By: Tyler Miller

June has arrived at last! So you know what that means? E3 2016 will be upon us very soon, and us gamers will be swimming in all the new game reveals and announcements that all the developers and publishers give us. With E3 coming up, I felt that it would be fun to talk about what I’m looking forward to, and what I hope doesn’t happen at each of the press conferences. Since I don’t play PC games, I won’t be doing one of these posts for the PC press conference so I apologize for those that are interested in that show. With all of that out of the way, let’s kick this off with EA who has the first press conference of the show.

What I’m Looking Forward To

Battlefield 1

You hear that? That’s the sound of the first World War storming your system of choice with full force. Battlefield 1 is taking the series back to WW1, an era that isn’t really touched by shooters because of the belief that it simply won’t be all that fun due to the weapons available and trench warfare. It’s a risky approach, but it looks like it’ll pay off in dividends as shooter fans all around the world are eating it up. Admittedly I wasn’t that big a fan of the trailer when I first saw it, but after watching it more and more I’ve come around to it. Although the game looks gorgeous, graphics can only take a game so far. The one thing I’m waiting to see is gameplay of some sort, whether it be single player or multiplayer (although DICE’s multiplayer demos are heavily scripted). Show me that the insanity I saw in the trailer is representative of the actual game and DICE will have my money for sure.

Mass Effect: Andromeda

Mass Effect: Andromeda was announced last year at E3, and after two teases and recent leaks fans are dying to get their first real look at the much anticipated RPG. I’ve never played a game in the series but I’ve always been interested in the games, so this fresh start for the series is perfect time for me to jump in. I’m hoping that we get more than just a short trailer for the game. That would just be the worst. Give me a nice sized demo and a 2016/early 2017 release date Bioware. Give me something to get me more interested in the series Bioware, because I’m ready to explore the galaxy.

Bioware’s New IP

At E3 2014, Bioware announced that they were making a brand new IP in a short documentary type video and it’s been some time since we heard anything about it. The last time anything was said about it was earlier this year when a developer on the project tweeted out that he wore a shirt with the game’s name on it. It’s been two years, so now’s the time to reveal what this mystery project is.

Criterion Games New IP

Also being announced at E3 2014, Criterion Games is working on a new brand new IP that looks to be exploring all kinds of extreme sports involving wing suits, ATV’s and parachutes. I don’t know about you, but I was sold on this game from the concept trailer that they revealed and I’ve been dying to see what this game really is ever since. Just like with Bioware, Criterion has had two years to work on this game. It’s time to drop the curtain and reveal what the team has been working on.

Star Wars

EA has the rights to making Star Wars games for the next couple of years, so you can bet that they’re going to make as many as they can. We already have Battlefront, so I’m looking forward to seeing more DLC for that game (and possibly a sequel teaser). Aside from Battlefront though, there are also two other games in the works at EA: one is being made by Respawn Entertainment (the developers of Titanfall), and one by Visceral Games (the developers of Dead Space). We know next to nothing about these games so far, but with the teams behind them they should be pretty damn good.

Titanfall 2

In the middle of April, Respawn Entertainment and EA revealed the first teaser for Titanfall 2. The teaser wasn’t groundbreaking, as it offered only a small tease of the game and a date to look forward to seeing more of it. I unfortunately never got to play the first game because I don’t have an Xbox One, but I’m extremely hyped for the sequel since it’s coming to PS4 in addition to Xbox One. The game has an actual campaign now, so it’d probably in their best interest to show that off instead of showing multiplayer gameplay. As long as they show off the swords, I’ll be satisfied.

What I Don’t Want To Happen

EA Sports. It’s In The zzzzzzzzzzzz

This is probably wishful thinking but I really hope that EA doesn’t subject us to the thirty minute snorefest that is that EA Sports showing. It happens every year (with last year being the worst offender), but if they could not drag their sports game showing on forever that’d be great. Sure it’s a good time to take a bathroom break and make some food, but I would much rather be watching some awesome games be shown off. No one wants to see you drone on about the minor details that you changed up in this year’s version of Madden or Fifa. We honestly do not care. Oh, and if you have to bring a sports celebrity on stage, DO NOT let them ramble on forever. I’m looking at you Pelé.

Repeat E3 2014

Although I got excited by some of the announcements made by EA at E3 2014, that year was an all around disappointment. Everything they showed was developer documentaries and concept stuff for games that weren’t coming out for quite some time, so nothing of substance was really showed and it felt like a waste of time. Based off the way last year went it appears as if EA learned from their mistakes, but you never know. Don’t make this mistake again EA. Don’t make your press conference the concept art hour.

EA typically has a good E3 showing each year, but they’re never all that great. Will this be the year where EA blows everyone away and has a real great show? There is plenty of potential for it. Just don’t blow this EA.