E3 at long last: A first time perspective for a gamer

As a kid, I always dreamed of attending E3. With that dream coming true this summer, here’s what I took away from my first E3 experience.

Growing up in a time when video games were evolving faster then I could buy a new pair of shoes made for an exciting childhood, to say the least. Starting with seriously pixelated-looking games to the breathtaking sequences and gameplay we have now is incredible.

As of a little over a year ago, I began working in the video game industry on the trailer side of things. That opportunity has allowed me to see games in a whole new light, reinforcing my passion for them and enlightening me on how they come together. This summer, I was given the incredible opportunity to be at E3 2018 and to experience it all on the show floor. I figured for those of you that could not attend that I could help you all feel like you’re there.

For the general public that was able to snag tickets before they sold out — congratulations! Even with those tickets, the experience is sadly limited. Other pass holders (like industry pass holders) can attend the venue and see various booths three hours before the public is let in. This makes a world of difference! The only day all parties/pass holders are allowed into the venue at the same time is on Day 3. The Los Angeles Convention Center is a huge space and once the event is open to the public the lines are painfully long and you can certainly feel it.

2018 has already been such a great year for gaming and for gamers alike. At the time of this article, we are halfway through the year and I still have a long list of games this year that I am eagerly anticipating releases for.

For example, Shadow of the Tomb Raider is set to drop this September and you best believe I will be preordering after the gameplay demo I was able to experience. Literally, playing it was the top of my E3 first-time list of things to do. I was able to beat the crowd and be in the second group of players allowed a taste. As an avid fan of new and old Lara Croft games, Shadow of the Tomb Raider blew me away with the visuals and game mechanics. Seems like they’ve learned a lot from previous installments and this is the game we have all been waiting for.

Now at the convention, you can easily find all your big AAA titles. But don’t forget about all your independent games that have been sweeping gaming award ceremonies over the last few years. IndieCade is a section of the show floor dedicated strictly to games with independent publishers. All of those games can be found in a nice neat area where all the developers are happily there to share their love of games with you.

Getting around the center and finding things was fairly easy for the most part. The biggest advice I can offer though is to bring comfy shoes. You literally spend an entire three days on your feet and by the second day, don’t be surprised if you’re feeling it. When it comes to snacks, the convention center food is overpriced as expected. A 15-minute walk into downtown Los Angeles will give you plenty of food and beverage options.

Photo via Mohamed Nazar

In the end, was my first E3 experience everything I ever wanted as a child? Yes and no.

The experience itself was fun, but a big part of that was being able to wait in line with some of the best coworkers a guy could ask for. As a gamer, I would easily watch all of the press conferences from the comfort of home. If it weren’t for my anticipating so many games this year and getting to play the Shadow of the Tomb Raider demo, my experience may have been more neutral if anything.

Overall, I enjoyed coasting, interacting with other gamers and taking pictures at various photo opportunities. I hope this eases your FOMO!

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