E3 2012 Updates

Reports are coming out of E3 in Los Angeles thick and fast, with lots of news for eagerly-awaited new games and consoles. Among the line-up is the confirmation that Halo 4 will be released on November 6 of this year, having been produced by Microsoft's 343 Industries (the previous three games in the series were done by Bungie Studios, so fans are waiting to pass verdict on this development). This is said to be the first in a new Halo trilogy, to be released only for Xbox 360, so the game's success will be instrumental in securing the series' future.

Sony revealed a new piece of software called Wonderbook, in which specially made books held up to a camera will appear with interactive graphics and mini-games. The first book released for use with the Playstation 3 Wonderbook will be a new Harry Potter title, with collaboration from J K Rowling. 'The Book of Spells' will allow you to cast magic spells on-screen, amongst other things, giving a new layer to the reading experience. In other Sony news, the PS Vita will be seeing two spin-offs from existing series (Call of Duty Black Ops: Declassified and Assassin's Creed 3: Liberation) as well as new game Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale and several existing Sony titles that will be carried forward (Tomb Raider, Final Fantasy).

The Xbox 360 team unveiled SmartGlass, which will allow you to view shows, films, games and so forth from your smartphone or tablet on your Xbox-connected screen. This also allows you to see behind-the-scenes info and other apps at the same time, with little delay in reaction. Nintendo revealed the new Wii U, as well as an interactive Miiverse that allows you to stay in better contact with your wii-playing friends. The console which we previously discussed was also unveiled, with the touchscreen element provoking many positive comments.

Published 5th June 2012 by Rhiannon D'Averc

Rhiannon is a professional writer specialising in a wide range of topics, in particular the world of entertainment. She is also a keen photographer, embroiderer, and all-around creative.