Overview
West HallE3 2004 was one man's show. Thanks to a shocking introduction in which he announced that he was about kicking ass and taking names, Reggie Fils-Aime took the Nintendo press conference, and the Internet, by storm. Suddenly, Nintendo was at the forefront of the discussion of just about everyone at the show. But that wasn't just because of the Reggienator. It was a lot about what he introduced at the end of the press conference, a new Legend of Zelda title for GameCube which featured a more realistic art style. As the video rolled, and attendees realized what they were seeing, the crowd went ballistic. And when Shigeru Miyamoto came out on stage following the presentation, he received a standing ovation. It was a moment that immediately became one of the most memorable in E3's ten year history. Reggie also unveiled Nintendo's next forray into the handheld market with the Nintendo DS, a clam shell gaming device that featured two screens, one of which allowed for touch controls. Nintendo's booth had an entire area devoted to the new handheld, complete with a line multiple hours long, where various demos were shown. The DS also featured a built-in microphone and onboard WiFi and would launch later that year, giving it a head start on Sony's PSP.
South HallSony didn't blink though, as they brought a truckload of content for the new PSP to E3 '04. They weren't featuring just games though, for the PSP was being touted as a multimedia device for music and movies also. As for the games though, Sony was loading it up with some of its best franchises including Gran Turismo 4 Mobile, Twisted Metal: World Tour, Metal Gear Ac!d, Wipeout Pure, MediEvil: Resurrection, and Hot Shots Golf. As for the PS2, Sony once again had a spotlight on Gran Turismo 4. But they also brought sequels to all three of their action platformers in Jak 3, Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal, and Sly 2. It wasn't all about sequels though, for they also introduced new franchises in God of War and Killzone.
Microsoft was all about Halo 2, yet it was not playable on the show floor except by invitation only. The majority of Microsoft's booth was focused on the likes of Doom 3, Fable, Forza Motorsport, Jade Empire, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II.
Other big name games at E3 2004 included F.E.A.R., Burnout 3, Splinter Cell 3, Resident Evil 4, Battlefield 2, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Final Fantasy XII, Prince of Persia 2, Star Wars: Republic Commando, and a hidden gem known as Katamari Damacy.
Games of the Show
South HallThe games listed below not only include those playable on the show floor, but any game referenced at the show. This would include video presentations, announcements, advertisements, or any other official reference to the game from its developer, publisher, or platform. They are listed mainly according to the publisher of the game, with a few exceptions where the publisher did not attend the show. An example of this would be a hardware company such as Nintendo or nVidia showing a game not developed or published by them. In several situtations, games either changed their title or even their publisher before they were released. For historical accuracy in chronicling E3, such games will be listed with their original names and publishers, and linked to the corresponding page of the final game.
Activision - Rome Total War
South Hall
Capcom - Viewtiful Joe 2
EA SportsInfinium Labs
Konami - MGS3
Microsoft
Namco
Nintendo
Nokia
Sony - PSP
SOE - EverQuest II
Square Enix
Tecmo
THQ - Dawn of War
Ubisoft
Vivendi - Crash TwinsanityGame Critics Awards
The Best of E3The Game Critics Awards are decided by an independent group of North American media outlets. They have selected the most promising games of each Electronic Entertainment Expo since 1998, and have thus become recognized as the most respected "Best of" awards that come out of the annual show. Games qualify for nomination by having hands-on playable versions of the game at the show.
