drawn from such a bold statement, but it is odd to think that gaming will function past the need of a physical system. Considering that the document mentions such projects as Apple TV within it, and cites some companies’ similar ideas as potential acquisitions, it would appear that the thought is that one day gaming will just be another instant streaming function of one large multimedia device a la the iPhone.

The website that first posted this story, scribd, has sense taken the document down at the behest of Covington & Burling LLP, a law firm representing Microsoft. While this doesn’t necessarily lend any more legitimacy to the story one way or the other, it is kind of a shame, because buried under the exceedingly dry reports and technicalities, and the vague nature of the document’s validity, there were some truly fascinating ideas regarding the future direction of not just Microsoft, but gaming as a whole that anyone with any level of interest in the industry needs to start considering.

Is another E3 already almost behind us?

Yes, yes it is. With as much that’s changed in the world of video games over the years, its somehow comforting to know that E3 is still around to exhibit the best of the industry in a big atmosphere way. Unfortunatley the age is starting to show on the old gal, and the show hasn’t been as captivating the last couple of years as it probably should have been. While this years was more of the same, there was still enough on exhibit to be worth talking about. It’s not quite done yet, but I’ve seen enough to start naming the best, worst, and most memorable of E3 2012.

Best Presentation – Sony

This is more of a choice made out of necessity than something I absolutely fell in love with. While there was very little mind blowing here, Sony managed to put together a tight presentation that was loaded with games that people actually came to see. While the storybook segment was a complete bomb, in the end Sony managed to show better than any other company that they have plenty of sure fire greatness ready for their fans. If only “The Last Guardian” had made a surprise appearance, this one might have been more memorable.

Worst Presentation – Microsoft

Poor Microsoft. Sure their market share an income is absurdly large, but they cannot seem to put together an E3 presentation that doesn’t make their fans feel awkward. While this years showing wasn’t as bad as last years Kinect centric, child actor filled disaster, it’s scarily close. Bad celebrity appearances, uninspiring game footage, and boring presentations more at home at lame board meetings than the world’s most extravagant trade show for your industry were the unfortunate highlights of this years Xbox showing.

Biggest Surefire Hit – “Assasins Creed 3”

“Assassins Creed” has been a money in the bank franchise since the series second installment. So far it looks like there is absolutely no reason to suspect any less out of the “Assassin’s Creed III”. What I love most about it is that Ubisoft has found a perfect way to make the franchise feel fresh again, by changing the time period and location to the rarely explored American Revolution, they also seem intent on really making everything that was great about the series perform at its absolute best. The jaw dropping E3 footage only confirms that this will most likely be the smoothest and most exciting “Assassin’s Creed” yet. Unlike the British troops in the game, this one isn’t likely to miss.

Biggest Surprise – “Watch Dogs”

Ubisoft strikes again. Garnering no real press prior to the event, the demo for Ubisoft’s “Watch Dogs” showcased something truly intriguing. You play as a man who has an incredible array of technological abilities that essentially give him super powers over the modern gadget obsessed world. The idea is cool enough, but the way that it seems to be implemented creates so much potential for amazing moments. The world of the game is also absolutely gorgeous, and begs you to re-watch the demo several times to gather all the little details. There is nothing like a fresh idea from an established developer, and Ubisoft seems to have exactly that.

Biggest MIA Title – “Grand Theft Auto V”

“The Last Guardian” almost made this spot, but since the trail went cold on that one sometime ago, it was the lack of GTA that left the biggest void. It wasn’t that long ago that the games teaser trailer made waves, but I’m still shocked that there wasn’t a scrap of info on the game at the show. No unannounced features, no new trailer, no gameplay, and no release date. GTA is a series that doesn’t need the mass hype that E3 can generate, but it’s presence could have really made the show much more memorable than it was.

Worst Game of Show – “Resident Evil 6”

It was only back in 2005 that “Resident Evil 4” had people editing their greatest games of all time list. Then “Resident Evil 5” came out and failed to make any sort of impact on gamers. “Resident Evil 6” looks to do far worse than that. The trailer showed a reliance on outdated game mechanics (it was essentially all quick time events) and a complete lack of the horror the series once helped define. It’s not enough that the medium has to be loaded with uninspiring zombie titles and dry action games, but “Resident Evil 6” looks content to be the shining example of both. There may have been other games at the show that were just plain bad, but none of them drag a once proud franchise through the mud like this one.

Most Underwhelming Game – “Halo 4”

It was the big announcement of last years Microsoft conference, and headlined this one as well. Yet all we really got out of it was an extended stylish commercial that led to a short exhibition of completely uninspiring gameplay. No one can deny the impact of the Halo series, but it’s becoming increasingly obvious that the series is an old dog struggling for new tricks. Even a decent game would be a blight on the series, and that looks like the highest aspiration of this one.

Best Game No One is Talking About – “Metro: Last Light”

“Last Light’s” predecessor, “Metro 2033”, was basically your average shooter with a fair amount of frights in it. Nothing in the game really stood out in any sort of meaningful way, and no one really expected a sequel to emerge from it. That’s why the effort put into “Last Light” is so shocking. One of the games developers put it best when he said that they wanted to create a feeling in the game that you are just not prepared for what’s around the corner. The games foreboding and desolate world does just that, and makes the game stand out from its predecessor and just about every other FPS out there. The shooter genre made be played out, but a good scary game is hard to come by and that’s why “Last Light” should be on everyone’s radar.

Game of the Show – “The Last of Us”

I almost wanted to give this to “Watch Dogs”, but I’m really impressed with how “The Last of Us” had arrived in a wave of hype and has only earned more with everything that it showcases since. Naughty Dog is looking to really make a significant improvement in the field of video game storytelling, and the dynamic between “The Last of Us’s” two characters looks like it may just do that. Their banter sets the environment, moves along the story, and enhances the situation without ever once coming across as annoying or poorly done. Combine that with the games “Uncharted” like game mechanics, as well as some of the most responsive and intelligent A.I. I’ve ever seen, and you have the most complete looking title at E3 and possibly on the horizon.

Overall Message – We Need the Next Generation

The overall message of the show seemed to be that if gamers are really looking for excitement, they’ll have to wait until next generation. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t exciting or fun looking titles on the way, but the shows dire lack of “Wow!” was really noticeable this year. Sony and Microsoft seem to be,mostly, treading water with their current systems, and it will certainly be nice to see them have to shake things up with entirely new consoles. Nintendo’s Wii U may have been underwhelming, but hearing about it specs, features, and titles at least provided the breath of fresh air the other big two were missing. Let’s hope for more of that next year.