Everyone loves an underdog. The plucky pretender that fends off match point against the future Wimbledon champion is always treated to the biggest applause on Centre Court, and the same is true in almost all other walks of sporting life. This mentality appears to extend to the gaming industry, too, with Sony’s troubles with the PlayStation 3 seemingly prompting a pent-up desire for the system’s successor to succeed. However, now that the PlayStation 4 has surpassed some seven million units, we’ve noticed the mood starting to change, with that early optimism replaced by deep rooted ire around the web.
A lot of that probably stems from the platform holder’s secrecy over the past six or so months. Criticism of its past console’s never-ending spate of firmware updates has led to a distinct lack of action in the system software department, with Microsoft’s monthly Xbox One refreshes making the manufacturer look tardy as a result. Moreover, the firm’s been plagued by speculation regarding cancelled projects and employee departures, with its first-party offering for the end of the year looking worryingly scant now that Ready at Dawn’s historical shooter The Order: 1886 has been pushed into 2015.
But even with those concerns consuming sites such as this, it’s strange to see expectations for the Japanese giant’s E3 press conference at astronomically low levels. LittleBigPlanet maker Media Molecule and Killzone creator Guerrilla Games recently announced their absence from the big show, and, while it’s possible that they may merely be pulling a David Jaffe-esque prank, this prompted a minor backlash around the web. “What could Sony possibly have to show?” concerned commenters regurgitated in unison around the web. Apparently, people expect the mega company to publicly twiddle its thumbs for 90 minutes straight.
Hype is a funny thing, because it skews perspectives; if you go into a press conference expecting Half Life 3 and Final Fantasy VII HD to be revealed, their inevitable absence will make even The Last Guardian look underwhelming. And that’s why this current cavalcade of cynicism that’s consuming the PlayStation maker’s pre-E3 build-up may actually work in the firm’s favour. Typically it strides into the big show on the back of a slew of different announcements – the likes of Killzone 3 and MotorStorm Apocalypse were unveiled prior to its stage show one year – but on this occasion, its silence suggests that we may actually be surprised for once.
It’s possible, of course, that the company could have very little, but that ignores the fact that it’s streaming the conference in dozens of major theatres around North America. Naturally, it’s a move designed to give back to the fans that champion the brand every single day, but it’s also a gigantic endeavour that the manufacturer would not be undertaking if it was merely going to entertain attendees with a PlayStation Now release date and a montage of multiformat games. It’s safe to assume that you should expect some kind of worthwhile announcements – even if they come from third-party outfits.
Alas, we don’t think that the platform holder will be too bothered if everyone goes into next week’s press conference anticipating the worst. Last year, many expected the PS4 to be overpriced and subject to the same silly digital rights management policies as the Xbox One. Instead, ex-PlayStation executive Jack Tretton used that negative perception to drop one of the biggest reveals in E3 history. This time, the stakes won’t be anywhere near as high – but we’re sure that at the firm’s head office in Foster City, a gaggle of executives are currently staring at a press conference plan that counters the astronomically low expectations currently attached to Sony’s big show.
Do you think that the lack of hype surrounding Sony’s E3 press conference could work in the firm’s favour? Are you worried that the company really will have very little content to show? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Comments 20
I eat my shoe if they only show already revealed Ip's. with ketchup.
FINAL FANTASY XV out in August!!!
Batman: Arkham Knight reverse delay! Back on in October!
Infamous: First Son coming to vita!
10 AAA games coming to vita in 2014!!!
Vita 64 GB cards given out with each purchase of vita in November!
HYPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#keepingexpectationslowfornow
The hype for Sony's E3 was/is incredibly high....i think the way Sony has allowed a couple of it's first party studios to admit they won't be at the conference can be taken in three ways.....1. That they are a little worried they won't live up to the lofty expectations, so they have let us know about these absences as a way to lower the expectations. 2. They are being cocky. They know they have a megaton E3 with games we know zero about and are letting us know that the games we know are in development, in this case Mm and GG, are NOT what make this E3 a megaton filled joy-fest. 3. They are merely playing games with us and those games will in fact be shown (and i guess 4. they generally couldn't make E3 and they are casually letting us know, no hidden agenda).
Either way, this E3 seems to have a lot more riding on them then the previous one as it really is....all about the games.
All these leaks, the amount of no shows confirmed, the smaller presence by one of the three console makers, Rockstar's continual absence... E3 is becoming less relevant. Unless a console is being revealed I genuinely couldn't care about E3 anymore.
