Staff Editorials

E3 2009: Why Microsoft won
Posted: 08.06.2009 06:26 by Mike Bowden Comments: 9
So the dust has settled on yet another E3. We saw games galore amid demonstrations of Microsoft and Sony’s new attempts to break into Nintendo’s motion-control videogame space. We saw Jack Tretton and Don Mattrick wow the crowd with what can only be described as megaton announcements which shocked and surprised the gaming media the world over. 2009 was a great E3, of that there is no doubt.


However, the question marks still seem to lie on the subject of “who won” the conferences. Which firm had the best show, and why? Well, in this author’s opinion it was a close run thing, but Microsoft edged it. In fact, it was a lot closer this year than the last three years when Microsoft blew Sony out of the water year after year. Most memorable of course was last year’s Final Fantasy 13 Xbox 360 announcement which was probably the most astonishing reveal of recent times. MS didn’t quite reach that level of excitement this year, although the boys from Redmond again showed Sony that Xbox 360 is here to stay and the supposed “market leaders” still have a lot to do in order to catch up.

The fundamental reason behind Microsoft’s triumph is expectation. We, as gamers, look to E3 to get excited about what’s coming out in the future. That’s the whole reason for the conference itself: a platform for the big boys to persuade us to buy their games and/or invest in their consoles. Although team Microsoft and team Sony both showed us what we have to look forward to in the future, Microsoft edged it by showing us not only the games and tech for next year, but we saw great looking titles that are coming ‘this’ year.

 
Sure, Sony gave us the announcement of Agent: a Rockstar (supposed) PS3 exclusive. Final Fantasy XIV, which left us all gawping only until we found out it’s an MMO and it isn’t the platform exclusive Tretton said it was. We saw the next little ditty in its ‘Play, Create, Share’ genre, the immense God of War III, new M.A.G. footage, and even an excellent trailer for the long-awaited Gran Turismo 5. The Last Guardian managed to blow us all away even though we’d seen it in a rougher form a few weeks ago. These were great games. Big exclusives that even the most hardened 360 fanboy could not ignore. However, when are these games coming out? Next year, or even longer. Every single one of them we’ll have to wait at least ten months or more for. We were all told “The Year of the PlayStation” was last year, then Sony assured us it was 2009. Now it looks like 2010 might just be it. How much longer can we wait?

Microsoft got the balance just right. We have the last bastion of the survival/horror genre Alan Wake dated for “Spring” next year and the eminent BioWare RPG sequel, Mass Effect 2 coming out in what looks to be January. We also had the brand new Halo prequel, Halo: Reach dated for “Fall” next year. Crackdown 2 was also trailered and dated for 2010. That’s ok. That’s around four future titles worth keeping an eye on. However, where Microsoft differed from Sony, and exactly why they won this year’s conference is that they had other exclusives planned for 2009. Forza 3, Halo: ODST, Left4Dead 2 and Splinter Cell: Conviction are all coming in this year. We don’t have to rip out the remaining pages in our 2009 calendar as MS is starting the party now. That’s what E3 is all about: generating excitement for the now and for future. Sony could only live up to one of these criteria.

Microsoft also showed us the first footage of the excellent-looking Beatles Rock Band along with the announcement of Xbox 360 exclusive content. We saw the outstanding Modern Warfare 2 again with the revelation that two multiplayer maps could only be found on Xbox 360 and last, but not least, Hideo Kojima finally walked onto a Microsoft stage announcing that the next iteration in the coveted Metal Gear franchise was also coming to Xbox. What more could you want?

 
On the motion control side of things, Microsoft’s Project Natal made Sony’s effort look last-gen in comparison. The Sony tech barely worked and only a few ideas and possibilities of what it “could” do were shown. Project Natal not only showed some fantastic, true next-gen possibilities with Molyneux’s Milo, it also showed us fully working games. Microsoft yet again showing us something concrete and Sony offering only promises.

