5 Great E3 Moments That Defined the Video Game Fair

E3 is officially dead. After years of rowing against the current, outstanding event in the video game industry This will not happen again. ESA responded late to changes in consumer habits and was unable to overcome the pandemic, which ultimately buried its plans to launch a new edition in an in-person format.

Although the industry has diversified and no longer relies on an annual event to announce news, some are missing out on the show. For more than two decades, E3 has established itself as the most relevant exhibition for major companies to present their consoles. The fans’ eyes were glued to keynote speecheswhich were broadcast live to promote new games.

In this sea of ​​announcements and presentations there was some of them determined the direction of industry development or they have become memes that will remain for posterity. Below, we take a look at five epic moments in E3 history.

5. Presentation Cyberpunk 2077 with Keanu Reeves

He E3 2019 It was one of the most memorable Xbox conferences. Although the event was already going downhill and there was no participation from PlayStation or EA, the fair opened its doors to the general public for the last time in an attempt to stay informed. It was during this release that Microsoft and CD Projekt Red took advantage of the anticipation Cyberpunk 2077 introduce a new trailer.

Availability Keanu Reeves was the biggest secret in the game in recent years. No one expected that the actor Matrix And John Wick to play Johnny Silverhand, not to mention appearing on stage as a special guest. Keanu caused thousands of reactionsbut the most memorable thing is when the assistant shouts “You’re impressive” and responds with praise.

Although Cyberpunk 2077 It was one of the most disastrous launches, this presentation will go down in history.

4. The Day PS4 Killed Xbox One

Much has been said about Xbox One and how it lost the PS4 generation. Microsoft lost its edge the same thing happened with the Xbox 360 and the console that was announced was full of limitations. Disputes over constant Internet connectivity, used games, and high prices ultimately killed the dreams of Don Mattrick and company.

Although Xbox condemned itself, PlayStation ended up burying the dagger by releasing a wonderful presentation. E3 2013 conference is one of the most explosive since Sony took advantage of all the Xbox One bugs. Jack Tretton, then head of Sony Computer Entertainment America, announced that the PS4 would support used games and would not require an Internet connection or 24-hour registration.

Perhaps most importantly, the PS4 will be cheaper than its competitor.

3. Tattoos Halo 2 And GTA IV on Peter Moore’s hand

Peter Moore was the face of Xbox in the 2000s, and one of his best qualities was his personality. The former head of Microsoft was at ease on stage and joked with developers, as happened in E3 2004.

At the end of the presentation Halo 2, Bungie assured that they have been working hard to complete the game and are close to achieving it. Peter Moore told a story that he went for a drink with the sellers and he promised them that the game already had a release date. “They told me they would believe me the day I tattooed it on my arm. And well, friends, we have a date,” Moore said, showing logo tattoo Halo 2 and the phrase November 9.

Peter Moore He repeated his feat with a tattoo GTA IV at E3 2006, although he didn’t jeopardize the release date this time around. The decision was a wise one, as Rockstar Games’ title was ultimately delayed by six months.

2. Announcement trailer Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Before he delved into experimental games or romances with Hollywood stars, Hideo Kojima worked at Konami. revelation Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty during E3 2000 This is one of the most significant events in history. The trailer showed gameplay scenes and videos of the game, which represented a huge leap from its predecessor.

For the first time, Kojima commissioned Harry-Gregson Williams to compose the soundtrack and took advantage of the hardware to tell a new story for Viper. Since YouTube or social media did not exist, the only alternative at that time was download trailer P2P to enjoy it in QuickTime or RealPlayer.

1. “299”, the number that united PlayStation

The early years of E3 were different from what we see today. Conferences were no spectacle: they were full of numbers, PowerPoint slides and promises. Ultimately, the goal of the event was for publishers to enter into agreements with retailers to ensure holiday sales.

He E3 1995 is one of the most iconic not only because it was the first, but also because it witnessed the launch of the Sega Saturn and the unveiling of Nintendo’s Virtual Boy. Sony is the new contender and he made it clear that he was here to stay. The company got the largest space in the convention center and made life difficult for its competitors.

During PlayStation announcementOlafur Olafsson, founder of Sony Computer Entertainment, called one of his executives to give a “brief presentation.” Steve Race, the man responsible for launching the console in North America, stood up and said, “299.” The reaction was immediate and everyone was happy because Sony struck first selling its first console for $100 less than the Saturn.

Rest in peace, E3.

E3 is full of big moments and announcements that made attendees happy, although it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The fair also witnessed awkward situationslike the PlayStation 3 reveal with “Riiiiiiidge Racer”, the forced Kinect segments, or the day Miyamoto showed off the Wii U controller and confused the whole world.

Some people will not miss this event, because it is more attractive to see dozens of live performances. Those of us lucky enough to attend E3 won’t forget the stress and excitement of covering one of the most important trade shows in the video game industry on-site.