Sony knows a thing or two about hyping up gamers leading into E3. Their pre-show press conference is always one to get their diehard fans out of their seats, and E3 2016 will surely be no different.
After being there live for their 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015 conferences myself, I’ve seen first hand that the PlayStation teams knows exactly how to win over a crowd.
With E3 kicking off next week, Sony will undoubtedly be primed to show take it right up to Microsoft and its highly anticipated Scorpio, with a strong showing for PS4 Pro and PSVR on the cards from Sony. A host of new exclusives should also make an appearance, so there’s no doubting that E3 2017 will be yet another home run for the PlayStation team.
To celebrate the kicking off on E3 on June 13, here are the best PlayStation moments from gaming’s biggest annual event. (NOTE: The video above is a repost from E3 2016).
Gabe Newell and Portal 2 on PlayStation 3
E3 2010
Gabe took to the stage during PlayStation’s E3 2010 press conference, and even when the Portal 2 logo came on screen, no one quite knew what to expect. Newell teased the crowd with his laid back humour, perplexing the crowd before announcing Steam-PS3 integration for the game. Sure, that feature hasn’t quite caught on like many hoped it would, but it was an exciting announcement nonetheless.
“$299”
E3 1995
Sega’s Saturn console, priced at $399US, had the company thinking it had the leg-up on its competitors heading into an important era in the ‘90s console wars. Sony, however, had other plans, with the PlayStation generating plenty of buzz and hype. Half-way through PlayStation’s E3 1995 press conference, the then-president of SCEA came on stage, ruffled some papers around, moved up to the microphone and casually said, “Two ninety-nine” to the applause of the crowd.
Killzone 2 demo
E3 2005
Gamers knew that with the PlayStation 3, they were going to get a substantial leap in visual quality from the PS2 to the new console, but nobody expect this. While the demo of Killzone 2 shown during PlayStation’s E3 2005 press conference looked nothing like the final game — it was merely a tech demo — it blew the socks off most in attendance, and single-handedly won E3 for PlayStation.
Metal Gear Solid 2 trailer
E3 2000
With Sega generating hype around the Dreamcast, Sony needed something to keep the momentum around the PS2 strong. Not that it needed it. Still, Sony’s collaboration with Konami to showcase Metal Gear Solid 2 at E3 2000 was one of the final nails in the coffin for the struggling Dreamcast.
Kevin Butler makes Move look good
E3 2010
One of the most iconic moments in E3 history had Sony’s inspiring and hilariously fictional executive taking the stage with sleek and witty gamer rhetoric. Kevin Butler was so good, he even made Move look great.
PS4 for $399
E3 2013
Hellbent on avoiding the same mistakes it made with the PS3, Sony set an attractive price for the PlayStation 4. The PS3 proved that anything about $400 was a major risk, as the Xbox One proved with its $499 launch price. With the announcement of a $399 launch price, Sony proclaimed its readiness for the new generation, which has set the tone and continues to some three years into the generation.
PS4 and used games
E3 2013
Microsoft is still trying to recover from its mistakes with the Xbox One, and had it taken Sony’s informal advice from E3 2013, it might have been in a better position. Sony attacked the Xbox One’s strange used games restriction, with brutal success. This was the moment Sony won the E3 2013 PR battle.
No Man’s Sky
E3 2014
One of the “games of the show” at E3 2014, indie developer Hello Games put its name on the map with gameplay for No Man’s Sky. It blew gamers away with its procedurally generated space exploration, and during a show which showcased Destiny and Far Cry 4, it was a small indie studio that left a lasting impression on the audience.
Drake comes to PS4
E3 2014
This seems less relevant now that we finally have our hands on the game, but after waiting so long, gamers finally had a (good) look at Uncharted 4, Nathan Drake’s first appearance on the PlayStation 4.
Trevor looks better than ever
E3 2014
It was hardly ground-breaking or revolutionary, but this trailer had everyone in attendance at PlayStation’s E3 2014 press conference up off their seats and cheering hysterically.
Remake
E3 2015
This probably needs no explanation. Final Fantasy VII. Remake.
The Last Guardian
E3 2015
And again, no introduction needed. Along with Remake, this won E3 2015 for Sony, despite a strong showing from Microsoft.
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