first off, let us explain what e3 is. the electronic entertainment expo is an annual gaming event…

… in which console manufacturers, game publishers, and game developers get together to showcase their new games to the gaming press.

e3 is usually the place where the console manufacturers drop their major announcements. the sony ps3 and the ninendo wii were both officially announced at e3 in previous years.

this years e3, whilst slightly more subdued than previous years, had its fair share of announcements. here’s a roundup of some of the more interesting stuff from e3 2008…

microsoft unveil a completely new look for the xbox 360 interface

due to be released in autumn as an free update, the new interface design has a raft of new features such as customisable avatars, live game shows, and the ability to join a group of friends.

microsoft announce that square enix’s much anticipated final fantasy xiii will be coming to the xbox 360

assumed to be a ps3 exclusive up until now, microsoft dropped the bombshell that final fantasy xiii would also be released on the xbox 360.

sony show off LittleBigPlanet which looks awesome!

LittleBigPlanet is a highly anticipated ps3 exclusive due to be released in october. its a sandbox game allowing players to create their own custom experiences using a variety of shapes, textures, and media.

sony unveil resistance retribution for the psp

following on from the success of resistance for the ps3 and the upcoming resistance 2, resistance retribution is set to take the franchise in a new direction designed especially for the psp.

nintendo demonstrate the wii motion plus by unveiling wii sports resort

nintendo plan to release an add-on to the wii remote that should allow for even more possibilities. stuff like 1:1 motion will soon become a reality.

nintendo announce animal crossing city folk for the wii

as expected, nintendo announce the latest game in their animal crossing franchise.

both microsoft and sony had a really strong lineup of games to show off at e3 with the likes of resident evil 5, fallout 3, fable2, MAG, resistance 2, and LittleBigPlanet all looking excellent. nintendo had a slightly more disappointing showing although wii music certainly looks interesting, if a little overshadowed by the likes of rock band 2 and guitar hero 4.