Here we go, then: E3 2017 is so close we can taste it – and with it comes nervous anticipation. Obviously there’s lots to be excited for this year, but there are also a few things to worry about as well. We’ve brought some of our team together to talk about exactly that: what are our hopes and fears for Sony’s press conference – and beyond? We want to hear your thoughts on the topic, too – share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Sammy Barker, Editor
E3: the only show in the world with so much build-up I’m actually bored of hearing about it long before it arrives. I think what this show needs to be about for Sony is reinforcing the fact that it’s in a different league to its competitors when it comes to PS4 software support, and frankly I just want it to go mental. I want 60 seconds of Shawn Layden, and then I want a barrage of trailers and gameplay demos for an hour, followed by a further 60 seconds of Shawn Layden and Kratos fighting a big fudging snake.
I wouldn’t say I’m particularly worried about anything: Sony’s silence exudes confidence for me, and I actually think the fact that it hasn’t shown anything in the build-up means I’m likely to get exactly what I want. The one thing I am nervous about is PlayStation VR support – we need to see several games for that. And the only other thing I’m concerned about is Jim Ryan putting his foot in his mouth again during the obligatory post-show interviews. The guy talks sense a lot of the time, but he should know how PR works by now.
Robert Ramsey, Editor
To be totally honest I don't have any real fears going into this year's E3. It's going to have its awkward and crappy moments for sure – I think we're all expecting EA's press conference to be terrible, for example – but for the most part I have a pretty positive outlook. Sony in particular has such a strong selection of games to show that I can't foresee much going wrong at all as long as the company keeps up its now trademark presser pacing.
Leaning into potentially unrealistic hopes, I want to see Spider-Man completely blow people away. I mean, I can't see the finished product being bad at all, but I'd love to see it up there on stage looking like the absolute pinnacle of superhero games. Similarly, I'd be more than happy with a mind-blowing God of War demo – a showing that solidifies the dominance of Sony's first party output.
Alex Stinton, Reviewer
With the E3 conference schedule expanding every year – just like my waistline – I'm going to miss the Monday night insanity of announcement after announcement. Nevertheless, the slower drip of information will no doubt whip me up into a fervour ahead of the Sony conference as I imagine just what new gaming delights will be coming to the PlayStation 4. At the top of my list is Insomniac’s Spider-Man game, which I really hope expands on the traversal mechanics from the criminally underappreciated Sunset Overdrive to do for everyone’s favourite web slinger what Arkham Asylum did for Batman.
It certainly feels like the VR hype train has slowed considerably since the launch of PlayStation VR, and my biggest fear is that it’s going to end up starved for decent games like pretty much every PlayStation peripheral that came before it. I really hope Sony brings out the VR big guns for E3 to show games that really take advantage of virtual reality. I’m talking about unique experiences that push boundaries, so I’ll be very disappointed if it just ends up being a procession of shooting galleries.
Joey Thurmond, Reviewer
If the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is possible in this world, then my undying hope for a Spyro the Dragon trilogy remaster is all the more believable. Sony will win E3 for eternity if Activision brings back my purple, sarcastic boy. I’d like to see some gameplay footage of Kingdom Hearts III and Final Fantasy VII Remake, but I'm not counting on release dates for either of them. While I'm not sure if Blizzard Entertainment would do this at Sony's conference, I'd love to see it surprise everyone with a new Overwatch hero (Doomfist please!). I'm also sure Kojima is up to no good and will knock out the conference with new details and footage (perhaps basic gameplay?) of Death Stranding. Hoping we'll see Sony keeping the PlayStation VR train strong with more high profile projects attached to it like Resident Evil 7.
My opposing fear for the VR headset is Sony brushing over it like the PlayStation Move and Vita. I’m also concerned we won’t be seeing more commitment from developers to truly utilise the Pro’s capabilities and that the Scorpio will eclipse it in terms of power and relative price. Sony better be prepared to bring down the house on that front.
Kell Andersen, Reviewer
As one of Push Square’s resident Indie Apologists™, it might surprise you to hear that my hopes for this year’s E3 are decidedly AAA in nature. Namely, I want something unexpected and new, and I want it to be developed by Sucker Punch. I’m also hoping for a Death Stranding trailer that makes my mind hurt. Because, and I’m being deadly serious here, I often find the bonkers build-up to a new Kojima game just as fun as the game itself. Finally, I’m hoping that we get a classic ‘And it’s available right now!’ moment for the long-promised Dreams beta. I’d even settle for a release window. Anything. Please. I’m dying out here.
