E3 - It’s a Great Time to be a Gamer
By Shaun Hatton - June 2nd, 2009
I’m writing this shortly after the Nintendo Press Conference at E3, which despite having a lull in it towards the middle part, was utterly joyful to experience.
Regardless of which way your fanboy leanings might sway you, I have to say that as someone going into E3 with no expectations from anyone, and overall very happy with the current crop of games I’ve been allowed to play, I am thrilled.
This is an amazing time to be a videogamer. I feel sorry for anyone who disagrees.
I grew up with one, maybe two new videogames a year. It was at a time when renting of games did not exist for me (I had a Sega Master System).
We currently live in an age of hyper consumerism and we’ve been forced to have insatiable appetites for NEW! AMAZING! THINGS! and this, in turn, over-inflates our sense of privilege. But seriously, I encourage you to take a step back and appreciate what we have access to now. It’s nothing short of astounding.
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I am in complete agreement. Of course, it’s rare that I take anything for granted.
That’s an interesting position Shaun. Michael Abbott of the Brainy Gamer has a completely discordant view to yours:
http://www.brainygamer.com/the_brainy_gamer/2009/06/thank-you-sir.html
“What I’m concerned about, and this year’s E3 only confirms it, is that we’ve apparently decided the only way to tell a story in a video game is to send a male hero (lately he’s a dark conflicted hero) off to wreak retribution or deliver some kind of unholy justice with a requisite set of thrilling gun/sword/combat mechanics in tow.”
I’m not defending either position here, but I don’t think it’s appropriate or sensible to ‘feel sorry’ for anyone who disagress. E3 is a trade show - it’s not a conference nor a gamer’s paradise. TT is just another extension of the advertising arms of Sony/Nintendo/Sega, and while I appreciate the joyousness of playing/seeing what’s new and cool, I think some sober reflection is warranted afterwards.
Just my $0.02. I’m enjoying the coverage regardless.