E3 in L.A. for Three Years [Edge]

"Just yesterday we accidentally left some of our thunder in our pants and then they went into the washing machine and the thunder got ruined," said Mike "Gabe" Krahulik, "It wasn't a big deal to us, though, because we have plenty more thunder."

Speaking to Edge, Gabe elaborated, ""I don't see it having any effect on PAX, no. E3 has always been and looks like it will continue to be about the industry. PAX is about the community around games as much as it's about the games themselves."

PAX: Big E3 Won't "Steal Our Thunder" [Edge]

That means we should expect big crowds and big booths, possibly a return to form on par with E3 2006 and prior. According to Laurent Detoc, president of Ubisoft North America, we should also "get ready for some fireworks!" Oy!

What we shouldn't expect, however, is public access to the show. The official announcement from the ESA makes no mention of admission to anyone but industry types. That announcement is right after this.

Entertainment Software Association Announces 2009 E3 Expo

Los Angeles to Host Video Game Industry Event in June

Washington, DC – October 22, 2008 – The 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) will take place from June 2-4, 2009, at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today. The expanded E3 will welcome all qualified computer and video game industry audiences, including international and U.S.-based media, analysts, retailers, developers and business partners to preview the latest in interactive entertainment and technology.

“Video games are the fastest growing and most compelling sector of the entertainment industry. And, this upgraded event will reflect the growth, innovation and excitement of our industry,” said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, which represents US computer and video game publishers and organizes the annual event. “The breadth, scope and quality of the changes made to the show will make E3 the must-attend event of the year.”

“The E3 Expo will be the pre-eminent North American gaming show next year. The new, larger event is better for industry leaders and for serious gamers,” commented John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts.

After conducting both qualitative and quantitative research, ESA officials stated changes were necessary to better meet the needs of both exhibitors and attendees— these changes include increased booth sizes, increased qualified audiences, and an intensified focus on reinforcing the high-octane growth, innovation, and captivating entertainment that are driving the computer and video game industry.

"The video game business will be twice as big in 2009 as it was in 2006 when we had the last real E3 Expo - so get ready for some fireworks!" said Laurent Detoc, president of Ubisoft North America. "The changes made will ensure that the 2009 E3 Expo conveys the best of what makes us proud as entertainment leaders."

ESA also said IDG World Expo, whose principals have operated E3 since its inception in 1995, will produce the event with the ESA.

The event will be open to ESA members and non-members alike. Organizers noted they are expanding the list of companies eligible to participate. Companies involved in console, PC, online, and mobile game publishing and developing, qualified business partners, as well as makers of video game hardware and peripherals can exhibit.

Additional details, including registration, hotel and travel accommodations, and media credentialing, will be forthcoming in the next few weeks and will be available at www.e3expo.com.

The Entertainment Software Association is the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of companies publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet. The ESA offers services to interactive entertainment software publishers including a global anti-piracy program, owning the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), business and consumer research, federal and state government relations, First Amendment and intellectual property protection efforts. For more information, please visit www.theESA.com.

It would not only give publishers more time to spread out announcements between the show and, later in the year, Games Convention and Tokyo Game Show, it would give developers time to ready more polished demos without cutting into the critical development time of the approaching holidays.

The show is hoping to attract a crowd much bigger than the stripped down, dead in the water version seen this summer. Much bigger.

Sources tell us that while the crowd probably won't approach the 60,000-plus that showed up at the last BIG E3, it would be as much as ten times the size of this year's show, resulting in tens of thousands of industry types plaguing the show floor.

The show will remain at the Los Angeles Convention Center, we hear. However, the ESA may not have the pull to book the whole show, so it's possible gamers and attendees of National Retail Federation Loss Prevention Conference will be rubbing elbows between halls. The Los Angeles Convention Center is currently showing as unbooked for the first week of June, however, so the ESA may be able to squeeze its event in during that time frame.

While it was unclear whether we would be seeing a return to booth babes, booming speakers, armfuls of schwag and flaming show floors with the advent of the new new new E3, it is clear that the new show will once more open its doors to the most "enthusiastic" of press.

A bulk of those extra bodies packing next year's show will likely come from a broadening policy toward who is and isn't a legitimate media representative, with the invite-only policy potentially dropped.

We've heard that it could be as open as allowing anyone with a blog to attend the show. This may not be the full on, open-to-the-public show that E3 really needs to stay in the game, but it leaves enough in the gray to keep the ESA's annual show's head just above the water.

Hopefully, it's just one step in the direction of turning the show into the sort of event that would once more make it relevant by allowing the public to attend, something both Tokyo Game Show and Games Convention have done since their advent.

The latest word we've heard is that the idea has been officially brought forward and is in discussion by the board of the Entertainment Software Association. That means the possibility of an open E3 is one step closer to reality, if the rumor is true.

The question now is, is the move, if it happens, too little, too late? Can anything save E3 at this point or was this year's event and the across-the-board negative reactions to it the final nail in the show's coffin?

It almost feels like a zombie at this point; it's the walking dead. It's such an abrupt end to what was E3, which had been this huge escalating arms race....Right now we're in this kind of dicey, do we have an event, what event is it, which one do we go to? I think we're in an uncomfortable transition zone when really the real E3 died a couple of years ago.

Probably the best analogy yet. You can't bring it back, it's already dead, so all that's left is either let it keep wandering around causing harm or suck it up and put it out of its misery.

Will Wright: E3 is "the walking dead" [Gamesindustry.biz] [Image]

While we were surprised to see a lack of X-waggle and to learn that Kid Icarus was a no-show, that Duffy performance clearly came out of nowhere. Hit the jump for the final tally and keep your eyes peeled for the winner — and possible tie-breaker — of our E3 Fantasy Betting Pool contest. Woot!

Microsoft shows off new Xbox 360 user interface
The Redmond giant announced the new, Cover Flow-like dashboard at its press conference, dubbing it the New Xbox Experience. Reaction was mixed, but as an anti-fan of the current, hideous Vegas-strip look and feel, I welcomed it with open arms.