Thankfully, my biggest fear has already been quelled. After years of E3s filled with more numbers than games, the Japanese giant finally managed to turn the press conference into a fine art with last year’s svelte and speedy offering. 2017 looks to be more of the same, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. It also means that I won't have to subject you all to a pun about the show being laden with Layden. Bless up.
Ken Talbot, Reviewer
I'll be approaching E3 with my usual calm detachment, only to casually drift towards the live streams and news feeds and cry tears of pure hype. I'm hoping From Software gives us a hint of something other than the rumoured original IP – namely Bloodborne 2. I would also love some The Last of Us: Part II gameplay and possibly some Gran Turismo... Anything.
What I don't want is the announcement of any more hardware; I think the PS4 Pro can hold its own for the foreseeable future and it would be counter productive to launch another iteration at least within the next 12 months. Also, given I'm not yet a Sony VR adopter, I would be disappointed if that was a focus, but I still want to see what it's got cooking in that department.
Liam Croft, Reviewer
First off, I want updates on the heavy hitters from last year’s conference. Give me a trailer and a release date for Days Gone, Detroit: Become Human, and God of War. Next, let’s see Sony back up their promise of major Japanese announcements. More information on Code Vein, Ni No Kuni 2, and the Yakuza franchise would be more than welcomed. This segment could then be topped off by the unveiling of Bloodborne 2. Then with the time left over I want hit after hit of new games, from both indies and AAA developers. A Spyro the Dragon trilogy remaster off the back of Crash Bandicoot? Yes, please. A Syphon Filter reboot? I’m dreaming! Also, what happened to WiLD? Let’s see that again. Finally, I think the conference’s finale will be the grand reveal of Sucker Punch’s new IP.
What I fear is that Sony will actually focus on games they don’t need to. Death Stranding and The Last Of Us: Part II are still years away, and so I don’t feel like a third trailer for Kojima’s next title will really rock the boat. Bring these games back when they’re six months out.
Stephen Tailby, Reviewer
I'm hoping that Sony's conference echoes the wall-to-wall game talk of last year. With its current line-up, the vast number of third-party partnerships, and a sprinkling of brand new announcements, I think we could be in for a treat once again. I'd like to see some gameplay footage of Red Dead Redemption 2, which should tide me over after its recent delay. I also can't help but get excited for Sucker Punch's next project, whether it's another superhero action game or something entirely different.
To be honest, Sony has enough big games to talk about and potentially unveil that I'm a little worried how much of a look-in PlayStation VR will enjoy. I don't own the system myself yet, but there should definitely be another push on the software front. If the headset is to ever gather mainstream success, it needs games to back up the concept, and Sony has to highlight some new titles at its show that will convince more to give it a try. My fear is that, if it doesn't, gamers will begin to lose confidence in VR and label it as another poorly supported hardware venture from the Japanese giant.
What are your hopes for PS4 at E3 2017? Have you got any worries for Sony's press conference – or the show in general? Share your hopes and fears in the comments section below.
Comments 43
There's nothing to fear until they launch they PS5 whenever that is in god knows how long, because there's always the risk of that ballsing up, for any manufacturer.
But right now? Smooth sailing, as you do. We know what to expect.
Hoping to see Sucker Punch's and FromSoft's next games and confirm Nightstalkers in Destiny 2. I don't want to see much about tech (VR or Pro chat), sales stats, firmware updates etc, keep it about the games.
Fear: They spend more than 5/10 min on VR (seriously)
Hopes: It's going to be great anyway and they will ace it above all other conferences so I just hope for a little TLoU2 gameplay...please?
I can honestly say I have no real fears from Sony at the moment. They could spend the whole hour showing off new game-play from the games we know about - Days Gone, God of War, Spider-Man, Last of Us 2, Uncharted Lost: Legacy etc and of course the 3rd Party multi-platforms too like CoD, Destiny etc and Sony will have a 'great' E3.
I do expect Sony will show off at least 1-2 new games - Sucker Punches new project for example. But they have enough 'games' we know about, that Sony could literally just show these and have a 'great' E3.
As far as 'hopes' go, It would be great to actually get some release dates and I hope they opt to go more traditional with Spideys costume too
I have more concerns with the others...