BEST OF SHOW
Sony PSP - Sony Computer Entertainment
BEST ORIGINAL GAME
Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (GCN) - Nintendo
BEST PC GAME
Best of ShowSplinter Cell 3 (PC) - Ubisoft Montreal / Ubisoft
BEST CONSOLE GAME
Halo 2 (Xbox) - Bungie Studios / Microsoft
BEST PERIPHERAL/HARDWARE
Sony PSP - Sony Computer Entertainment
BEST ACTION GAME
Halo 2 (Xbox) - Bungie Studios / Microsoft
BEST ACTION/ADVENTURE GAME
Splinter Cell 3 (PC) - Ubisoft Montreal / Ubisoft
BEST FIGHTING GAME
Def Jam: Fight for NY (PS2/Xbox/GCN) - EA Canada / Electronic Arts
BEST ROLE PLAYING GAME
Best RPGJade Empire (Xbox) - Bioware / Microsoft
BEST RACING GAME
Burnout 3 (PS2/Xbox) - Criterion Games / Electronic Arts
BEST SIMULATION GAME
The Sims 2 (PC) - Maxis / Electronic Arts
BEST SPORTS GAME
Madden NFL 2005 (All) - EA Tiburon / Electronic Arts
BEST STRATEGY GAME
The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth (PC) - EA LA / Electronic Arts
BEST PUZZLE/TRIVIA/PARLOR GAME
Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat (GCN) - Nintendo
BEST ONLINE MULTIPLAYER
Halo 2 (Xbox) - Bungie Studios / Microsoft
SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR GRAPHICS
Splinter Cell 3 (PC) - Ubisoft Montreal / Ubisoft
Exhibitors
- A.L.S. Industries, Inc.
- AAA Anime, Inc.
- Aardwork Software
- ABIT Computer Corp.
- Absolute Quality (Europe) Ltd
- Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.
- The Adventure Company
- Adventus Interactive
- Agetec, Inc.
- AIAS
- Akella
- Aladdin Knowledge Systems
- Alias
- Alienware
- Corporation
- Alliance numeriQC
- AllianceCorner Distributors, Inc.
- Alpha Games
- AMD
- America Online, Inc.
- Anuman Interactive SA
- Apex Digital
- Apple Computer
- Argonaut Games PLC
- Arsenal Gaming
- Arush Entertainment
- Ascaron GmbH
- Astraware Limited
- Atari
- ATi Technologies, Inc.
- Atlus USA, Inc.
- Auran Games
- Australia Games
- Azuradisc Inc.
- Babel Media Ltd.
- Baker & Taylor
- Bandai America
- Bert-Co
- Bethesda Softworks, Inc.
- bhv Software GmbH & Co. KG
- Bigben Interactive
- BigWorld
- Binary Star Unlimited
- BioWare Corporation
- Blitz Games
- Blizzard Entertainment
- Blockbuster
- Blue Beck Ltd.
- Blue Tongue Entertainment Ltd.
- BradyGames
- British Gaming Village
- BT
- Buena Vista Games
- Bug Tracker
- Bullant Studios
- Buruxo
- ButtKicker
- Canada Pavilion
- Capcom
- Casewraps
- Cateye Fitness
- CDV Software
- Cenega Publishing, s.r.o.
- China National Publications Import & Export (Group)
- Circle Studio Ltd.
- Classic Gaming Expo
- Clear-Vu
- CMP Game Group
- CMY Multimedia
- Codemasters
- COKeM International, Ltd.
- Compass Distribution
- Compedia Ltd.
- Computer Games Magazine
- Constant Electronics Co., Ltd.
- Cosmi Corporation
- Crave Entertainment
- Creo
- CrioLand
- Criterion Software
- Custom Red Software Studios AB
- D&H Distributing
- Data Design Interactive
- Datel Design & Development
- Davilex Games
- Daydream Software AB
- Destination Software, Inc.
- Develop
- Diamond Comic Distributors
- Digital Bridges
- Digital Illusions CE AB
- Digital Jesters
- Digital Spray Studios
- Disc Go Technologies
- Disciples of the Machine AB
- DISCover
- Discreet
- Distinctive Developments
- Ditan Corporation
- DreamCatcher
- dreamGEAR, LLC
- DTF Games
- E-Game For Less
- Easy Fun Entertainment
- ECD Systems
- edgies
- eGames
- Eidos, Inc.
- Electric-Spin Corp.
- Electro Source, LLC
- Electronic Arts
- Empire Interactive
- Emplast
- Encore, Inc.
- Enlight Software, Ltd.
