The Xbox showcase has put pressure on PlayStation's State of Plays by setting a new standard for game showcases. The Xbox showcase was praised for its impressive lineup of games and slick presentation, which has raised expectations for what PlayStation should deliver in their events. As a result, PlayStation's State of Plays have been criticized for lacking the same level of excitement and impact. The success of the Xbox showcase has highlighted the need for PlayStation to step up its game and deliver more engaging and fulfilling events for fans who eagerly anticipate these showcases.
Since the cancellation of E3, several events have emerged to fill the void. These events include Summer Game Fest, the Xbox Games Showcase, Ubisoft Forward, and IGN Live2. Additionally, there has been a PlayStation Showcase and a Nintendo Direct. These events have provided a platform for game companies to show off new trailers, share big announcements, and invite press to preview upcoming games. It appears that the industry is settling on these events as the successors to E3.
The recent Xbox showcase was comparable to an E3 event due to several key features:
Nonstop stream of game trailers: The Xbox showcase presented a continuous stream of exciting game trailers, keeping the audience engaged and hyped for upcoming releases.
Big announcements: Xbox made several significant announcements during the showcase, including new game releases, hardware updates, and partnerships3.
Focused two-week window: The event was part of a concentrated two-week period of gaming news and announcements, similar to the structure of E3 in the past.
Hands-on demo opportunities: Like E3, the Xbox showcase allowed media outlets to get hands-on experience with some of the announced games, providing valuable insights and first impressions.
Emphasis on trailers and announcements: Xbox seemed to have learned from Nintendo's Direct format, putting a strong focus on showcasing exciting trailers and making impactful announcements.
Industry participation: The Xbox showcase was accompanied by other events such as Summer Game Fest, Ubisoft Forward, and IGN Live, creating a unified, E3-like experience for gaming enthusiasts.
Debate over the "winner": Just like in the E3 era, the Xbox showcase sparked discussions and debates among the gaming community about which publisher had the best presentation and vision for the future.
These features combined to create an event that successfully captured the spirit and excitement of E3, even as the gaming industry continues to evolve and adapt to new ways of showcasing its latest offerings.