With regards to "Wild" I stand by what I said on Push Sqaure Sat 28th Jan 2017
@Number09 You're going to have to jog our memory?
I want update on the games sony announced last year, seeing more gameplay of god of war and spiderman will be nice, and I want to see days gone gameplay beside combat, like how the motorcycles and item inventory works etc.
And I hope sony remakes more of its ps1, psp, and psvita games to ps4. Parappa, locoroco, patapon, and wipeout is nice, but I want more. Colony wars, g-police, jumping flash, uncharted golden abyss, persona 4 golden, etc, with 4k support of course.
Also more japanese AAA games please, devil may cry 5, new armored core, re 2 remakes and others
@get2sammyb Haha silly me.
" We have more chance of the U.K. leaving the E.U. and President Trump being in term for four years neither are going to happen".
@Number09 Brave statement
Say we wont get a new Megaman game please.
Fear, that they bottle it and announce some sort of hardware. Unlikely though. I fear VR won't have any announcements which it needs to encourage more sales. Farpoint rocked so keep it up.
But overall, keep it game focused and then balance nostalgia with new stuff. Don't give air time to games that are at least 2 years away and already announced. I don't need TLOU 2 or Death stranding.
I fear a giant robot dog will come crashing onto the stage and eat the Sony president as a publicity stunt for the new Wolfenstein game.
One of my concerns is if Spiderman gets a release date for this year, it would smack of Marvel putting pressure on to release alongside the blu ray release of Homecoming.
hope for sly Cooper 5
hopes God of war in 2017.God of war is the best franchise ever
i think the problem with VR is that watching the games display on non-VR screens isn't really that enticing - not for me anyway. i'm sure they'll have a ton of the headsets at E3 for demos and stuff for people to experience, but i think they'll probably just put out a rapid fire montage showing a bunch of new games in development overlayed with statistics "100 games coming by end of 2017, 200 developers working on PS VR, ...." etc. etc. i really hope there isn't an ill-advised drag on proceedings focusing on VR.
@adf86 that doesn't make sense.
I'm hoping that Digimon World: Next Order will be localized for Vita! :3
Having enough surprises and news about games going into 2018 with enough hype to really build up my excitement is my fear.
I still have hopes that Elite Dangerous with VR support is announced!! New Wolfenstein, Infamous or even Saints Row will work. Changes to PS Plus adding more value will be welcomed.
@playstation1995 It makes perfect sense, Spiderman could be a huge game for PS4, why risk rushing it out alongside the film's blu ray release? It needs to be held back for 2018, especially when all the big 3rd party games come out in a few months.
New Command & Conquer
...
no?
@adf86 I do agree that rushing a game out to hit a deadline - whether financial, to coincide with something else (like a movie) or whatever, can be detrimental. Rushing games out can hurt the long term. I think it makes little sense delaying because of 'other' big releases - especially if those releases are in differing genres.
Maybe if you are looking specifically at getting the number 1 selling game in a specific week, it may be better to avoid the first few weeks after a 'big' selling game like Fifa or CoD but if someone wants a game like Spider-Man they will still buy it. Maybe not necessarily day 1 of course - which may happen if people are desperate for games. Also releasing a quiet time may give them the number 1 but only because the numbers required to get number 1 are much lower. It also helps 'average' games sell better too. A 7 may sell better because of no competition, nothing else to buy - however these rarely have the long term sales a quality game will.
It maybe in their best interest to release when the game is ready, start getting money back in. Its not so 'time-sensitive' as an MP where people may feel put off by competing with much more experienced and higher level gamers.
If its ready - release it!
My hope is that they make my wallet fearful of the amount of games announced between now and next June. God of War in 2017 would be very welcome.
One thing is for sure, Sony is set to deliver a really good year in gaming. The past 5 months have been intense.
Bloodborne! Bloodborne! Bloodborne! Bloodborne! Bloodborne!!! 🙏🙏🙏
My hope would be to see some new entries from a few last gen IP's such as, ModNations Racers, Socom (I know it started on the PS2), and MAG (extremely underrated). I like many enjoyed the heck out of these games and hope they have not been completely abandoned.
My fear is Days Gone getting a Fall 2018 release date. I want that game now!
Ps switch please or the vita get said once
@kyleforrester87 <3 C& C, but not like C&C 4.. What an terrible game was that..