Microsoft announces Avatars, its own version of the Mii
We obviously knew about Avatars weeks in advance of E3, thanks to the tissue-thin security at marketing research company Intellisponse. We even knew what they looked like. It's doubtful that if we hadn't gotten an early preview, we'd have cared about the new feature any more than we do right now.

At least one celebrity calls one of the music games shown off on stage by the wrong name.
Unfortunately for the Viacom folks who gave The Who a huge sum of money to play the Rock Band party at the Orpheum, Pete Townshend confused the game with its main competitor, the Guitar Hero series. An honest mistake!

Don Mattrick will not sport Peter Moore style tattoos
We didn't see any. Did you?

Grand Theft Auto IV spin-off for Nintendo DS and/or PSP announced.
One of the titles Nintendo touted as core focused was Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, a portable side story set in Liberty City. And it was merely announced, with nothing but a logo on display.

Nintendo will fail to announce a storage device for Wii, enraging the hardcore with another jovial, upbeat mass-market presentation including at least one head-scratcher peripheral.
Storage device? Nope. Jovial, upbeat mass-market presentation? Check. Head-scratcher peripheral? Wii MotionPlus might fit the bill, especially if you're a developer who wasted many man hours programming motion detection routines that can now be done with hardware.

One awkward, surprise celebrity walk-on will spawn its own internet meme for the coming age.
It may be a stretch to describe portions of Nintendo's media briefing as meme-spawning, but we're never going to forget the animated GIFs of DJ Ravi Drums wailing away on the air drums with Wii Music.

Finally, this one — Animal Crossing Wii gets stuffed animals with virtual keycodes — was almost correct, as Ubisoft announced that Petz branded stuffed animal with virtual keycodes, unlocking breeds in-game were due to be released. We take no pride in being almost right when it comes to Petz related topics.

The old E3 was all the worst parts of nerd culture mashed up with all the worst parts of frat culture. When these two natural enemies join forces it can only presage the eldritch touch of Satan. Imagine a giant steaming helping of brain-dead rah-rah awesome bro 'tude combined with sweaty, hygenically challenged man-children futilely chasing their ever-receding childhoods. The old E3 was a three-day migraine with a side order of Asberger's Syndrome, which turns out is neither pretty nor pleasant. Plus, some of us were trying to get work done. Seriously, no one likes a good party more than me, but a good party has to ebb and flow or people get exhausted. The old E3 was like a four-day bender with your friend who just discovered how awesome crystal meth is. It's entertaining at first, then it gets tiring, then annoying, then scary, then you wake up in jail without your pants.

Sounds like Revenge of the Nerds, but better. Way better.

How To Sound Smart About E3 [Playboy]

I think we felt that E3 suffered by not having that grandeur and the theatrical shows that demonstrate this is a business that generates billions of Euros. It was more like a convention for plumbers. But behind closed doors, there was a decent amount of business going on.

If that's a comment on the amount of visible ass-crack on show, Ray, I can assure you, it's all the rage with the kids these days.

Interview: Ray Maguire, MD of SCE UK [TechRadar]

E3 was a strange beast this year. We had an extremely strong product showing, had some great meetings, and got our messaging over pretty strongly – all at an event that had all the atmosphere of a large hospital corridor...we’d like to see something that represents the fun, dynamic nature of the industry a little better without going back to the insanity that was E3 of old.

It's OK, Simon. We miss the booth crumpet as well.

‘E3 felt like a hospital corridor’ [MCV]

As we do every year, we’re beginning the process of surveying exhibitors and attendees to determine potential changes to the Summit. Once this is completed and shared with the ESA’s Board of Directors, we will make an announcement about the specifics of the 2009 E3 Media & Business Summit, which will occur.

Maybe they'll move it back to Santa Monica again to keep everyone on their toes. Or how about Pasadena? Bring it to Orange County!

E3 to return in '09 [GameSpot via Go Nintendo]

If there aren't dramatic changes to the format and staff, I'm never going again...The concept is broken, it's expensive, messages are diluted, consumers are ignored (remembering that the future of this industry is direct connections with consumers – not retailers), the ticket policies are stupid, and if the entire industry worldwide doesn't participate, it's not real anyway.

Tough words! Tough, but true. Who'll be next to let us know of E3's impending demise? Stay tuned!

Perry: E3 is an embarrassment [GI.biz]

Like Radiohead and KISS before them, the team decided that there wasn't much further they could take the Mortal Kombat franchise without doing something radical, hoping that after the shock wore off, that the core fans would come along for the ride.

I suspect that they will, with DC devotees also hopping on board. Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe is currently resting at the top of my personal list of biggest surprises at E3 08. Not only is it disarmingly fun, it reminds me of my favorite entry in the series, Mortal Kombat II.

That game may represent the fondest of memories for fans of Midway's Mortal Kombat series. It was bright, but somehow managed to remain moody; dark, but somehow still full of vibrancy.

Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe brings the series back to its roots, managing to have Krypton's only son almost fit. Superman may stand out like a sore thumb visually — the Flash and Batman less so — but his move set and his Brutality are totally MK. Seeing Batman pull off a Kung Lao-like teleport via smoke bomb or Flash run 'round the world akin to Scorpion's classic teleport just works.

There's a good weight to all of the new characters, and returning fighters — I played Sub Zero, Scorpion and Sonya — feel solid and familiar. They've been updated with some new moves, with Sub Zero getting some of the most spectacular. Seeing the frosty ninja slip through the floor and rematerialize as an icy clone, well, it literally might induce some chills.

Possibly the most enjoyable member of those selectable at E3 08 was the Flash. His flurries of punches look and sound rather painful.

Other cool additions are the "pro moves", essentially double attacks that require precise timing. These moves will not only keep your enemy on their toes, but you'll be able to further mix up your high level gameplay tactics. Obviously, these moves add a bit of risk, as your kombatant will be locked in his or her animation for twice as long.

Fortunately, MK vs. DCU is very friendly to new players. I'm a lapsed Mortal Kombat fan, personally, having most recently dabbled with Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance and having little interest in the recent additions to the MK roster. Frankly, with so much lore and a cast of characters that once spanned 60-plus fighters, I welcome a whittled down roster of just twenty or so.