- Entertainment Liquidators of Canada
- Enzyme Testing Labs
- eRealGames
- ESRB
- Etranges Libellules
- EuroMediterranee
- Europlay Capital Advisors LLC
- Eutechnyx
- Evolution Studios Ltd.
- Exent Technologies, Inc.
- The Experience Industry of Sweden
- Fatal1ty
- Film i Vasterbotten
- Firetoad Software, Inc.
- Fluent Entertainment
- Flyin Studio, Inc.
- Fogware Publishing
- France at E3
- Front Electronics
- Funcom
- Fund4Games
- Future Games
- Fuzzyeyes Studio
- G4 Media
- Gaijin Entertainment
- Game Account
- Game Infinity
- Game Informer Magazine
- Game Source Inc.
- GameDAILY
- GameDeck
- Gameloft
- Gameport AB
- GamePro
- Games for Windows
- GameSpot
- Gamester
- GameTronics
- GameWare Development
- Gamingmouse.com
- Gammafon Multimedia
- Gemini Industries
- GeoLogistics Americas Inc.
- Gigex, Inc.
- Global Software Publishing/DK Publishing
- GlobalFun AB
- GoGamer.com
- Gold Seal Software
- Google
- GOPRO International Ltd.
- Groove Games
- GSP Ltd.
- Hanaro Dream Inc.
- HD Interactive B.V.
- Hewlett Packard
- Hip Interactive, Inc.
- History of Gaming
- Hitachi Global Storage Technologies
- Hollywood Records
- Honey Bee Electronic International
- Hong Kong Pavilion
- HY-TEK Mfg Co.
- iBeta Quality Assurance
- IC Cave
- Ideaworks 3D Ltd.
- IGN/GameSpy
- Image Metrics
- Infinium Labs
- Ingram Micro Logistics
- Intel Corporation
- Interactive Selection
- InterServ
- International Inc. (Taiwan)
- inXile entertainment, Inc.
- Iomo Ltd.
- Iqbal & Sons
- IT Global Secure, Inc.
- ITE
- ITPIA. Co., Ltd.
- J.F.J. Disc Repair
- Jack of All Games
- JAMDAT Mobile
- Jester Interactive
- JoWooD AG
- Joytech
- Jungle Peak Studios AB
- Just Flight Ltd.
- K-D Lab
- Kaolink
- Kemco
- Koei Corp.
- Konami Digital Entertainment
- Krome Studios
- Kuju Entertainment
- Kutoka Interactive
- Lager Interactive Inc.
- Laser Shot Simulations Inc.
- LeapFrog Enterprises Inc.
- Legacy Interactive
- Load Inc.
- Logitech
- Logrus International
- LSI Logic
- LucasArts
- Lyon Game
- Macrospace Ltd.
- Macrovision Corporation
- Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.
- Magix
- Majesco
- Manager Zone AB
- Marjacq
- McCabes
- MCV
- Media Create
- MediaHouse
- Meqon Research AB
- Mere Mortals Ltd.
- Metrowerks
- Micro Application
- Micro Forte
- Micronet S.A.
- Microsoft Corporation
- Midas Entertainment Ltd.
- Midway Games, Inc.
- MindArk PE AB
- Mirinae Entertainment
- Mistic Software
- MonsterGecko, LLC
- Monte Cristo
- Motorola
- Mountain Dew
- Multimedia 2000
- Mutable Realms, Inc.
- Muzzy Lane Software
- Mythic Entertainment
- Namco Hometek Inc.
- Natsume
- Natural Motion Ltd.
- NCsoft
- NDL
- NetDragon Websoft Inc.
- Netsize
- Nevrax SARL
- Nicely Crafted Entertainment
- Nintendo of America, Inc.
- Nokia N-Gage
- Nova Development
- NovaLogic, Inc.
- nPower Software
- nVidia
- Nyko Technologies
- O3 Entertainment, Inc.
- Octagon Entertainment
- OnNet Co., Ltd.
- OSW Games
- P2P Distribution Services
- Pan Vision AB
- Pelican
- Perforce Software
- Phoenix Games Ltd.