On topic: I would love to see a studio Japan game i dont care what. Oohw and God of war
Hoping for Bloodbourne 2, Dark Souls remaster and a Spyro trilogy remaster. Fearing that From Softwares new game is some mech based game that I'd have no interest in
My only fears are teaser trailers for games that will not be available for 2 years or never released like Dead Island 2.
My hopes are trailers for good games to be released this year, and for announcement of a firmware update, July 2017 release, that will fix the ui to rid the lag so it all works smooth as butter as it once did.
I'm going to be on the tame side of this with what I am expecting.
I'll be happy with great games being announced. Old or new. Although I would like to see more new games. RPG's, JRPG's, Shooters, Racers etc.
Maybe a surprise UI update, or new features? I would be down for that.
That's all I want really.
@Number09 Could you say that we are never going to get Sly 5, and that Spider-Man will suck? Thanks mate!
Throw a new IP or two at me, with a few 3rd party PS made games i.e. FromSoftware's game etc. Give me release dates for all previously announced games next. I would also find a Sony Japan AAA jrpg reveal in the works to be delicious news....last and selfishly I would like Puppeteer 2 to be in the oven baking, but I know that's quite a reach..
Hopes = Sly Cooper 5, RDR2 release delay was a hoax and is "actually releasing today!" and a DS4 with a decent feckin battery!
Fears = Nintendo announce yet more games I'm not interested in
@kyleforrester87 Ooh yes!
In fact Red Alert 3 created by the newly regrouped Westwood would be nice!
I have no hopes and no fears What comes, comes The Last few years I have not bothered thinking of what I want and since then E3 and other Shows haven't been disappointing at all.
hope - they launch God Of War & Spiderman this year
fear - don't really have anything to worry about
In no particular order..
My hopes: The Getaway 3 is back in development, a good return of Spyro (be it new game or remaster), Crash Team Racing, Days Gone has not too distant release date announced, more info on the Last of Us II, plenty of exciting VR stuff, at least 2 "new" game announcements that are of interest to me.
My fears: Repetition of nearly all the same "games, games games" we saw last year, a further lack of focus or direction about what the PS4 Pro is, release dates for the likes of Days Gone and Detroit either not being revealed or being dated too far into 2018.
I don't put a lot of stake in my own predictions or expectations.
It's more surprising that way.
My fears...not being able to purchase every game and having a wish list too big...as it's already big enough and I own 82 physical games and over 200 downloaded titles...come on, and then there's more coming that look great and still some from the past few years I have yet to get...and my backlog is already huge and I still never even bought the VR Headset yet!!!! Yup, that's my fear!!!!
As for everything else, I'm expecting some new surprises, and this just may be my wishlist, but I'm hoping for a new Jak And Daxter title as well as the originals in a nice collectible Retail disc, a new Sly Cooper, Medieval, Twisted Metal, a Motorstorm collection, a new Mod Nation Racers, Playstation All Stars Battle, Ape Escape, a nice Grandia collection that includes my favorite of Part 2, a new Devil May Cry, the return of the legacy of kain series, a new Castlevania, Hot Shots Tennis, a Spyro The Dragon Collection and a new Spyro the Dragon and a new Crash Bandicoot title and for some reason, how about some love for Lemmings again!!!! Yup, a big wish list, but maybe I won't be too let down...also, an announcement that the PS4 will finally be able to play CD's and DVD's and we'll be able to download the Movies and TV Episodes we bought from the store, onto the system's hard drive itself without having to be connected to the internet...a nice feature for people that enjoy taking it on the 'go'.
All I really want is a release date for Obduction on PlayStation VR. Cyan announced it was coming late last year, but they've been silent ever since. My PC isn't even close to being powerful enough to run it, so this version would be my only chance to play it.
Hopes: Bloodborne 2
Fears: No Bloodborne 2
Also I miss Jack Tretton on stage. Get him back Sony!
@thatguyEZ I like what you did there!
@Number09 Tramp had already been elected by January 2017 though.
Anyway I'm sure Sony will deliver the goods, but really I'm going to be disappointed if there's no Bloodborne 2.
Hopefully they won't spend too long on exclusivity deals (like extra items etc in destiny 2) and corporate bavkslapping, and keep the Indies to a montage.
Also, hopefully God of War doesn't take up too much space, I know it's popular but I've never given a toss about the series. It's just an angry bald guy hitting things.
@Tingle_The_Great @BLP_Software I can not do that @THRILLHOU I agree he was.
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