There's a lot of variety in here, despite the smaller character count and the removal of weapons and stances. With "Klose Kombat", the paper-rock-scissors style fighting also featured in the new "Air Kombat" sequences, and the "Test Your Might" in-fight button mashing fun, it might be a mediumcore fighting game hit. I was pretty much converted on the spot and think that a good number of the "haters" might be too, once they get their mitts on the thing.

But there's a silver lining! Our coverage will continue despite this tragedy. Expect loads more hands-on impressions, media, out of context quotes, and analysis over the following days. E3 coverage... you're soaking in it!

"We continue investigating all types of games," Miyamoto responded. "When it's time to announce such a title, I'll announce it." Then he did. "We're making Pikmin."

Again, that's "We're making Pikmin."

Ubisoft announced at its press conference earlier today — via the trailer above — that I Am Alive, a title that looks to be a third person survival horror title that looks heavy on survival and light on horror. Well, light on zombies or demons from a netherworld, but horrific nonetheless. It's the title that Assassin's Creed producer Jade Raymond is rumored to be attached to, if that happens to do something for you.

It was a fantastic crowd, probably twice that of the E3 2006 party at the same location, full of friendly (and bashful) Kotaku regulars alongside compatriots at MTV, G4, Giant Bomb and elsewhere. Sure it got a little ugly at times — and we don't mean photogenic commenter Shindokie! — and Crecente committed a party foul by playing video games, but these photos, courtesy of Vlad and Jon from Videogame Visionary, show that folks aren't afraid of a good time.

Thanks a million to everyone who came out to rub elbows, snap shots and drink on our dime.

The new look and feel for the Xbox 360 dashboard was designed to be navigable by those unfamiliar with the current "blades" interface, with the New Xbox Experience akin to a TV remote control UI. In person, it's pretty slick — the Xbox 360 logo radiates a constant pulse in the bottom right corner, with iTunes Cover Flow-style reflections and navigation giving gamers a quick clean look at their games and content.

Fans of the current "blades" interface may be saddened to learn that the update isn't an optional redesign, it's a total replacement. They'll still get a taste of the old interface via the new Guide look and feel. Hit the jump for a photo.

The New Guide
That's the new look of the Xbox 360's Guide, accessible from the big old Guide button on the standard controller. You'll have familiar access to your games, media and settings, via the pop up Guide, which loads faster and more smoothly than the current iteration. You'll also be able to hop directly into anything from your Games library — Live Arcade games, movies, installed Xbox 360 retail games — regardless of what you're currently using your 360 for.

The new Guide and the NXE interface are both said to load faster, even if you have 100+ games in your library. Whitten noted that the LIVE team is very focused on optimizing the experience.

Your Old Stuff...
...will still work in the new interface. The gamerpics and themes you downloaded will work with NXE. And while we didn't get to see it in action, Marc Whitten swears they look "beautiful" on the new interface.

Play From Hard Drive
Details on ripping games to your Xbox 360 HDD are still to be announced, but it appears that the only limitation on users is that the game disc must be in the drive in order to play. That means no lending your copy of History Channel: Battle for the Pacific to get around, you know, owning the thing. The feature is said to work with all Xbox 360 games past, present and future and is primarily a method to reduce load times.

Netflix & The Instant Queue
Xbox Live's Larry Hryb showed Netflix integration in action, updating his queue via the Web, which then updated automatically on the Xbox 360. That newly added movie was then streamed via Netflix's servers. The quality was definitely below DVD quality, but still looked good.

Where Do The Ads Go?
Microsoft said more than once that they'd be releasing more information on the update — including things like what real estate advertising will occupy in NXE — at a later date. Ads weren't visible in the demo version we were shown, but we won't be surprised when they pop up in the less sexier, real world version of the interface update.

Mystery Science Theater 360
With Avatars, LIVE Party and the ability to stream movies and TV shows with other Netflix subscribers while chatting, wouldn't that make for an excellent vehicle for mocking the worst of the worst movies? The wink and a smile that Whitten gave the Community attendees certainly made us think so, but we don't know if Microsoft plans on officially supporting the overlay of Avatars on Netflix video streams.

There Will Be No Browser
At least, not in the NXE Fall update. A Web version of Xbox LIVE Marketplace is coming, but IE 360 isn't happening right now, according to Whitten.

Screens of the New Xbox Experience can be seen in our gallery below.

That game obviously wasn't announced at Microsoft's press conference earlier, nor was any other Bungie-helmed project. However, EA's press conference happens later today. Might want to keep your eyes peeled on that one, just in case the two happen to be related.

Just in case.

The coming week will be completely dominated by E3 coverage. Come to think of it, the previous week was completely dominated by pre-E3 coverage. After the jump we've compiled a scene-setter of sorts, aggregating together all the lineups announced, so you know some of what to look for in the coming onslaught of copy.

Kotaku's crack staff on the scene will be Brian Crecente, Michael McWhertor, Brian Ashcraft, Mike Fahey, Leigh Alexander, and Adam Barenblat. They're going to be very busy.

Console Roundups:
Sony
Microsoft
Nintendo

Developer/Publisher Lineups

2K Games
• BioShock
• Borderlands
• NBA 2K9
• NHL 2K9
• Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization

Capcom:
• Street Fighter IV
• Resident Evil 5
• Dark Void
• Bionic Commando
• Mega Man 9
• MotoGP '08
• Neopets Puzzle Adventure
• Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
• Bionic Commando Rearmed
• Flock (XBLA, PSN)
• New games from Capcom Interactive

D3Publisher
• Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers
• NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2
• Puzzle Quest: Galactrix
• BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game
• NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2
• Bangai-O Spirits
• Shaun the Sheep

Electronic Arts
• Dead Space
• FaceBreaker
• Hasbro Family Game Night
• Littlest Pet Shop
• Madden NFL 09
• Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
• Mirror’s Edge
• iPhone/iPod Touch Games from EA Mobile
• The Sims 2 Apartment Pets
• Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 for the PSP
• Zubo
• MySims (PC)
• MySims Kingdom (Wii, DS)
• Spore
• Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09
• Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning
• Command & Conquer Red Alert 3
• Crysis Warhead
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• The Lord of the Rings: Conquest
• SimCity Creator (Wii)
• NBA Live 09
• NCAA® Football 09
• Skate It
• Rock Band™ 2
• Left 4 Dead

