A Look Back at E3 2013: When Microsoft Loaded Sony's Gun

The gaming industry is known for its fast pace and constant focus on what's next, but it's also important to learn from the past. In this monthly feature, we take a look back at what happened in the gaming world exactly a decade ago. June 2013 was a significant month, with E3 taking place and the big console makers showing off their latest and greatest games. Microsoft had a lot to prove after a disastrous Xbox One reveal event, where it focused on non-gaming features like TV and Skype. However, the company redeemed itself at E3 with a strong lineup of games, including Metal Gear Solid 5, The Witcher 3, and Titanfall. Despite this, Microsoft still had some major missteps, including a $499 price point for the Xbox One and digital restrictions that limited game sharing and trading. Sony, on the other hand, had a weaker lineup of games but made up for it with a lower price point of $399 for the PS4 and a focus on gamer-friendly policies. The company also took a jab at Microsoft with a humorous video showcasing the ease of sharing games on the PS4. In the end, Sony came out on top at E3 2013, and Microsoft was left to pick up the pieces. The Xbox One would go on to have a successful launch, but the damage had already been done. Nintendo also made an appearance at E3 2013, but its showcase was somewhat lackluster, with a focus on games like Super Mario 3D World and Mario Kart 8. The company's decision to forgo a traditional press conference in favor of a Nintendo Direct video was seen as a mistake by some, but it allowed the company to control the narrative and focus on its games. Overall, E3 2013 was a significant event in the gaming industry, with major implications for the future of console gaming. It showed that even the biggest companies can make mistakes, but it also highlighted the importance of listening to gamers and delivering what they want.