Gaming razzmatazz hits town.

Mike Bantick
Friday, 17 November 2006 18:33

Your IT - Entertainment

A host of PC gaming hardware, Xbox 360 online trickery, a small taste of PS3 power and a big Wii thrill greeted those at “industry day” of the eGames Expo in Melbourne. Luminaries of the Australian gaming industry were up on stage today, here is what they had to say.

Sony Managing director, Michael Ephraim spoke about the gaming experience PS3 will bring to Australians.  He noted the raw power of the console, but was quick to emphasise, that  the gaming experience for him, is the focus of the new Sony offering to gaming.

Snippets of Heavenly sword, Resistance: fall of man, and MotorStorm were used to back this up.

Later in a one on one, Michael pointed out how the wait until March for the consoles release here in Oz (as indeed it is for Europe) can be irksome for the hard-core, but ultimately beneficial to them, sorting out any minor issues discovered in Japan and North America.

Next up was Rosemary Lappin, Director of Sales and Marketing at Nintendo.  Although fighting a dry throat. Her as well as her merry band of enthusiastic demonstrators had the large crowd waving there arms about as they demo-ed the infectiously fun Wii.

Nintendo’s direction is clear.  Entice, both new and lapsed gamers into the fold with fun accessable games, and the interesting Wii channel concept.  Channels that will eventually bring Nintendo and Sega legacy games, news, multimedia and more to the living room.

Finally, David Mclean, Microsoft Regional director of Home and Entertainment outlined the Microsoft Live experience.  Bringing a cross platform online gaming experience to those with enough gadgets and yearning to be connected full time.

David announced the details for the A$249.95 add on HD-DVD drive for Xbox 360 along with a Gears of War demo that spilled into the Xbox “tent” for punters to play.

If you were trying to decide which console to pick up for Christmas – good luck! – They all have distinct focus, strengths and weaknesses.  Maybe my colleague Alex can help you decide in his article here on iTwire.

The eGames expo runs for the rest of the weekend at Melbourne Exhibition Centre.  If you are keen, and in town, start lining up for tickets now.