- Planeta DeGostini Interactive
- Plantronics
- Playboy Entertainment
- Playlogic International
- Powergrid Fitness
- Prima Games
- Primera Technology
- Proactive Games Ltd.
- Promedia USA, Inc.
- Ratbag
- Razer Inc.
- Real Time Worlds
- Realworld Technology Inc.
- Rebellion Developments Ltd.
- RedSky Mobile Inc.
- Resolution Developments Ltd.
- RedSky Mobile Inc.
- Resolution Interactive AB
- Riverdeep, Inc.
- Resolutions Interactive AB
- Riverdeep, Inc.
- ROM-MAN Distribution
- Russobit-M
- SAAB Training Systems AB
- Saitek
- Sammy Studios, Inc.
- Sapphire Marketing Europe
- Scanavo
- Schanz Consultants & Interactive
- SCI Games Ltd.
- Scotish Games Alliance
- SDW Games
- SecuROM
- Sega of America, Inc.
- Selectsoft Publishing
- Semionetix AB
- Shadow Knight Systems
- Shen Zhen Dolphin Electronic Co. Ltd.
- Siemens Mobile
- Simi Reality Motion Systems
- Skyworks
- SL Interphase
- Slam Games
- Smart Bomb Interactive
- SNK NeoGeo USA Consumer Corporation
- Softimage
- Softitler Net, Inc.
- Softlab-NSK
- Software Unlimited
- Softwrap
- Solar Studios Inc.
- Sonic Games
- Sonopress
- Sony Computer Entertainment America
- Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
- Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications
- Sony Online Entertainment
- Specialty Store Services
- SpeedTree
- Spherex Inc.
- Square Enix USA, Inc.
- Steel Monkeys Ltd.
- Strategic Marketing Partners
- Strategy First
- Sumo Digital
- Sunflowers GmbH
- Superscape PLC
- Surplusoft Distribution
- SVG Distribution
- Swedish Trade Council
- T.S. MicroTech Inc.
- TAB Distribution, Inc.
- TAGES S.A.
- Taiwan Games Pavilion
- Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
- Tantalus Interactive
- Tapwave Inc.
- Techland
- TechTV
- Tecmo
- Testing Testing 123, Inc.
- Think Bay Technology Inc.
- THQThe Experience Industry of Sweden
- Thrustmaster
- THX Ltd.
- Tigergame Limited
- Tips & Tricks Magazine
- Tooned In, Inc.
- Topics Entertainment
- Torus Games Pty. Ltd.
- Trymedia Systems
- Turbine Entertainment Software
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Games Distribution, Inc.
- Ubisoft Entertainment
- UCC Distributing, Inc.
- UK: State of Play Pavilion
- Ultimate Game Chair
- United Distribution
- Univenture Inc.
- Valve Software
- Vancouver Film School
- Viktoria Institute
- VIS entertainment ltd.
- Visual Science
- Viva Media
- Vivendi Universal Games
- Warhammer Online
- Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
- Waterfront Entertainment Ltd.
- Webzen
- Wideye
- WildTangent
- Wild Things Interactive Ltd.
- Wizards of the Coasts
- Xboy Game
- XKPAD
- XPEC Entertainment
- XS Games LLC
- Yahoo!
- Yakkety-Yak Multimedia Company
- Ziff Davis Media Game Group
- Zoo Digital Publishing
Sponsors
- Animation Magazine
- Animation World Network
- BPM Culture Magazine
- Children's Software Revue
- CMP Game Group
- Dealerscope
- Develop
- Electronic Gaming Business
- Entertainment Weekly
- GameDev.net
- Game Informer
- GameDaily
- Games Industry Biz
- Gigex
- GIGnews.com
- KidScreen Magazine
- License!
- Medialine Magazine
- MCV
- Multiplayer.IT
- PC Upgrade Magazine
- Prima Games
- Surge
- Twice
- The Hollywood Reporter
- The Licensing Book
- The Toy Book
- Variety Magazine
- Wireless Gaming Review
- Ziff Davis Media Game Group
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