Gamescom has evolved into quite the mighty beast since its inception only two years ago. Now one of the most prolific events on the gaming calendar, the Cologne-based shindig has pulled plenty of punches when it comes to eyeball-popping announcements, from the unveiling of the PlayStation 3 Slim in 2009 to Resistance 3’s announcement last summer. Punters flock to the convention in their droves, with 2010’s bash pulling in a whopping 254,000 visitors – a number that is sure to skyrocket over the next couple of years.
With the videogames industry gears up for Gamescom 2011 this week, we here at PSU decided to take the opportunity to give our community a chance to offer their predictions for the annual European gaming event. You’ll also find predictions from a few of our staff members to boot, and don’t forget that PSU has despatched two of our U.K. writers to Gamescom to bring you hands-on impressions of all the latest games for your viewing pleasure.
Without further ado, here’s what some of you folk had to say.
COMMUNITY PREDICTIONS
Zoibie:
Likely:
-One of David Cage’s new projects will be revealed (probably Infraworld from the recent rumours.)
-New Singstar/Casual Move games… yeah.
-More Vita details including a couple of new 3rd party announcements and 3G details for Europe. No release date mentioned other than just 2012.
-Trailers for Uncharted 3, Starhawk and so on.
Possible:
-Sucker Punch’s new original game will be revealed, either a Vita or PSN game.
-Guerrilla Games’ new original game will be revealed.
-Dontnod’s Mass Effect-esque RPG will be announced.
Unlikely:
-PS3 price cut.
-Specific Vita launch date
Chille:
Possible:
-Price cut for the PS3 announced
-Twisted Metal beta announced
-PSN update will be announced
-Square will showcase an old FFXIII-2 trailer, albeit with some new info thrown in for good measure. FFXIII-2 will also be playable on the floor.
Unlikely:
-News on Final Fantasy Versus XIII
-Super rub a dub 2 announced (hey, a guy can dream!)
Ryunosuke:
Likely:
-More details about PS Vita’s online and social features. However, some of the information divulged will be a recap from the developer’s conference in July.
-New details about PS Vita’s UI (likely in some interview instead of at the conference).
-PS Vita third-party games revealed, most of which will be unveiled throughout the event and not at Sony’s conference itself. The main focus will probably be on western titles, with Japanese output saved for the Tokyo Game Show.
-PS3 price cut announced.
Bligmerk:
Likely:
-Confirmation, or debunking of at least two new FPS exclusive to the PS3, one possibly involving a new studio, including the acquisition of one or more new studios.
-Confirmation, or debunking of a new SKU separate from the CECH-3000, if only the CECH-3000 is presented.
Snooper71:
Likely:
-Sony will announce DLC for GT5 including a new map pack, between 20-50 upgraded cars (premium), game state saving (the possibility to save games in the middle of a race) and will also give a road map to what can be expected of GT5 in the future (more premium cars, camera mode free roaming etc..)
-Reconfirmation that Sorcery is still in development, with fresh gameplay footage and story details unveiled.
-The Last Guardian will make an appearance in the form of new gameplay footage, and more details of the interaction between the child protagonist and the ”guardian,” plus a release date will be announced.
-Square Enix will announce FFXI ”on the go” for Vita with new functions designed specifically for Sony’s handheld. Tentative release date of Fall 2012.
-Square will also announce full support for the Vita by confirming enhanced ports of PSP games including Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII and both entries in the Dissidia: Final Fantasy series.
-Sony will drop the price of the PS3 as follows, 160GB SKU = 199USD, 320GB SKU = 259USD, in order to get rid of old stock to make room for the latest SKU. Sony also will bundle games, or vouchers into the older models (game selection will depend on territory)
-Two new exclusives games will be confirmed, including one from Heavy Rain developer Quantic Dream.
-Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) will announce new iterations of the SingStar franchise that will promise to have more HD video content available.
-With the arrival of the Sony S1 and S2 tablets, Sony will offer more details about PlayStation certified devices
-Sony will announce new features for PlayStation Plus members including the long awaited x-game chat feature.
^ PS Vita will surely form an integral part of Sony’s Gamescom line-up
STAFF PREDICTIONS
Mike Harradence (Managing Editor)
-Quantic Dream will lift the wraps off one of two new games, possibly in the shape of the much-rumored Infraworld
-Capcom will unveil the Devil May Cry HD Collection, which was previously outed via a Spanish retailer a few months ago
-Sony will showcase a boatload of new PlayStation Vita software from first and third-parties alike, though a European release date will remain elusive. Most likely, they’ll reiterate an early 2012 launch. In addition, the firm will also divulge key details regarding the handheld’s online and social features.
-PlayStation 3 will receive a price cut
-Sony will announce a series of new PlayStation Portable bundles in an effort to stimulate lagging sales ahead of Vita’s launch early next year.
-Sorcery will be shown off for the first time in months, and will be the ‘big guns’ as far as Sony’s PlayStation Move Gamescom showcase is concerned.
-Sucker Punch will unveil their new IP, a PS3-exclusive title
-BioWare will announce the long-rumored multiplayer component for Mass Effect 3
-Capcom will confirm Resident Evil Portable has been cancelled for PSP and instead is being developed for PS Vita.
Justin Titus (Forum Admin, PSU Writers Army Contributor)
-PlayStation 3 price cut, or new bundles announced for European territories.
-Quantic Dream will finally reveal it’s new project.
-PlayStation Vita will get a confirmed launch date for North America and EU
-The Last Guardian will get a full reveal including launch schedule
-New unannounced PS3 exclusive to be revealed
Matt Siddles (Co-community Mananger)
-The long-awaited Grand Theft Auto V will be formally announced
-Sony will offer us a glimpse at fresh downloadable content for Gran Turismo 5
-Polyphony Digital will confirm it is working on a Gran Turismo title for PlayStation Vita
Rob Manning (Co-community Manager)
-God of War 4 will be officially announced following months of rumors
-Sony will unveil a PS3 + Vita combo, to be sold in stores in early 2012 — all in one entertainment box
Article by Justin Titus