Reaction

And that is the reason I am a Game Designer and not a Game Analyst, but that is perfectly fine because there was some really awesome games shown yesterday!

Microsoft

I admit it. I am not a Microsoft fan, and having worked in the IT industry for three years doesn’t help. They gave a strong lineup, Gears, Call of Duty, and of course Halo. But these were all known sources, nothing surprising, nothing terribly innovative. Microsoft held the course this year.

EA

While EA was honored with the prestigious Worst Company in America, I still am holding out hope that they slowly come around. The EA partners program is a great system for smaller companies to get their feet wet. Tomb Raider looks amazing, a gritty Uncharted like adventure that has some truly cinematic moments. Dead Space is a great horror franchise and though everyone saw it coming, at least Dead Space 3 is confirmed.

Ubisoft

Finally some groundbreaking innovation in the Assassin’s Creed. Moving through the trees looked so fluid and the rock climbing on irregular/diagonal surfaces is perfect. In addition, Ubisoft should get a tremendous  round of applause for 1. Creating a wholly new IP and 2. Being able to keep it secret for so long. Watch_Dogs looks like a great original new concept that everyone will be holding their breath to hear more about in the coming months.

Finally Sony.

Who in my opinion gave the strongest presentation of them all, thanks to Jack Tretton who had a great stage presence. Opening with David Cage, and Quantic Dream’s new IP Beyond was fantastic. Since the Kara trailer came out everyone here at Birnam Wood has been excited to see what they come out with and Beyond exceeds expectations. Finally Naughty Dog closed up the night with one of the best in-game experiences I have ever seen in The Last of Us. Can’t wait to see more.

Ok, note to team, one day we are going to be up there on that stage.