Majesco
• Major Minor's Majestic March
• Cooking Mama World Kitchen
• Our House
• Zoo Hospital
• AWAY Shuffle Dungeon
• Wonder World Amusement Park
• Babysitting Mania
• Marker Man Adventures

Marvelous and XSEED
• Avalon Code (DS)
• Rune Factory: Frontier (Wii)
• Little King's Story (Wii)
• Valhalla Knights 2 (PSP)
• Populous (DS)
• KORG DS-10 (DS)
• Retro Game Challenge

Midway
• Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
• Wheelman
• TNA iMPACT!
• Blitz the League II
• This is Vegas
• Unreal Tournament 3
• Game Party 2
• Touchmaster 2
• Mechanic Master
• MidwayArcade.com

Southpeak
• Big Bang Mini
• Brave: A Warriors Tale
• Brave: Shaman’s Challenge
• Igor The Game (Windows PC, Wii & Nintendo DS – September 2008)
• Monster Madness: Grave Danger
• Ninjatown
• Raven Squad
• X-Blades

Square Enix
• The Last Remnant
• Song Summoner: The Unsung Heroes
• Chrono Trigger
• Dragon Quest: Chapters of the Chosen
• Final Fantasy IV (DS)
• Star Ocean: First Departure
• Star Ocean: Second Evolution
• Infinite Undiscovery
• Star Ocean: The Last Hope
• Exit DS
• The Legend of Kage 2

Tecmo:
• Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff (DS)
• Robocalypse (DS)
• Spray (Wii)

Good luck!

Kotaku E3 2008 Fantasy Betting Pool [Kotaku]

Xbox 360 Pro Hardware [Target - thanks, jump4816!]

Also for the DS is Robocalypse, an "innovative, new, real-time strategy game" in which, you guessed it, robots fight. They fight comically, it seems, as Jay Lender, SpongeBob Squarepants writer and director co-wrote the storyline.

Rounding out the list is SPRay for the Wii. Tecmo describes it as an action adventure game with "a unique gameplay mechanic involving the use of several liquids that are sprayed onto the game universe." For more details, check the full press release.

TECMO® ANNOUNCES 2008 E3 MEDIA AND BUSINESS LINEUP

A Classic Remake and Brand New Properties for the Nintendo DS™ and Wii™ Set to Launch This Fall

TORRANCE, Calif., July 10, 2008 – Leading video game developer and publisher Tecmo® today announced its 2008 E3 Media and Business Summit lineup which includes an all-time favorite football game, a game full of robots with attitude and an action adventure packed with tons of goo!

Tecmo will have the following titles on display in the Concourse Pavilion at the Los Angeles Convention Center (booth # 417/419) between July 15th and 17th:

The game that started it all – TECMO BOWL® is back!

TECMO BOWL: KICKOFF (Nintendo DS / September 2008)

Based on the most popular Tecmo Super Bowl™, Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff will deliver to long time fans and newcomers easy to employ controls, fun, huge plays and exciting cut-scenes. The classic, over-the-top, all-American football game enables players of all levels to engage in a fun filled, fast paced, arcade style of football.

Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff brings a host of new features that will further enhance the gameplay experience, including:
• Customizable Teams: Choose team colors, emblems, player names, team cities and abilities.
• Super Abilities: Tactically use over-the-top plays to take over a game.
• Wi-Fi and Wireless Multiplayer: Play against friends across the country or across the room.
• Variety of Teams: Choose from 32 different teams across the country.
• Cut-Scenes: All-new cut-scenes showing off the dramatic presentation of various plays.
• Stylus Control: Feel the action by using the stylus to control your player.
• Customizable Playbook: Choose four running and four passing plays to your liking.
• Music and Sound Effects: Turn up the heat on your opponent as you play the game to rock ‘n’ roll remixes of the most memorable tunes in football gaming history!

The game has not yet been rated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB).

Lead your army to prevent the Robocalypse!

ROBOCALYPSE™ (Nintendo DS / October 2008)

Developed by Vogster™ Entertainment, Robocalypse is an innovative, new, real-time strategy game for the Nintendo DS. Featuring robotic armies equipped with unique weaponry, Robocalypse offers deep strategic warfare and a twist of humor.

A technological breakthrough for the Nintendo DS, Robocalypse features over 50 A.I. driven units with advanced distributed path-finding, dynamic music and stunning 3D particle effects. Supporting these advancements is a hilarious storyline penned by Jay Lender, a writer and director for the acclaimed cartoon series SpongeBob Squarepants™, and Micah Wright, known for his writing contributions across multiple mediums.

• Robots with Attitude: Create an army by choosing from a multitude of different robot units with specialized skills and weapons that gain power as you destroy the enemy.
• Wacky Weapons: Over 20 groundbreaking weapon types with spectacular visual effects, including; Converter Cannons, Falling Anvils, the Head-Crack’n Gauntlet and Digitizers.
• Total Stylus Control: Simplified controls and innovative Action Flag system reduces the complexity of commanding units. No buttons – just point and tap.
• Multiplayer Mayhem: 2 to 4 multiplayer wireless DS multi-card play – play head to head or co-op with unique maps and multiple play modes, then track your progress in the Hall of Fame.
• Heroes Win the War: Courageous Heroes embody powerful abilities and can be controlled directly in combat. Rampage Mode, Conversion (turn enemies into refrigerators) and Leadership (unite soldiers into a single fighting unit) are just a few of their supreme capabilities.
• Epic Storymode: Military routines are accidentally installed into prototype robots, turning them into hunter killers. Disaster ensues and to save humanity, a new batch of robots is implanted with the brain scans of retired WWII vets, giving rise to an oil-swilling, brawling, robotic dirty dozen. Campaign includes 17 unique missions, hidden objectives and a robust reward system.

The game has not yet been rated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). For additional information, please visit www.robocalypse.com.

A “Spirited Prince” called “Ray” – SPRay!