Here's one for you though, it's well known Microsoft has a big third party exclusive that will apparently make us all say wow. Microsoft are currently asking their Twitter followers what is their favourite Legend Of Zelda. Surely not? It won't happen (thankfully) but it's rather odd.
This is my 1st year i won't be making a games wants List for E3 Can't be bothered doing it or thinking about it because i never get what 'i' want in my List each year. What comes, comes i say now
No doubt Sony will have saved some news for the press conference but I must say that I've recently found myself questioning whether the overblown media circus of E3 is starting to spiralling out of control. The hyped-up expectation for the announcement of a million jaw-dropping reveals all at a single event is becoming akin to the pressure to have the best night out of your year on New Year's Eve. Personally I subscribe to the idea of great games being announced when they're good and ready to be revealed and not just rushed to be slotted into the programme. PlayStation games have always been a mark of quality rather than quantity so I don't have any problems if Sony chooses to make their announcements later on away from the noise of E3.
@rastamadeus That's never, ever going to happen.
@get2sammyb I know but is just such a bizarre thing for Microsoft to be asking. Intrigued to see what their huge third party surprise is though.
@get2sammyb - We said that once about Sonic never appearing on a Nintendo console
@rastamadeus - I have to say that is quite odd. Maybe it's part of MS's apparent recent tactics in talking about/flattering the competition?
my hopes arent really high, I expect to see some PS4 exclusive games to finally get people to want to upgrade, but I doubt there will be anything that will get me very excited
I will say it again. Sony has shifted all of the 1st party studios' attention towards Morpheus projects and that is what they will be showcasing. Every time there is so much... silence in the industry, things are about to change. Morpheus will be the real Next Gen and not the PS4 and Sony will try to push that envelope and widen the gap from M$. The fact alone that they make the PS Move and the camera relevant all of a sudden is like hitting two birds with one stone.
...and a few thoughts
Morpheus might be even more into development than showcased a few weeks back.
The PS4 will not get a price drop but the Vita and its memories will (I hope)...
Most new IPs will be for morpheus.
Even more indies... for everyone
YouTube uploading for PS4...
Playstation Now beta for Europe
@Sutorcen Virtual reality is a fad that comes around at the start of every gen and then quickly buggers off. This will be no different. "Hey guys, buy a new £350 console. Oh, also buy this VR headset for £X to play all the games. That sickness your feeling? Nothing to do with us!" Besides Sony's record with add ons to consoles is close to how bad Sega's was.
@Dodoo Aye, possibly. To be fair the Xbox could do with being less Americanised from top to bottom. The 'dude, bro' image of their consoles is why I chose a PlayStation 3 in the first place, despite more exclusives I wanted on Microsoft's system. As for Sonic though, Sega were struggling for years and spent God knows what on Shenmue so they were screwed. Nintendo can afford to continue making loses for well over fifty years before they even get close to their last few million.
@rastamadeus Oh yeah it's definitely highly unlikely but never say never! lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX5jNnDMfxA
I don't agree I think most people are actually hyped but don't want to admit it. They always want more and I wonder what they would say if Beast Soul hadn't been leaked. I think it s a personal feeling. I ll will be happy to see Uncharted 4 and Beast Soul (not even sure its going to be there for all we know could be revealed later). Actually no point talking much about it. I know a ton of games are in the work, weather they show a few or not so many of them is just personal satisfaction to see them
@rastamadeus even if zelda was coming to xbox one , I still wouldn't buy there console
I'm guessing that they will mostly rely on 3rd party games like AC Unity, Mortal Kombat X, Arkham Knight, Destiny, and Battlefield Hardline, and Kingdom Hearts III. And some indies. And show of a lot of PS now and Project Morpheus. I have fairly low expectations for Sony's E3 because they are too quiet and Guerrilla Games and Media Molecule won't show up. Expect lots and lots and lots of Indies.
@Dohv
I agree with you on that. I really do believe Sony doesn't have much to show on the exclusive department.
P.S. Square confirmed FFXV and KH3 won't be at E3, so yikes!
Eh, I'm not too concerned with what Sony does or announces software-wise. I've never been a huge fan of their 1st party games. There's a couple here and there that I like but for the most part, I've just never really liked their games too much. Though I will say, I used to like their games a lot more during the PS2 era, nowadays though, not so much.
Now that their console is out, all my excitement lies in 3rd party announcements. That's what I bought my PS4 for, and that's what I'm looking forward to. But if Sony DOES belch out a good game or two here and there, well, all the better. Bonus.
Syphon Filter, please.
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