Get your geek on at the Electronic Entertainment Expo
The Electronic Entertainment Expo goes down Tuesday to June 17, but as expected of L.A.’s biggest annual geek party, the major industry events start before the actual conference begins in hopes of capitalizing on the most media buzz. In fact, this year’s official events wrap up on the first day of E3, leaving the spotlight on the exhibitors at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Wednesday and June 17. E3, as it’s known, opens its doors only to industry professionals and reporters, but most events are available to virtual “party crashers” via live Web streams. However, there are a few things open to the public.
Sunday
Project Natal: E3 unofficially kicks off with this invitation-only media event. Microsoft risked a lot on Project Natal, which lets gamers play with their body via a motion-sensor camera instead of a hand-held controller. So Microsoft hired Cirque du Soleil to show the device off. The Galen Center at USC, 3400 S. Figueroa St. L.A., (213) 821-4253. 6:30 p.m.; airs on MTV on Tuesday.
Monday
Microsoft: With a slate of new games including new Gears of War and Fable, 2010 is huge for Xbox, and Microsoft nabbed the first official E3 news conference to show it. Expect more Natal-related info, as well as upcoming game announcements. This event is restricted to the 18-and-over crowd, so expect some slightly adult-oriented content. The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 388-1400, 10:30 p.m. with simultaneous broadcast on Spike TV.
Electronic Arts: EA owned E3 in 2009 with its incredible Mass Effect 2 footage, so it’s likely that this year’s presentation will cause significant media buzz. We’re hoping for news on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., (800) 448-7775, with simultaneous broadcast on G4TV.com at 2 p.m.
Ubisoft: This event will likely introduce games that’ll take up half your Christmas list. Among the most anticipated is Dance on Broadway, which sounds like Rock Band meets “Ugly Betty.” Los Angeles Theatre, 615 S. Broadway, (213) 629-2939 with simultaneous broadcast on G4TV.com at 5 p.m.
The VGChartz E3 2010 Party: Industry-tracking site VGChartz.com will break the E3 ice with a party at the Broadway Bar in downtown L.A. that includes performances by video game cover band Megas and chiptune rockers 8 Bit Weapon. 830 S. Broadway, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., (213) 614-9909; no cover.
Tuesday
Nintendo: With 3 DS and Wii versions of Metroid and Zelda dropping later this year, you can bet your last mushroom that there’s a lot to look forward to. Nokia Theatre, 777 Chick Hearn Court, (213) 763-6000, with simultaneous broadcast on G4TV.com at 9 a.m.
Sony Computer Entertainment: Will Move disappoint? Will LittleBigPlanet 2 be as good as the first? The excitement over these must-play games has pre-cramped our thumbs in anticipation. Shrine Auditorium, 665 W. Jefferson Blvd.; (213) 748-5116; simultaneous broadcast on G4tv.com at 11:30 p.m.
The West Coast Wigout: After a day of convention center madness, this Alhambra gallery will lure game geeks with six hours of art and live video game music. Gallery Nucleus, 30 W. Main St. (626) 458-7482; 6 p.m. to midnight; $10 advance, $15 door.
Wednesday
Strikeforce Live: On the occasion of EA Sports’ upcoming mixed martial arts video game MMA (release date TBA), kickboxing and MMA promoters Strikeforce are hosting a major fight night featuring several top fighters. This event isn’t technically part of E3, but given that Strikeforce partnered heavily with EA to make the new game, the timing is uncanny, isn’t it? Nokia Theatre, 7 p.m.; tickets from $40 to $100.
June 17
Video Games Live: What better way to wrap up the E3 festivities than with a world-class orchestra performing music from such games as Mega Man, Halo and Final Fantasy? The event will include a full symphony and choir as well as interactive effects. Nokia Theatre, 8 p.m.; tickets from $24.50 to $74.50.
To be announced
Valve: Valve, which makes the game Portal, canceled its Monday news conference less than two weeks before E3. “Whaaa?” shouted the Internet. In its place, the company has promised a Portal 2 “surprise” during E3 week. As of press time, details hadn’t been released.
Rockstar Games: After the staggering success of Red Dead Redemption, it was assumed that Rockstar’s 2010 E3 appearance would be a big deal. Planned showcases included the upcoming Max Payne 3 and the long-delayed James Ellroy-inspired crime game L.A. Noire. The buzz became moot on June 1 when Rockstar dropped the appearance, claiming time restrictions. Humbug, say many who take the announcement as a lack of confidence in its upcoming products. Rockstar plans to hold private events for the media to showcase new games “sometime” after E3.
E3
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles
When: Tuesday through June 17
Price: Not open to general public
Info: (213) 741-1151; https://www.e3expo.com
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