SPRAY™ (Wii / Holiday 2008)

Tecmo has signed an agreement with Eko Software for the exclusive North American publishing rights to SPRay, an action-adventure game developed for the Wii that features a unique gameplay mechanic involving the use of several liquids that are sprayed onto the game universe.

Players will soak in the action in SPRay by playing a spirited Prince named Ray who must save his village from a banished evil Queen who’s returned to capture and enslave the villagers. After donning a magic crown which summons two liquid spraying spirits, he sets out to defeat the evil Queen and her army of anti-matter soldiers. Skillfully use the “angelic” and “wicked” spirits to spray water, oil, goo, and other liquids on enemies and surfaces to solve puzzles and wipe out evil!

• Perform gravity-defying moves as you spray, stick, and slide your way through challenging puzzles
• Creatively fight enemies by blasting various liquids on them and finishing them with a flurry of sword slashes!
• Use the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk™ to take hold of Ray’s “angelic” and “wicked” spirits
• Get together with friends to play crazy multiplayer games like “Paint It!” and “Sticky Chewing Gum”

The game has not yet been rated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB).

About Tecmo

Tecmo®, Inc., located in Torrance, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo based Tecmo, LTD. Tecmo, Inc. is a leading publisher of video games for next generation consoles, handheld hardware, and mobile devices including those manufactured by Microsoft, Sony Computer Entertainment America, and Nintendo. Tecmo has gained worldwide recognition with product lines such as Tecmo Bowl®, Ninja Gaiden®, Dead or Alive®, Fatal Frame®, Monster Rancher®, and Gallop Racer®. More information on Tecmo can be found at www.tecmogames.com.

About Vogster Entertainment

Vogster Entertainment is a venture-funded game development company headquartered in the New York City metropolitan area and augmented by development studios in Moscow, Russia and Kiev, Ukraine. Our mission is to produce top-quality interactive entertainment for consoles, handhelds, and online distribution. More information can be found online at www.vogster.com.

About Eko Software

Eko Software is an independent game development company founded in 1999 and based in Paris, France. Eko Software develops original state-of-the-art video games for all the leading game platforms. In addition to SPRay for the Nintendo Wii, EKO is currently working on multiple projects for the Nintendo Wii, DS and PSP.

You've read our surgically precise E3 predictions — now it's time to bet on them. Not so fast, Speed. We got some rules to discuss! Keep reading.

The Rules, in order of importance.

1. You may make one comment and one comment only in this post. This comment represents your wager and should not be used to discuss another commenter's bet. Any further comments beyond the wagering comment will disqualify you.
2. Do not add your own predictions to the list of bets. Please use the comments in our E3 predictions post for your own speculation. It's fun!
3. You have 500 Kotaku Points to bet. The minimum bet is 50 KP per prediction, and the maximum bet is 250 KP. Distribute as you will!
4. All bets must add up to 500 Kotaku Points. Any bets totaling more or less than 500 will be thrown out. Check your math!
5. Place your bet in this format:

50 KP - Microsoft will announce a Blu-ray add-on (50:1)
200 KP - Bungie’s answer to Mario unveiled (2:1)
100 KP - Smaller, cheaper PlayStation 3 announced for 2008 release (10:1)
100 KP - Nintendo announces Factor 5 developed Kid Icarus for Wii, spares us a Wii Bow peripheral. (4:1)
50 KP - The Xbox 360 gets a web browser. (20:1)

Failure to observe the rules above disqualifies your entry, so let it stew until you have it right.

What do you win? Fabulous cash and prizes (minus cash)! Expect that whomever walks away with the most points not only scores internet credibility (approximate value is 1/10 of 1 cent) but will also secure a pile of E3 swag the likes of which may have never been seen (except for possibly last year's haul). I've personally got plenty of coveted mystery stuff to give away. Don't worry. We'll make it worth your while.

In the case of a tie, we'll doing a random drawing to determine the winner.

Got it? Betting ends Friday, July 11 at 8 PM EST. Have fun!

And we're making our own guesses about what we'll be seeing from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony at their respective media briefings. Some things, like X-waggle, a new Animal Crossing and another appearance from PlayStation Home are practically guaranteed. But what surprises will companies like EA, Sega, Take-Two and Capcom bring?

We've thought long, hard and then, harder once more, to nail down our best guesses on what we can expect from E3 2008. Hit the jump for our laser precise insight into what we'll be treated to next week.

Brian Crecente
Home dated and Home game rooms for titles like Resistance and Warhawk detailed (4:1)
Microsoft announces motion controller which will be sold bundled with a game. (4:1)
Microsoft shows off new Xbox 360 user interface (2:1)
Microsoft announces Avatars, its own version of the Mii (1:1)
Microsoft announces new bundle that features white Xbox 360, motion controller and game. (10:1)
Animal Crossing Wii gets stuffed animals with virtual keycodes. (100:1)
EA Take-Two merger unveiled. (10:1)
EA Takes on Bungie as a label partner. (20:1)
Bungie’s answer to Mario unveiled (2:1)
At least one celebrity calls one of the music games shown off on stage by the wrong name. (5:1)

Brian Ashcraft
Nintendo will say "We haven't forgotten the core gamer" at its press conference at least three times (5:1)
Square Enix will announce "Kingdom Hearts 3" for the Xbox 360 (10:1)
Don Mattrick will not sport Peter Moore style tattoos (2:1)
Nintendo will announce Animal Crossing Wii, and there will be no voice support (4:1)
Kaz Hirai will wear a pink shirt at the Sony presser (10:1)
Microsoft will announce a Blu-ray add-on (50:1)

Michael McWhertor
Nintendo announces Factor 5 developed Kid Icarus for Wii, spares us a Wii Bow peripheral. (4:1)
Ninja Blade announced as one of the first games to take advantage the new Xbox 360 motion controller. (10:1)
Smaller, cheaper PlayStation 3 announced for 2008 release (10:1)
Grand Theft Auto IV spin-off for Nintendo DS and/or PSP announced. (10:1)
Steven Spielberg's "PQRS" revealed for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. (8:1)
Sega reveals plans to bring Jet Set Radio, Alex Kidd and Typing of the Dead sequels to various platforms. (100:1)

