Every year around June, gamers and industry professionals around the world set their eyes and ears on Los Angeles. The annual Electronic Entertainment Expo is the exact reason why. 2014’s edition of the video game expo looks to be one of the most surprising and quality showcases of all time. In order to get you up to speed on what’s planned for this major event, we’ve cobbled together this preview on everything you need to know about E3 2014.
1. It’s Going to Take Place in a Very Familiar Location
The 2014 edition of the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo will take place the one place its been associated with for several past edition of the show – the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California. The expo will take place over three days during the month of June – June 10, June 11 and June 12.
2. Microsoft’s Press Conference Will Take Place a Day Before the Show
One day before E3 2013 officially begins, Microsoft will present their live press conference before the rest of their hardware/software rivals. The name of their pre-E3 stage show has been dubbed “Xbox: Game On,” which will be livestreamed right here at 9:30 a.m. PST/12:30 p.m. EST on June 9. Xbox boss Phil Spencer noted that several sequels and new titles will make an appearance during their media briefing.
This year’s setting will be the Galen Center on the campus of the University of Southern California. Some of the games expected to be shown during Microsoft’s Xbox livestream include Halo 5: Guardians, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Forza Horizon 2, Fable Legends and more.
3. Electronic Arts Press Conference Will be Held on the Same Day as Microsoft’s Press Conference
Once Microsoft’s press conference concludes, video game publisher Electronic Arts will be next up to present their own pre-E3 stage show. Their livestream (“EA World Premier: E3 2014 Preview”) will take place on June 9 at 12 p.m. PST/3 p.m. EST. EA will broadcast their show from the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium.
EA World Premiere at E3 coming live to Spike TV on June 9, 1 hour press conference with six new game reveals as part of our E3 All Access.
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) May 6, 2014
Those watching should expect to see more footage of the Star Wars Battlefront game that debuted at E3 2013, Mirror’s Edge 2, a new Need for Speed and a slew of new IP’s (Geoff Keighley tweeted that six new games are being planned for the EA’s livestream announcements). Along with this stage show, Microsoft stated that they’ve put together “a number of fan-centric events” for Los Angeles denizens and the viewing audience.
4. Once EA’s Live Stage Show Concludes, Ubisoft is Up Next
The following pre-E3 livestream press conference on hand for June 9 will come from Ubisoft. Ubisoft will run their games showcase at the Orpheum Theater at 3 p.m. PST/6 p.m. EST. Ubisoft’s slate of already announced titles that may pop up during this press conference include Assassin’s Creed: Unity, Far Cry 4 and new looks at unannounced titles that are sure to surprise us all.
5. Sony Will Have the Final Live Press Conference of the Day
The final company livestream showcase on June 9 will be handled by Sony and will most likely focus on the PlayStation brand of gaming. Starting at 6 p.m. PST/9 p.m. EST, Sony will show off the newest projects and hardware/software initiatives for the PS3, PS4 and PS Vita. PlayStation fans can definitely look forward to seeing a closer look at the Uncharted sequel planned for release on the PS4. No final location has been planned for Sony’s livestream press conference yet, but we’ll make sure let you know about it once the news are out.