So, looking back through this opinion piece it’s clear to see just why Microsoft won E3. Some sections of the Sony fanbase will surely disagree, but I’m sure that after reading this article even they will have to admit that Microsoft got the balance right and gave gamers a real treat. Sony’s line-up was strong, but offered very little other than Uncharted 2 to look forward in 2009. With Microsoft, we have games for now, and games for tomorrow, showing us all that it’s never a better time to own an Xbox 360 – and that’s what E3 is all about.
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User Comments

By staticks (I just got here) on Jun 08, 2009
staticks
What a joke of an article. How is PSMotion inferior to Natal, or "barely works" according to yourself? Sony demonstrated that their motion-control technology is far more precise and effective than Natal's half-baked, half-faked motion sensing tech, and nothing demonstrated this more clearly than when the Sony guys actually hand-written their SIGNATURES on the big-screen for everyone to see. That's right, HANDWRITING. That's how powerful and accurate Sony's motion control is when it comes to painting and gesture recognition, as compared to Microsoft's Natal, whose painting demonstrations consisted of nothing more than GUYS SPLATTERING PAINT ON THE SCREEN! What a joke.

Not to mention that the entire Molyneux "Milo" demonstration video has basically been exposed as a fake--a scripted sequence, mere smoke and mirrors, that responds with preset phrases that are broad enough to somewhat feel appropriate everything someone might say. Look at Youtube--look for all the videos that mock Natal as a laughing stock that simply DIDN'T WORK live on stage. Look specifically for the video of the guy trying to "show the bottom of his avatar's shoe" and failing miserably to perform even that simple task. It's the most hilarious thing you'll see in a while. Let's face it--the idea of controllerless videogame control with your body movements is certainly an alluring and compelling concept... but it's ahead of its time, and Microsoft's attempt at its implementation definitely did NOT prove to be effective.

In terms of games, I'm sorry, but L4D2 releasing one year after L4D1 is premature, and both L4D2 and Halo:ODST are essentially what amounts to expansion packs to old titles. These are supposed to trounce the PS3's 2009 lineup? I kinda doubt that. Not to mention Forza is generally agreed upon in the gaming community as inferior and playing second fiddle to the inevitable king of racers, Gran Turismo (regardless of when it finally releases). Splinter Cell: Conviction looks promising, and exhibited a couple of interesting new storytelling/presentation concepts that might influence the way games provide information and feedback to the player in the future... BUT the basic core gameplay of this Splinter Cell reboot remains unproven, and it still needs to be seen whether this installment elevates or distinguishes itself from previous entries in the series enough to warrant the hype. People are going ga-ga for superficial things like "projected mission objectives" but for all we know, the gameplay has the potential to possibly underwhelm reviewers, or even bomb severely, when it comes out this year.

You're also forgetting about the fantastic games that have already released in 2009 for the PS3 (which you already dubiously claim is "NOT the year of the Playstation") such as Killzone 2 and InFamous (both critically acclaimed by EVERY major gaming publication--look at Metacritic for yourself). Why prematurely claim that this year is definitely NOT won by the PS3 without taking into consideration the games that have already released prior to E3?
By logikil (I just got here) on Jun 08, 2009
logikil
Why come off sounding like a fanboy man? Most websites and such gave MS a slight edge in the conferences, but all indicated that the two were extremely close. I frankly think the two were pretty well tied.

But why call the guys article a joke because he gave his opinion? You talk about the PS3 motion controller and how wonderful you believe it is, but in reality its equivalent to the wii motion plus, aside from the fact that instead of using a little add on box, you now have to also have the Playstation eye to get it working. Regardless, did you play with either of them? Have you tested the tech? I don't even recall any journalists stating they got to try the PS3 controllers. So where is your impression coming from?