Mike Fahey
PlayStation 2 titles downloadable for PS3. (10:1)
The Xbox 360 gets a web browser. (20:1)
Microsoft announces the Zune Store integration for the Xbox 360. (50:1)
Nintendo Wii gets a workable online service. (100:1)
Sony debuts break-apart motion controller, Nintendo fans break internet laughing (25:1)
Nintendo reveals Mario first-person shooter for the hardcore gamer. (100:1)

Leigh Alexander
We will see more than one new title featuring a with tough-as-nails, strong female protagonist. (2:1)
Nintendo will fail to announce a storage device for Wii, enraging the hardcore with another jovial, upbeat mass-market presentation including at least one head-scratcher peripheral. (4:1)
At least one more major publisher will announce it is developing or porting iPhone games. (2:1)
One awkward, surprise celebrity walk-on will spawn its own internet meme for the coming age. (10:1)
A new Nintendo DS will be unveiled, featuring an accelerometer and a camera. (10:1)
Sega will at last announce a true Sonic platformer, with no lame friends, no creepy love scenes, and no werewolves. (100:1)

Luke Plunkett
Peter Jackson Halo game shown off, people seem confused (3:1)
Pandemic will get around to announcing their sandbox Batman title, will look very dark (2:1)
Someone, somewhere, will spill that Metal Gear Solid 4 will be coming to 360 and PC (4:1)
Microsoft presser dominated by unveiling of a motion controller, will be supported by at least one Viva Pinata game and at least one Raving Rabbids game. (4:1)
BioWare's KOTOR MMO is shown for the first time. Won't be called KOTOR 3. (8:1)

Owen Good
The Conduit gets a publisher. (10:1)
Retro game suite a la Atari 2600 collection announced for the iPhone (20:1)
The Beatles coming to a rhythm game, maybe announcing a new one. (50:1)
It's announced than an FPS using Wii Balance Board under dev. (75:1)
We're given a sneak peek at some DLC upcoming for GTA IV. (25:1)
Lucasarts no longer handling its unnamed Indiana Jones action game. (10:1)

In the next few hours, we'll be opening up the betting pool for predictions in a follow up post, so start reading over our best guesses, compare them to our odds and get ready to participate in the E3 2008 Kotaku Fantasy Betting Pool. Oh, and make sure you read the rules!

Specifically, Ken says "The primary function that Kazooie has in the game is she carries this wrench and the wrench is used for many different things. One of the things that the wrench is used for is to turn these devices. So you basically grab with the wrench and then you twist the controller around and it'll move different things in the game."

While we're mostly positive that Microsoft will be spilling the official beans on X-waggle come next week, we're not going to take Ken's word as motion controlled gospel. He could have merely misspoke, even if it's a rumor we've heard before. If you want to be the judge, make it to the 4 minute mark on the IGN video linked below.

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts Xbox 360 Developer Commentary - Showdown Town Walkthrough [IGN - thanks, William!]

Tom East, online editor for ONM, writes on his blog that "those of you who have read the new issue of Official Nintendo Magazine should already know that Animal Crossing Wii will be unveiled at the conference." QED, I guess.

Since we've yet to see any ONM subscribers excitedly spill the details from the mag online — if there are any details, that is, outside of the brief Animal Crossing Wii mention we've already seen — we're going to hold tight on this almost-confirmation. But yeah, Animal Crossing Wii. We'll be shocked if it doesn't come up next Tuesday.

One Week To Go... [Official Nintendo Magazin]

Says Major Nelson:

Major Nelson is already lining up exclusive interviews with bigwig industry insiders and TriXie will undoubtedly try to crash a few VIP parties. Video Monkey is ready to bring you the sights and sounds of the show, and our intrepid Inside Xbox game gurus (Ryan and Denny of This Week in Xbox) will be grabbing as many controllers as they can for hands-on impressions of all the hot games. On top of that, look for detailed coverage of the press briefings, exciting new game trailers, and sweeping panoramas from the show floor.

There're plenty of pre-hype vids available already.

[Xbox.com E3 2008]

The following exchange wraps up the Bungie Podcast.

Brian: Isn't there something going on on July 14th or something like that?
Luke: Yeah, around then.
Brian: Somehow that's sticking in my head for some reason. Guess we'll have to see.
Luke: Yep, we'll just have to be patient. Who could say?

No, not very helpful. Listening to it though, is very different from reading it, as Smith and Jarrard's delivery leaves little doubt that Bungie has something up its sleeve.

We're sure that since both Microsoft and EA are holding their press conferences that day, at least one of them is going to announce something good. And it might even be Bungie related. And it might even have something to do with that little plunger man they've been shoving in our faces all year.

Bungie Podcast: 7/7/08 [Bungie - thanks, Mike!]

Sunday
8 p.m. Kotaku Party: Open to everyone (21 and over)

Monday
10:30 a.m. Microsoft Presser
1 p.m. Shane Kim Roundtable
3 p.m. EA Presser
8:30 p.m. Gears of War 2 Reception

Tuesday
9 a.m. Show Floor Opens
9 a.m. Nintendo Presser
11:30 a.m. Sony Presser
2: 30 p.m. Ubisoft Presser
4:30 p.m. Capcom Presser
7 p.m. Activision Presser (Not technically a part of E3)

Wednesday
9:15 a.m. E3 Keynote by Gov. Perry
10 a.m. Sony Roundtable
10:45 a.m. Take Two Presser
1 p.m. State of the Industry Keynote
2:30 p.m. Konami Presser

There are, of course, plenty of booth tours, one-on-one interviews, meetings and parties that I didn't include in this concise snapshot. What are you most eager to check out? Me? I'm psyched for the big three's keynote's because those are almost always chockful of news. I'm also interested to see what both Take-Two and EA have to say at their pressers, I expect some news from both, maybe even related, though I sort doubt it. More than any year before, though, I think this E3 will be the year of the third-parties. Lots of big games being shown off.

Hit the jump to vote on what you most want to hear about and see next week.

Ars Technica's source writes that the new hardware SKU will be launched "throughout July" and that the 20GB model will be officially discontinued. Consider this rumor, Microsoft-style, for now, but don't be surprised when whomever's piloting its E3 keynote mentions some extra storage breathing room.

