Microsoft

One thing that can be said for sure about 2013 is we know a lot about what is coming before June of this year for console gaming, but not a lot about what is coming after.  Now much of this is due to the secrecy of the expected new gaming consoles from Sony and Microsoft.  Everyone is trying to play their cards close to their vest in order not to give away next gen release dates and/or secrets of the new hardware.  Its an exciting time in the industry for sure but many are not going to be jumping into next gen right away.  So for them, what do they have to look forward to?

As you look at the console landscape of what is known so far its clear its meager to say the least.  Does that mean doom and gloom?  Certainly not, honestly quite the opposite (or so we hope).  What this author feels this means is the next 4 months are going to be some of the most exciting in industry as each of the console makers are jockeying for position.

GDC, Private Events and E3 will not only play a pivotal role for next gen plans for Microsoft and Sony, but it seems pretty obvious they will also play a key role in all three console makers plans for the current generation systems since we know so little about what to expect for 2nd half of 2013.  There is no way any of the 3 console makers would abandon such larger install bases so we certainly can expect more for the current generation than we are seeing now.

Sony is set to announce the “future of the Playstation” on February 20th, much of the speculation is that the event will mostly be dedicated to the Playstation 4, but you have to think strategically Sony will filter in some news for current PS3 owners or risk alienating some of their base by making them feel they are being left behind.

Bungie also is set to reveal more information on their upcoming title Destiny on February 17th.  This title is going to be their first Multiplatform console title but per information leaked in legal proceedings it’s believed to have some kind of timed exclusivity to the Xbox 360 and possibly Microsoft’s next Xbox in 2013.  

That’s pretty much it as we know it right now.  So enjoy the gamesmanship between companies, the secret leaks and the unexpected announcements that are all surely to come in the next 4 months.   While the on paper the future looks bleak, I assure you it will be exciting times for both current generation hardware owners and next generation hardware adopters.