E3 2013: the Good, the Bad, and the WTF Microsoft?

As you all know, E3 was this past week and there have been a lot of amazing announcements during that time. Sony and Microsoft elaborated on next-gen console details and games coming out for them, Nintendo announced the release of games we’ve been waiting for for a long time for the Wii-U and IndieCade stocked their booth full of “Booth Bros” (yes, really).

I’m sure you’ve all heard and read by now that Sony “won” E3; beating Microsofts keynote so badly that is spawned internet memes everywhere. But what exactly was it that made Sony win? Well, for starters they are allowing used games to be played on their console no matter what. Microsoft, on the other hand, is leaving the used game availability up to its publishers, which presents an issue when you have companies like EA who already feel like they’re burned by used game sales. Sony also “won” because the price of the core PS4 will be $399 vs. Xbox One’s hefty $499 price. One of the biggest let downs of the Xbox One is its 24 hour “check-in” policy for online games. According to Microsoft “all games running on the upcoming Xbox One console will need to check in online every 24 hours.” Many gamers are up in arms over this revelation, as the games are rendered useless if you miss the 24 hour window, pushing gamers to move their money to the cheaper and less restrictive PS4.

Aside from the console battles that went down at E3, there were a lot of exciting new game announcements for Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony. These games included Mirrors Edge 2, Halo 5, Final Fantasy XV, Super Smash Bros Wii U, Infamous Second Son, and Kingdom Hearts 3. But that doesn’t even cover the games that were showcased and/or announced; the full list can be found here.

Unfortunately as a part of Microsoft’s keynote they revealed that misogyny is alive and well in the video game industry. Sam did a quick rant here, but the gist of the story is that there was a rape joke made on stage and allowed at the years biggest convention. The audience even laughed at it. The internet was immediately up in arms over the comment causing Microsoft to issue what they think was an apology, saying the comment was “off the cuff” and poorly made. Sorry Microsoft, but those comments should never come out of the mouth of one of your employees and the fact that it was said so easily on stage makes me shudder to think what kind of comments that woman actually has to endure on a regular basis as an employee with your company.

So, what did you think of E3? Did Sony dish out the beating the internet is saying? Will you be purchasing one, both, or neither of the consoles? Sound off, we’d love to hear your thoughts!