Mole: Microsoft to drop price on 20GB 360, make room for 60GB [Ars Technica]

According to Valve's marketing director Doug Lombardi Half-Life 2: Episode Three won't be making an appearance at E3 this year, with the listing chalked up to a "misprint (or something)." We would assume that if Valve is showcasing anything at E3 this year, it will be Left 4 Dead which is planned for a November 4 release.

Microsoft decided to showcase PC gaming this week in San Francisco and Intel isn't having an E3 presence because...

Kevin Unangst, senior global director of Windows gaming at Microsoft, said his team decided to show off PC games at an event in San Francisco this week to avoid being overshadowed at E3.

“As it has morphed, E3 has fundamentally become a console show,” he said. “We didn’t want to just squeeze out some time at a console show.”

Having attended E3 since 2001, I can say that PC games were among the harder to appreciate during a compressed game-packed week. Still, E3's just a console show now?

Don’t expect to see many PC games at upcoming E3 game show [Venture Beat]

Maas told Kotaku that Crave left the ESA because the company is being sold. Music distribution firm Handleman Company currently owns Crave, after purchasing it for $72 million in 2005.

"Crave’s departure from ESA at this juncture is not a statement against the value provided by our longstanding membership, but rather was motivated by our need to focus on the impending sale of our company," said Maas. We will be re-evaluating our decision, hopefully in the near future. Crave still supports the goals and aims of ESA."

Maas' comments echo the statements of support for the organization's goals stated by other publishers who have left the ESA, a list that now includes Activision, Vivendi, LucasArts and id. Yesterday, the ESA commented on Crave's departure, and today the organization updated its official member list to reflect this most recent exit.

“We can confirm that Crave has decided not to renew its membership in the ESA," said Rich Taylor, the ESA's senior VP of communications and research. "We value each member of our association, but respect their decision. In conversations with Crave, representatives stated that they value their longstanding membership with the ESA and remain committed to the values and goals of the association."

Crave becomes the fifth publisher to leave the association, now down to 24 member companies. Activision and Vivendi broke ties with the ESA in a highly-publicized exit, and LucasArts and id soon followed. Speculation holds that the rising cost of membership dues might have played a role in these departures, after the ESA spent $5 million dollars to move E3 last year, while displeasure with the ESA's current leadership and a debate over the necessity of E3 have also been rumored to play a role.

We've contacted Crave, and have yet to receive comment.

We have not announced all of our line-up yet for 2008 but will provide more details at E3 next month... Xbox 360 will continue to be the home to blockbuster games and the most exclusives... By the end of the year we will have over 1,000 games available for Xbox 360, which will be 2-3 times more than any other platform.

Bet Greenberg says that to all the girls.

Microsoft Promises More New Games [GamePro via Videogamer]

LucasArts tees up new Star Wars titles, addresses layoffs [VentureBeat]

Earlier this week we had a chance to ask a number of pointed questions of Gallagher about some of the news that has recently rocked the association that he runs.

In this exclusive first in-depth interview with Gallagher about the perceptions and problems plaguing the ESA, he reveals that the annual E3 tradeshow made up about 85 percent of the association's operating funds and that the membership dues increases sparked by the show's downsizing were in some cases "substantial." He also offers his thoughts on why companies like Activision, Vivendi, LucasArts and id have left the fold of the association and why the ESA, despite the recent troubles, is still an important and viable part of the industry.

How much advance notice did you have that Activision, Vivendi, Lucas Arts and id were going to leave the ESA?

Each company gave the ESA ample notice. In discussions, they expressed gratitude for our work and continued support for the mission of the ESA. The public comments from all involved reflect that.

What reason did they give for leaving the ESA?

I would refer you to those companies for their reasons. They are publicly on the record supporting ESA’s mission, but their own business circumstances led them to that decision.

The business environment for video games is very complicated today. Some games are hugely successful – and very costly to develop and publish – but those are greatly outnumbered by those that do not do well in the marketplace. Even though the industry as a whole had a record year last year, with revenues up over 43%, that success has not been spread evenly.

Do you think that the increased cost of ESA membership factor into their decision?

Again, I’m sure this was a tough decision for those few companies, but would encourage you to contact them.

How much did ESA membership dues go up, percentage wise?

To answer this, it’s important to provide some context. In the past, E3 was a revenue-generating entity. As such, approximately 85% of the ESA’s operating funds resulted from that event. The trade show surplus allowed the ESA to provide membership at significantly discounted rates.

With the introduction of the new E3 Media & Business Summit, our Board of Directors increased membership dues to fund the ESA’s work. In some cases the increase in dues was substantial. Without getting into specifics, which are private and specific to individual ESA members, each company pays a certain amount based on North American sales.

Do you have any sense how happy your current member companies are?

Again, I would direct you to the member companies for that answer. The video game industry is very fortunate to have an abundance of strong, innovative, successful companies. Those companies are still very much engaged and supportive of ESA and its mission. In the past year, our industry has faced serious state government challenges, including attempts to regulate the sale or distribution of video games, which we have successfully beaten back. In addition, computer and video game companies are currently enjoying great economic and critical success and ESA has been a leading force in amplifying that good news to key audiences that are critical to a robust environment for the industry. We know our members appreciate these successes and remain deeply engaged in the ESA’s activities and are supportive of our mission.

Is the exodus from ESA over or do you expect more to follow suit?

The membership of any association fluctuates over time. For example, though it didn’t receive much attention by the gamer press, in the past nine months we added four new members—Epic Games, MTV Games, NCSoft, and Codemasters. What’s important to remember is not the changes in membership rolls, but the value the ESA provides to the industry –- a proven track record of defending First Amendment rights, educating elected officials and the uninitiated about computer and video games, and creating an environment beneficial to the entire industry. I would expect that the ESA will continue to make adjustments to ensure that we are delivering the best value and highest benefit to our members in the years to come.

