Editorials: My Hopes & Dreams for E3 2018

The closer we get to June, the more I dream of what companies will have to show us at E3 2018.

I’ve only been to the Electronic Entertainment Expo once. I got so happy thinking about that experience while writing this that my girlfriend glanced over at me smiling at my phone and asked, “Who is she?”

Usually, professionalism dictates that I bottle up my enthusiasm and keep quiet about what I hope happens during the show. Circumstances are a little different this year. Not only am I covering E3 2018 from home, I’ve not been briefed on a single thing we might see at the show. That means I can chat about my own hopes and dreams for E3 2018 without worrying about ruining surprises.

Here’s what I hope happens at the show.

Microsoft, Hopefully, Brings the Heat

I’m hoping Microsoft has a lot to show at E3 2018.

With Xbox Game Pass firmly established and potentially contributing to State of Decay 2’s million-strong launch, I’m hoping Microsoft uses E3 to introduce some improvements. I’d like the service to include every Xbox exclusive game launched for the Xbox One. After all, it’s already getting every new Xbox exclusive.

I’d also really like Microsoft to bring more of the Xbox experience to Windows 10. That means adding genuine reasons for PC gamers to subscribe to Xbox Live Gold, like discounts on games. I wouldn’t say no to a few PC games finally getting added to Xbox Game Pass either. Finally, I’d appreciate a massive update to the Xbox on Windows 10 app.

Microsoft has the most powerful video game console ever made with the Xbox One X. Now is the time to stuff its library with good games. I hope we see teasers for follow-ups to some of the Xbox One-era games that haven’t gotten a follow-up yet, like Quantum Break and Sunset Overdrive. I wouldn’t mind some news on old franchises too, like Fable and Halo.

I fully expect Microsoft to have something to say about Crackdown 3 now that it’s clear that game is way behind schedule. I really don’t care when the game debuts at this point, I just want it to be the destructible open-world game that Microsoft first promised it was in 2016.

Sony Lays Low

Sony is going to just ride E3 2018 out and I can’t blame them. Detroit Become Human just launched. God of War was a hit. They’ve still got Spider-Man set for launch in September and exclusives for Call of Duty lined up in October.

The company announced its focusing on services that feed the existing console and building engagement numbers for PlayStation Plus now.

Theoretically, that means PlayStation Vue, Sony’s cable TV service, and PlayStation Now, the video game subscription service, should finally get the attention they deserve at E3 2018. Vue needs better pricing or a better channel line-up. I hope Sony will copy what Microsoft has done with Xbox Game Pass and add their new exclusive games to PlayStation Now.

I refuse to waste any time thinking about future Sony hardware. In my mind, the worst thing Sony could do now is to start talking about the PlayStation 4’s successor or any console hardware. Stick to your stellar game line-up and you’re good. Of course, I thought the PlayStation TV was a great idea, so my track record is shaky.

Nintendo Does What They Do

I only want two things from Nintendo: Pokémon and Super Smash Brothers for Nintendo Switch. Actually, make that three things: I wouldn’t mind them bringing that Nintendo Switch bundle without the TV dock to the United States. That way, gamers could enjoy both of those titles without dropping the same $299.99 I did on the console.

Read: Nintendo Switch Review

Nintendo is in the best position of all the console makers. It has a rising hit, a long pipeline of games and has leapt off the treadmill of hardware upgrades that Microsoft and Sony still find themselves on. With 18 million Switch consoles sold in around a year, they should just keep doing what they’re doing: releasing games fans want.

Ubisoft Drops The Heat

Ubisoft is my E3 2018 wildcard.

In case you don’t already know, I’m a huge fan of them and their games. The Assassin’s Creed franchise is what turned me into a super fan of the developer. I’d like to see some new DLC or add-on content announced for Assassin’s Creed Origins. That’s it though; we don’t need another title in the franchise so soon.

I hope they don’t drop a new Watch Dogs either. Save that until 2019 and give that franchise some space. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the last game. I just don’t want them to fall into the same trap with Watch Dogs that they did Assassin’s Creed’s by stacking releases too close together.

Give me a trailer for The Division 2, Ubisoft. Then, turn around and set the release date for this September. I need some multiplayer hotness to enjoy now that Anthem is delayed and Destiny 2 is on the ropes.

What are you guys hoping for?