Leaving that all aside though what was the major point of his argument? The fact that MS showed more exclusives that will release this year. And how can you deny that?? Sony had a wonderful showing of games, no question, but most are not coming out this year. Its a great showcase of what to look forward to next year, but thats the rub......NEXT YEAR. MS had stuff that we get to play before the holidays are up. And yes i agree Sony released KZ2 and iNfamous this year so far, but we aren't talking about games that have already come out, are we? And downplaying the MS exclusive that are hitting this year was really just sad on your part. Again you come off as a fanboy. You've never played ODST or L4D2, so calling them just expansions is talking out your rear. You've never played Forza 3, you can't possibly make a judgment on how the game will turn out. And why knock Splinter Cell?? Just because it's not on the PS3?

Fanboys are just sad.
By xDevastate (I just got here) on Jun 08, 2009
xDevastate
This is pathetic. First off let's just state that I indeed have both consoles and share equal outlook on both consoles. MAG is slated for November release a week after modern warfare 2 or the week prior. Infamous came out a week prior to E3 so there is yet again another game for this year that has scored at least a minimum of 9 or higher on most sites. Rock Band: Beatles great job ms focused on bringing the remaining members of the band for 30 seconds. Was it necessary though? Of course not. What happen to the Zune HD with the huge rumor swirling that it would support XBLA games. Sony you could say spent a little more than they should of on the PSP GO in general. Then bringing up on how games are coming out next year doesn't really work for microsoft fanboys either. Like you stated above that Halo:Reach, Alan Wake (Game was suppose to be Launch Title) and others coming out next year are similar to Sony's big games. Left 4 Dead 2 a game that many people are screaming about coming out already so that isn't looking too good. Gran Turismo 5 could be released but instead of having to patch it ten times after release why not wait. Something that game developers exclusively to Microsoft have had a major problem with. Halo ODST really isn't big because there porting over the Halo 3 multiplayer which is usually the main reason why a halo game is bought. Guarantee over a two to three week period after gamers beat the storyline they'll bring it back. Splinter Cell Conviction is the only game out of those four that you can say has a good advantage. Now the motion sensor controller. Natal was finished last time I checked. This project won't even be out for another year or two im sure with all the things ms said at last e3 that isn't even out yet either. The price on this thing is going to be tremendous with at least a 200-400 dollar price range. While SONY was still JUST A PROTOTYPE. MS finally got a metal gear solid game that doesn't even involve Solid Snake on Kojima so stop bickering that you didn't get one game. Once again MS not allowing mods on their console is really going to kill them in the long run. Lets take Unreal 3 Tournament for example. A game made off Mods to keep it going not a single one allowed for the game. While on Sony a race kart game simliar to Mario Kart with weapons called Modnation. After all of this I'm almost sure that sony did win E3 because ms focused so much on Natal a thing that isn't even coming out for awhile AND WON'T BE USED ON EVERY GAME POSSIBLE. Sony focused on their handheld, games for now, future, and more importantly the community within the network. Say what you wanna say but it's quite evident that MS is worried.
By staticks (I just got here) on Jun 08, 2009
staticks
We ARE talking about exclusives releasing this year (not just after E3), because the writer was making the point of saying that 2009 will "not be the year of the Playstation." Therefore, me mentioning games such as InFamous and Killzone 2 are VERY, very relevant to the discussion at hand. 360 does not have more quality exclusives releasing this year, especially considering that ODST is factually a advertised as a "standalone expansion to Halo 3" (i.e., NOT my fanboy opinion, but a fact), and L4D2 is viewed by many (including many L4D1 fans) as releasing prematurely and should have released as DLC for L4D1. Lastly, as I've already said, Splinter Cell Conviction looks like it has some unique ideas in terms of presentation and storytelling, and visual feedback to the player, but what actual gameplay innovations is it bringing to rejuvenate the Splinter Cell franchise? Mark and Execute? PC gamers have another term for that, and it's called "Aimbot" or auto-aim. I have a strong feeling that Conviction, once reviewers look past the superficial stuff, might be underwhelmed by the actual gameplay itself not being any different from previous Splinter Cells.

