Another year of the Game Developers Conference has come and gone, and while we didn’t exactly get anything earth-shattering in terms of next-gen hardware (i.e. no system reveal by the folks at Microsoft, at least not yet), there were plenty of great sights to see, games to play and some big news on the horizon. Not to mention the fact that we were able to catch up with old friends while making some new ones, and being able to talk to game producers about the very thing they love to create.
But if we had to pick five primary moments from this year’s event…well, that’s a toughie. We saw a lot of great games this year, as well as some up-and-coming developments that really took us by surprise. It’s a hard job…but we managed to do it, and came away with five highlights that we simply couldn’t get enough of.
Hold on tight, because here’s the best of the GDC!
Battlefield 4’s Big Reveal
It was kind of weird how Electronic Arts tapered off a public movie theater to usher us in to show Battlefield 4 on the big screen, when a lounge would’ve easily sufficed. But then we saw the footage for ourselves, which was definitely mesmerizing. DICE has managed to embrace the next generation thus far with its Frostbite 3 technology, which brought a number of stirring combat situations to startling life, whether you were fighting your way through a crumbling building or doing battle with a heavily armored helicopter.
While it would’ve been nice to see some multiplayer (which is no doubt a huge focus for the Battlefield franchise – ask anyone), the presentation did set up what could be an awesome reveal for E3. (Not to mention the fact that Activision has a lot it needs to do with its rumored Call of Duty: Ghost presentation within the next few months.) Kudos to EA and its team for inviting us along, then hobnobbing with us in the lounge afterwards. Good times!
(We’ll have a Battlefield 4 first look for you very soon.)
The Phantom Pain Is All About Metal Gear Solid
Hideo Kojima finally let the cat out of the collective bag this week when he unveiled that The Phantom Pain, a project that was first hinted at back at the Spike Video Game Awards in December, is in fact Metal Gear Solid V, a rumor that had been making the rounds for months. He also donned a few bandages, indicating that, yes, he was behind the whole Joakim Mogren thing. No shocker there.
But then he showed off a new six-minute trailer for the game, one that featured a somewhat Snake-ish character getting into a dangerous situation, then awakening in a hospital afterward with a prosthetic limb – and a whole lot of danger. The game will be utilizing technology via the Fox Engine, so some of those Ground Zeroes elements will be making their way into it. However, what’s most interesting is the mention of current gen consoles at the end of the trailer – it’s not being reserved for next generation.
Also, on a sad note, David Hayter, a long-time voice companion for Snake in the Metal Gear games, won’t be making a return, as it appears that Kojima will be aiming for a “fresh start”. While that’s sad to hear, we’re still anticipating what Konami does next with it.
Sony’s Indie-Based Presentation
Before GDC even kicked off, Sony Computer Entertainment of America invited us to a private party, where they focused on the vital importance of independent games on its platforms. Along with announcing two new PS4 projects (Blacklight Retribution and Primal Carnage: Genesis), the presenters also had a lot of great current-gen games on hand, including the popular DiveKick, the Sportsfriends collection and Hotline Miami, a game that raised an eyebrow just as much as it did a temper. (Play it, you’ll see.)
The event was a bit on the small side, but definitely a lot of fun, and it looks like Sony’s Indie Pub Fund continues to flourish with some sharp new developments. You have to wonder if they managed to find any new darlings in the GDC Play section of the floor. Here’s to hoping…
The Oculus VR Booth
Before GDC, Oculus VR had been reserved for private hotel suites and presentations. But with this show, the team made its public debut in a decked out booth, one that had a line throughout most of the three days. Attendees were able to try out the awesome first-person mech game Hawken in full 3D, using their head to look around at their surroundings and a controller to blast away at parts of the city.
While the demo was a little short-lived (especially compared to the Doom action we saw back at PAX Prime with the Oculus), the visuals were astounding, and the interactivity with the device is second to none. The team also announced that it was shipping out development units that week, moving it one step closer to consumer acceptance. We can’t wait to give this a swing in our office.
Long Live the OUYA
Last but definitely not least, the folks behind the OUYA console thanked its supporters and media during a private party at its office Thursday night, not only handing out goodie bags to its highest contributors, but also providing a first hands-on with the unit, introducing attendees to the interface and the 100+ game library available now.
Though not everyone got to walk away with their system (some will have to wait until it ships out sometime this week), everyone had a good time with free drinks and grub from the food trucks, as well as a party atmosphere that celebrated everything OUYA. Now if we can just get a unit to try out in the office already. We need to see how the rest of those games work…
What were your favorite moments from GDC?
