E3, in general, sucked. All three companies failed to impress and to announce any exciting games (save for square, since they announced FFXIII on the 360, and that was expected), so the blame shouldn't be placed on Nintendo.
And Adolph, listen carefully...
Years ago, when the final name of the Revolution was unveiled I was pissed as all hell. I thought Nintendo had gone mad and had betrayed the gaming audience. I was 100% sure the system would fail because of such a stupid name.
Then E3 2006 came and the Wii ROCKED. I was proven wrong and realized that I was predicting doom not because I understood the industry but because of my own fears and worries.
Last year, I bought an XBOX 360. I confess that I hated the XBOX because of its annoying "hardcore" mantra and ESPECIALLY the Halo love. But then I played a friend's 360 and really enjoyed its features, games and online system.
Been having a lot of fun with both the Wii and 360 since. It was then that I realized something; constant discussion of the gaming world, as well as my own speculation, were ruining my gaming fun.
I was so focused on analyzing every game release and every decision the big three make that I had forgotten one thing; videogames are about GAMES AND FUN!
Remember the old days for a bit. Pong, one of the first games ever made, was released. Did they set out to prove something? Did they want to tell a story? Did fans spent countless nights debating about it? Nope, they just had fun with what was basically a very crude game of tennis.
I think we, and I count the gaming industry as well, are so involved into the gaming world that we are forgetting why we play games in the first game; for fun, pleasure and enjoyment.
So now I decided to stay out of any gaming discussions, avoid making early assumptions and just play the games.
I don't care if Nintendo is "betraying their core crowd". I don't care of Namco thought it was a good idea to add Star Wars characters to the Soul Calibur roster. I don't give a sh*t if the fanboys are crying foul with their asses, if the recession is affecting gaming or hell, if gaming is helping society or corrupting our youth. Just give me a good game and I'll enjoy it.
So to everyone who feels any sort of anger towards any of the three companies; chill. Its not the end of the world. There are far more important things to worry about. In the meantime, just pick up a controller and play. Chances are you'll feel better and forget this damn debate ever existed.