The Biggest E3 Announcements of All Time

E3, once the pinnacle of gaming announcements, has sadly closed its doors. Looking back, several groundbreaking moments shaped the industry. This article highlights some of the most significant announcements from various E3 events.

The Sega Saturn (E3 1995)

E3 1995 marked the inaugural year, introducing iconic games like Turok, EarthBound, and Resident Evil. More importantly, it showcased the Sega Saturn, a console that, while promising, ultimately failed to reach its full potential in terms of sales. The console’s launch in North America during the E3 presentation was an attempt at a ‘shadow drop’ strategy, a tactic that was not successful. The lack of online presence and anticipated supply issues hindered its adoption compared to the PlayStation.

The Sony PlayStation (E3 1995)

Sony’s PlayStation announcement at E3 1995 was a watershed moment for gaming. The PlayStation, priced lower than the Saturn at $299 USD, proved to be a formidable competitor. Sony’s confidence in the product foreshadowed its game-changing influence. The price point, combined with a strategy that resonated, established the PlayStation as a significant player in the console market. The PlayStation’s ultimate triumph in market share cemented its place in gaming history.

The Nintendo GameCube (E3 2001)

Nintendo’s GameCube, a successor to the Nintendo 64, was revealed at E3 2001. The GameCube, in many respects, was technically impressive, even surpassing the PS2 in specifications at the time. This represented a shift from cartridges to discs, a bold move in the console market. In a move that set a precedent in the next generation, Nintendo prioritized affordability and innovative control schemes over simply out-competing its rivals in specifications.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (E3 2004)

The announcement trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess at E3 2004 captivated fans. The highly anticipated title delivered a highly realistic aesthetic that had been a popular demand among players after the release of Wind Waker. The excitement generated by the reveal was remarkable, with a degree of reverence that hasn’t been seen at the trade show since.

The Microsoft Kinect (E3 2010)

Microsoft’s Kinect, initially known as Project Natal, was a bold innovation, utilizing motion sensors and voice controls for gaming. The Kinect demonstrated the potential of new gaming peripherals. However, this foray into motion control was ultimately ahead of its time, falling short in the market compared to Nintendo’s approach to peripheral development. The introduction foreshadowed future efforts towards VR and other specialized peripherals.

Final Fantasy 15 (E3 2013)

The announcement of Final Fantasy XV at E3 2013, originally known as Final Fantasy Versus XIII, was surprising. The long-awaited title’s relaunch as Final Fantasy XV, while still divisive upon release, generated excitement. The presentation’s use of a title change signified a radical shift in the game’s focus and direction. The announcement signaled a turning point for the Final Fantasy franchise. Ultimately, however, it maintained a place in the legacy of the franchise.

Sony’s Used Game PSA (E3 2013)

Sony’s simple but effective PSA on used game trading at E3 2013 highlighted a contrast to the increasingly complex and restrictive approaches to game ownership being considered. The video demonstrated a different philosophy for game circulation in the upcoming PS4 era compared to Microsoft’s Xbox One, which had a reputation for strict restrictions. This savvy move likely played a crucial role in gaining market share and creating a positive customer experience.

Fallout 4 (E3 2015)

Bethesda’s announcement of Fallout 4 at E3 2015 was met with considerable excitement. This release followed the success of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, building on Bethesda’s expertise in creating extensive and engaging open-world experiences. Further adding to the buzz, the release of Fallout 4 was confirmed for the same year. The bold timing was reminiscent of similar aggressive approaches in the marketplace.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake (E3 2015)

The long-awaited Final Fantasy VII Remake announcement at E3 2015 created significant excitement. The remake, initially a rumor, quickly became a highly anticipated title. The reveal was seen as a significant step forward for the series and promised a substantial undertaking by Square Enix to fulfill fan desires. The announcement helped shape expectations for the project, even in the face of a potentially complex undertaking.

Death Stranding (E3 2016)

Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding reveal at E3 2016 was a captivating event. This followed Kojima’s departure from Konami and the creation of his own studio. The game’s announcement trailer, while vague, established a certain ambiance and anticipation. The reveal, starring Norman Reedus, was significant not only for Kojima Productions but also for the gaming industry as a whole.

Resident Evil 2 Remake (E3 2018)

Resident Evil 2 Remake‘s announcement at E3 2018 was greeted with resounding praise. This was a substantial undertaking for Capcom, following the substantial success of a remake of another influential horror game. The remake’s announcement was likely an indicator of significant confidence in the project, and subsequently set the stage for future remakes. A similar project, Devil May Cry 5, was also revealed by Capcom that year, emphasizing the strength of Capcom’s lineup.

Keanu Reeves Introduces Cyberpunk 2077 (E3 2019)

Keanu Reeves’ appearance at E3 2019, unveiling the release date for Cyberpunk 2077, was a fitting climax to the final E3. This marked a significant moment for both the game and the event. The presence of a celebrity further elevated the event’s profile. Ultimately, the show and the celebrity announcement would signal the final E3, marking a poignant end to an era in the gaming industry.