E3 2017: An Electrifying Show for Gaming Enthusiasts
The Electronic Entertainment Expo 2017, popularly known as E3, was held from June 13-15 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, California. The gaming industry's biggest event saw a gathering of thousands of gaming enthusiasts, media personalities, developers, and publishers who showcased their upcoming games and technologies. This year, the event was open to the public for the first time since 2015, and it was nothing short of spectacular.
Microsoft's Xbox One X: A Game-Changer in the Console Wars
Microsoft's Xbox One X, previously known as Project Scorpio, was the center of attention at E3 this year. The console, which is expected to release on November 7, promises to deliver 4K gaming at 60fps, smoother loading times, and better graphics. It is the most powerful console ever made, featuring an 8-core custom AMD CPU clocked at 2.3GHz and a 6 teraflop GPU. Several games also showcased their compatibility with Xbox One X, including Metro Exodus, Assassin's Creed Origins, and Forza Motorsport 7.
The Future of VR Gaming Looks Bright
Virtual reality (VR) technology has slowly been making its way into the gaming industry, and this year at E3, it was clear that VR gaming is here to stay. Several games showcased their VR capabilities, including Fallout 4, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and Doom VFR. Aside from games, new VR technologies were also present, such as Intel's Project Alloy, a self-contained VR headset without any external sensors or cables, and Microsoft's Windows Mixed Reality, which allows users to experience VR, but also interact with the real world at the same time.
The Biggest Franchises Take Center Stage
E3 2017 saw announcements and previews of several major franchise titles, including Call of Duty: WWII, Star Wars Battlefront II, and Super Mario Odyssey. Call of Duty: WWII takes the franchise back to its roots, featuring a storyline set in World War II and a return to classic gameplay mechanics. Star Wars Battlefront II promises to address the concerns of the first game's fans, by including a single-player campaign, more multiplayer modes, and playable heroes and villains across all eras of the Star Wars universe. Super Mario Odyssey takes the beloved plumber on a new adventure, featuring a sandbox-style gameplay in various environments, including real-world cities and even the moon.
E3 2017 was a massive success and a testament to the gaming industry's growth and popularity. With exciting new technologies and games on the horizon, the future of gaming looks brighter than ever.