If you’re a gamer like myself, you’ve probably heard of the electronic entertainment expo, or E3. It’s one of the biggest conventions used to preview up-and-coming and recently released video games, accessories, attire, and much much more. I’ve had the opportunity to check out this convention for the past several years, and would like to share some of my thoughts on the highlights and changes that have occurred during this time.
After walking the halls of the convention for hours and hours, what really stood out is how much the entertainment industry has merged with the video game industry. Just 5-10 years ago Hollywood was on top of the world and gamers were more of an underground or basement crowd existing completely independently of each other. Now with the recessive economy, Hollywood is losing revenue while the gaming industry is maintaining it’s numbers. Once a power house, the movie market has now switched positions with the gaming industry. There’s a boost in game development and its takers, and entertainment is begging for a chance to play a part in anything gaming.
Take for example the highlight of the show: Nintendo’s 3DS. Nintendo truly outdid themselves with this new intriguing handheld console. As the name implies, the new features include two cameras on the back which allow for taking 3D pictures, and the ability to play games in 3D. However after the 30 minute wait to get a hands-on look at this new device, the majority of uses I saw were not gaming related, but entertainment. During the preview it wasn’t so much the games, but the movies that were highly stressed. “You can watch regular movies in 3D on the Nintendo 3DS!”, I was told. Now as amazing as I think it is to be able to watch movies on a game console, I started to wonder how it became as much or more about movies as gaming.
Looking around the halls there is more integration of entertainment and gaming than ever before. Most popular movies today are being turned into video games, as well as the other way around. There have been rumors about the online game World of Warcraft being turned into a movie. A game that is being played by a whopping 12 million people. Such a following would be a sure box office success.
This strange evolution from people watching movies or playing video games independently to a world where a movie or a game enhances the overall experience is amazing. In a short time these two very different industries found a way to combine their strengths and bring two audiences into the same circle. I believe this is a positive turn of events for gamers everywhere and I hope this trend continues, and the these two communities continue to grow in unison.
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