The dust has settled on E3 2024, and the gaming landscape is a changed one. From hotly anticipated sequels to surprising new reveals, this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo delivered a whirlwind of announcements that left gamers buzzing. Here’s a glimpse into some of the biggest stories that emerged from the show floor.
Ubisoft stole the show with Anno 117:Pax Romana, the latest installment in their long-running city-building franchise. Set in the Roman Empire, Pax Romana promises deeper resource management and political intrigue than ever before. Fans were also treated to a glimpse of Avatar:Frontiers of Pandora’s upcoming Skybreaker expansion, which will take players to a whole new region of the alien moon.
Square Enix brought the nostalgia factor with a remake of the beloved Prince of Persia:Sands of Time. While the release date is still a few years out, the trailer showcased stunning visuals and a faithful recreation of the original’s core gameplay elements. Square Enix also confirmed that the long-rumored Metal Gear Solid Delta:Snake Eater is finally happening, offering players the chance to experience the classic Cold War espionage story with a choice – modern controls or the original, notoriously challenging ones.
The horror genre saw its fair share of the spotlight as well. Bloober Team, the developers behind critically acclaimed titles like Layers of Fear, unveiled Slitterhead, a psychological horror game from the mind of Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama. The cryptic trailer offered glimpses of a distorted cityscape and unsettling imagery, leaving fans eager to learn more.
Meanwhile, fans of action-adventure games were treated to an extended gameplay sequence for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The showcase highlighted the game’s dual protagonists – a ruthless ninja and a cunning spy – and how their contrasting playstyles offer distinct approaches to navigating the treacherous world.
Beyond the big names, E3 also provided a platform for smaller developers to shine. Day of the Devs, an annual showcase for independent creators, featured upcoming titles from the developers of Grindstone and Haven, promising innovative gameplay experiences.
The industry giants weren’t the only ones making waves. Microsoft addressed recent studio closures with a focus on “running a sustainable business, ” while Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, reassured fans that Call of Duty wouldn’t undergo drastic changes under Microsoft’s ownership.
E3 2024 wasn’t without its disappointments. Fans of Life is Strange were left divided over the monetization strategy for the upcoming title Life is Strange:Double Exposure’s Ultimate Edition. Additionally, rumors of a Taylor Swift cameo in Deadpool and Wolverine were dispelled, leaving some fans bummed.
Overall, E3 2024 delivered a mixed bag of excitement and controversy. However, there’s no denying that it provided a glimpse into a future brimming with captivating games, innovative experiences, and the continued evolution of the ever-expanding gaming world.