As for the PSMotion requiring the PSEye to work, there's the distinct possibility (and in all likelihood) that PSMotion WILL come bundled with PSEye when it comes out, and still cost the same or lower than Microsoft's Natal camera. PSMotion being similar to Wii (and Natal being different) is inconsequential, as it simply works better (with the possible exception of facial recognition in Natal, although the PSEye might be similarly capable of this through software, as it might be a software-dependent rather than hardware-related technology). In my opinion, PSMotion simply works better and is more precise/functional than Natal is in their current forms--PSMotion has the potential to be used by both hardcore and casual gamers alike (as it's basically a Dualshock split in two), while Natal will likely only have relevance amongst casual demographics. Why? Because how do you strafe, turn, and walk forward and backward, all at the same time in an FPS with Natal, without a controller? Natal should only be interesting for casual gamers, not hardcore gamers like you and I. PSMotion, or even the Wiimote, are more functional motional control schemes when it comes to you and I.
By logikil (I just got here) on Jun 08, 2009
logikil
It's called a standalone expansion because it builds on the same point and time as Halo 3....hence the fact the title starts with Halo 3. No one knows how long the single player experience will be, so it's impossible for you to pawn it off as just an expansion. Again you haven't played it, so you can't peg it that way. As for L4D2, sorry but the developer came out stating that there is too much there for an expansion, and who are you necessarily to question?

With respect to Natal, you are neglecting one key point....MS has stated that there is nothing preventing it from working in conjunction with a controller. So you have hands free control for some games and a hybrid experience with others.

Regardless, if you can tell me you have had any experience with any of this stuff first hand, then you have relevant points. Otherwise you are simply spitting out conjecture and assumptions.
By staticks (I just got here) on Jun 08, 2009
staticks
@logikil: How exactly do you use a Xbox controller in conjunction with Natal? How exactly do you see that working? Obviously when you're holding a controller, you can't wave your hands around, can't you?

It doesn't matter if I have "firsthand experience" using these peripherals, because I have a thing called a BRAIN and can make educated predictions and assumptions about things based on the facts and evidence at hand. Anyone who isn't a fanboy can tell that Natal won't be a viable control scheme for hardcore gamers like you and I, because you won't be able to wave your hands while holding an Xbox controller. Therefore, I don't know why so much of the hardcore gaming press is so enamored with this casual-targeted device. The PSMotion configuration is far more viable for hardcore games, especially FPS, unless Microsoft comes out with a similar two-handed controller. As a hardcore gamer, you MUST agree with me on this.

Halo: ODST is described by Bungie and Microsoft themselves as an "expansion to Halo 3." It's not a whole new game, and it won't appeal to anyone who isn't a Halo fan (and Halo fans all already own an Xbox anyway). In other words, it's not going to sell systems. With regards to L4D2, regardless of how much content it may or may not have, coming out a year after L4D1 is TOO SOON, too premature, and NOT ENOUGH development time to craft an entirely new game of high quality. Look at the L4D2 petition signed by tens of thousands of L4D fans that agree that Valve is releasing a new L4D game too soon, and its quality will suffer as a result. It's not just ME saying this.
By logikil (I just got here) on Jun 08, 2009
logikil
So lets see the PS3 controller is a controller/camera combination....Hmm Natal is a camera....whats missing??? Oh yeah just a controller. What prevents MS from doing the exact same thing? So much for that brain comment.

You don't have to wave your hands along with holding a controller. Assuming Natal does in fact use 48 joints to track motion, your arms don't account for that full number. Therefore you have head movement, ducking, etc that could function in conjunction. So how can you dismiss Natal working with a controller when again...the PS3 motion controller is a camera and controller....same thing.

Look man, honestly if your problem is simply that you are a PS3 fanboy then just say that, because your arguments fall flat. I'm glad I have both systems and don't have to worry about trying to justify my purchases to myself and others.
By danCiupeiu (I just got here) on Jun 09, 2009
danCiupeiu
I honestly disagree :), with their line-up i think sony won by far.
By noobst3R (SI Member) on Jun 09, 2009
noobst3R
It's a hard decision, since they both were very good, but in my eyes, MS won.