Readying for Day Zero of E3 2013

E3 unofficially begins today with the major pre-event press conferences. Anticipation is exceptionally high with the new generation being a heavy focus – whether it be for the exciting aspects or dreading the direction the industry appears now to be headed. 

Today is all about the press conferences so expect big news from Sony and Microsoft with game announcements and demonstrations taking center stage.

EA will be showing off their next-generation titles including Madden NFL 25, FIFA 14, NBA Live 14, and EA Sports UFC. The advantage to showing more of Live and UFC over Madden and FIFA is doing so won’t damage perception of current gen versions that come out before the new consoles arrive so they may get the majority of the time and discussion on stage. We already know eight gameplay features will be discussed for UFC alone. EA Sports also stated last month they would be making new game announcements at E3.

NBA 2K14 is expected to show up at a press conference. That will probably be Sony’s but with Microsoft trying to present the Xbox One as a destination for gamers, and paying publishers to be a part of that, the 2K14 appearance being there can’t be counted out either. EA will appear at Microsoft’s press conference in addition to their own to further discuss their strategic partnership.

The show floor opens on Tuesday at 3PM ET/Noon PT where current generation versions of Madden, FIFA, NCAA Football 14, and NHL 14 will be available to play.

Look for coverage on news as it breaks here throughout the day and then directly from the show floor on Tuesday and Wednesday. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for immediate info and reaction with stories following shortly thereafter. Press Row Hangouts and/or Podcasts recapping the events of each day could arrive as well.

Microsoft Press Conference (1230PM ET/930AM PT)
♦Watch with Microsoft’s live stream, on Xbox Live or Spike TV

Electronic Arts Press Conference (4PM ET/1PM PT)
♦Watch with EA’s live stream or GameTrailers

Ubisoft Press Conference (6PM ET/3PM PT)

Sony Press Conference (9PM ET/6PM PT)
♦Watch with Sony’s live stream