Our industry has changed dramatically since the association was formed 13 years ago, and it is experiencing significant growth and change today. One thing that has become very clear in my first year on the job is that the huge growth the industry has undergone – 43% revenue growth last year, the expansion of online gaming, new revenue streams and models – has given rise to scores of entities that would benefit from participation in the ESA. This overall industry growth is going to be reflected in the ESA of today and tomorrow regardless in the number of members we have on our rolls on any one day.

How unanimous was the decision by the ESA’s board to downsize E3? Were any of the now former members of the ESA dissenters?

That decision was made well before I arrived and I am not going to talk about the specific votes of individual board members. The ESA Board collectively made the decision. What I will say is that the E3 Business & Media Summit in July will display the best the entertainment software industry has to offer. And, the exclusive, invitation-only nature of the event will help ensure an intimate environment, conducive to meeting business and media needs.

How unanimous was the decision by the ESA’s board to move to Santa Monica? And to move back to LA? Were any of the now former members of the ESA dissenters?

Again, that decision was made well before I arrived at ESA, and I am not going to talk about the specific votes of individual board members. The ESA Board heard the feedback provided by exhibitors, journalists, guests, and their own staffs and decided to move the event.

Was the roughly $5 million penalty paid by the ESA to the LA Convention Center the entire cost of breaking the contract that ran through 2012 or was that only for breaking it for a year?

t’s important to note that the $5 million figure that was reported isn’t a penalty or fine assessed by the LACC. It was the cumulative one-time sum from a number of different factors—all of which are normal when moving an event.

Was the decision to move back to the LACC in anyway tied to the penalty paid, in other words did it lessen the fines?

No, the decision to hold the E3 Media & Business Summit in Los Angeles was made to meet the needs of both exhibitors and participants. It offers a centralized location for the number of activities and events occurring during the Summit and has the necessary infrastructure to support the number of attendees, staff, and personnel required for a successful Summit.

How did the ESA manage to land space at the LACC so quickly? Are you in a new multi-year contract with LACC? Did the ESA have to pay more than usually to get space in the center on such short notice?

The LACC space was available and we were able to close quickly on a contract because of our long-standing good relationship with both the city and the LACC. I’m not going to get into specifics our agreement.

Will there be an E3 next year?

Absolutely, The E3 Media & Business Summit will remain the preeminent gathering for the computer and video game industry on this continent. As we have done in the past, we will survey participating companies, members of the media and other Summit participants to learn after this year’s event and decide how we can consistently improve subsequent editions of E3 next year and in the years to come.

Is the continuation of E3 in doubt or up for discussion by the board?

See above.

In today’s state of video gaming, with the industry often being included in mainstream coverage, both as a form of entertainment and as business news, does there need to be an E3?

Yes. Remember, the E3 Summit is first and foremost about getting business done. The Summit provides key players within our thriving industry a much-needed window for high-level meetings in a business-like setting. E3 also provides a time and venue for valuable networking opportunities and dedicated time for interaction with key analysts and members of the media.

Is the board considering shifting their attentions to a new event that is open to the public, perhaps as a way of replacing E3?

To be honest with you, the ESA and our members’ E3 Summit teams are right now wholly focused on ensuring a productive, efficient, and professional experience for attendees this July. That’s where our focus belongs. As we have done following past editions of E3, we will survey various participants and, based on that input, we will set about designing the 2009 edition of the Summit.

Does the recent exodus of member companies reflect a loss in faith or of value of the ESA?

The loss of a few members reflects the individual choices these companies made for their own business reasons. There are hundreds of trade associations in Washington. Members come and go over time. The same has and is happening at ESA. We added members last year and have lost a few members this year.

ESA’s success in helping to create an ecosystem conducive to the growth and innovation we are seeing in the computer and video game industry is indisputable. Our industry is growing and evolving and these changes are going to be reflected in the ESA’s membership, mission and activities. The industry of today will likely be different than the industry of 2015. We look forward to continuing our role as the voice and face of the industry in Washington, DC and in state capitals around the nation in the years to come and carrying forward the policy agenda that promotes an environment where video games thrive now and in the future.

With first amendment and gaming issues fading away, the level of awareness in the rating system rising and E3 no longer the preeminent gaming event in the world, does there need to be an ESA?

I actually disagree with the premise of your question. First amendment issues aren’t fading away at all. In the past year we’ve seen serious state government challenges, including attempts to regulate the sale and distribution of computer and video games. We also are starting to see unconstitutional proposals that would tax video games differently than other forms of first amendment-protected material. Now, more than ever, we have to maintain our vigilance and promote the ESRB rating system, public/private partnerships, and applaud elected officials who work with us to ensure the games children enjoy are appropriate.

Look, it’s a simple equation. Unconstitutional limitations on entertainment software inhibit not only developers in what they can create, but also in the types of games consumers enjoy. Also, the tax proposals we see hurt ordinary consumers, too. The issues we’re at the forefront fighting are not just publisher or developer issues. They are challenges to the entire art and entertainment of video games.

Knowing this, gamers need to be involved in letting their elected officials know that gamers are politically active and vote. We encourage all those interested to visit www.videogamevoters.org and sign up.

ESA is the leading defender of the industry in all of these challenges. As an industry, we will continue to face challenges as we grow into new business models. As online gaming blossoms, issues of privacy, law enforcement, and helping parents to protect children will be a part of a larger discussing. ESA will continue to be the singular voice of the industry in those debates. Where foreign governments are not fully protecting our industry’s investment in innovative and creative products, ESA is leading the charge to encourage sanctions and open up new markets and opportunities. Similarly, where misguided and unconstitutional state legislative proposals are defeated, ESA will be front and center, defending the creative forces within this industry.

These opportunities and challenges have not, and in the foreseeable future will not, disappear. As our industry grows and changes the need for representation in Washington and state capitals will grow and evolve. The political battles we are fighting today could be very different form the battles we fight next year and five and ten years from now. As a result the need for the ESA will exist for many years to come.

Some anonymous company sources have expressed concern over Michael Gallagher’s leadership, they say he isn’t vocal enough and blame some of the recent issues with the industry on him? How do you respond to that?

As a matter of policy, ESA doesn’t comment on blind quotes and speculation. If they are anonymous, it shows the quality of the source. Many industry leaders have publicly endorsed the ESA mission and my leadership.