E3 Video Game Trade Show in Pictures 2012

by Lori Cunningham

It’s that time of year again when all the great video games that come out right before Christmas are announced.  E3 is a gamer’s Mecca, where new game titles are announced as well as sequel’s to many of your favorite video games.  Since it’s a trade show, it is not opened to the public.  This makes it difficult for video game diehards to sneak in.  It was evident to me that many do try to sneak in by the increased security and method of securing your badge versus last year.  Many enthusiastic gamers  who can’t get into the show, flock to YouTube to watch for YouTube uploads of new game demos.  This trade show is meant for buyers – stores that will be buying the new games and stocking them on their shelves this Fall.

It’s always a hoot to go to E3, you just never know what you’ll see.  I saw a number of interesting people and sights last year: E3 Video Game Trade Show in Pictures 2011.  I loved posing with the characters from Star Wars.  I didn’t see them this year, guess there were no new releases of Star Wars games.

Nonetheless, I wanted to show you some pictures I took at the show.  I wish I could show you more, but I’m not sure you have an hour!

After I received my badge, I saw a swarm of people heading into the Los Angeles Convention Center.  I wondered what the commotion was until I saw him, Snoop Dogg, towering above the crowd.  He was headed into E3 to talk about his music and appearance in the upcoming game, Tekken Tag Tournament 2.  He plays the character of the “Dogfather” in a scene of the game.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to tell from this picture, but as I was walking into the entrance of E3, I noticed a number of commanders at the entrance.  Obviously promoting some type of war video game.  It reminded me of my trip to Egypt when I saw many of these soldiers standing guard in the airport after we landed.  I’m glad these soldiers were in costume.

This year, I saw a number of mobile phone apps at E3.  They have a much bigger presence at the show than in the past, showing how gaming has increased its territory from console users to mobile users.  I anticipate next year’s E3 will have an even larger presence of mobile apps.

Speaking of apps, I couldn’t resist hopping in the shower with Swampy, our family’s favorite new friend.  I discovered “Where’s My Water” at the Digital Kids Conference.  It’s a free app (a $.99 version with more levels is also available) from Disney and it is tons of fun!  We all love playing it…it’s our favorite game app right now.

Speaking of characters, here are a couple I found along my way.  Seriously, I’m not sure if they were a part of a booth or they were gamers that somehow got into the show.  This is possible because  a lot of gamers end up working for companies that do work in the gaming industry.  They end up as buyers, reporters, etc.  I saw a lot of people dressed up in character walking the showroom floor.  I even saw two people dressed up in Pikachu costumes, they were definitely outnumbered by the number of people dressed up in tougher looking warrior outfits.

Here are shots from the big 3 console makers – XBOX, Wii, and PS3.  Surprisingly, XBOX didn’t have many family oriented games this year.  Dance Central 3 was the only new debut that is relevant to families.  Wii announced their Wii U at last year’s E3 show but didn’t have much to show.  This year, their booth was full of Wii U games.  I have to say, it’s pretty fun to use.  I tried a game where I used the Wii U to pitch a ball to someone who was holding the Wii remote in their hand to bat.  Once they “hit” the ball, I had to catch it using the Wii U.  It was really cool to try out.  PS3 has a number of new game titles coming out, mostly for older gamers.  But their new Wonderbook series for kids is a phenomenal concept.  To learn more about it see our previous post on E3 PlayStation Press Highlights.

Majesco’s Zumba fitness CORE always seemed to garner a number of passerbyer’s to stay and watch.  I tried the game and worked on my moves, the game is a lot of fun.  It focuses on the body’s core, as many women have said that is the main area they’d like to work on.  As fun as the game is, somehow I don’t think it wasn’t the game that was catching everyone’s attention.

This year, there were two “rides” at two different booths people could go on.  People stood in long lines for their photo opp in these huge devices.  I’m telling you, the trade show booths can get crazy at E3.  What will they think of next???

At this trade show booth, gamers are trying out the latest military shooter game, Spec Ops:  The Line on an old military convoy bus.  I love the creativity of some of these booths.

Of course, E3 is all about the play.  The best way to find out if a game lives up to it’s hype is to play the game.  Nearly every booth provided opportunities for people to try out games.  Many games were available, however, most games at E3 are not finished yet.  So the only way to see these games was behind closed doors where demo’s were given.   The two photos on the end were taken at the PlayStation booth.  The PS Vita, Sony’s new handheld gaming system, had numerous titles to play and appears to be doing very well in the marketplace.  The picture in the middle is Disney’s new BRAVE video game, based on the upcoming movie, BRAVE.  The Disney people demoing the game work kilts to dress in character to the BRAVE’s Scottish heritage.

We have more to show from the E3 trade show.  Next week we’ll publish the Best Upcoming Family Games from E3.  Stay tuned, but if you’re interested in our top pics from last year, see Best Upcoming Family Games from E3 2011.