Every year we look forward to the Electronic Entertainment Expo, where the Los Angeles Convention Center is converted to a video gamer's paradise, its sensory smorgasbord filled with a loud bumping musical soundtrack, bright and flashy video game displays, and sexy booth babes determined to show off their wares. Game manufacturers look forward to this opportunity to showcase their upcoming products, encompassing everything from first-person shooters and role-playing strategy games, to sports and musical fun; from educational software and children's entertainment to more adult-focused television- or movie-themed titles. Knobby-knuckled, glassy-eyed video gamers anticipate this chance to sample the next season's offerings, as if it were a pilgrimage to an electronic-themed Mecca.
With Sony announcing its next-generation computer entertainment system and Microsoft revealing the new Xbox 360, there is no shortage of buzz concerning the future development of titles for these new high-powered platforms. But even with that in mind, personal digital assistants and cellphones are emerging as popular ways to put mobile gaming at our fingertips.
Our focus is always on the car content, and every May, we prowl the floors in search of the latest and greatest racing simulations and driving games. Notebooks and pencils at the ready, we join the traffic and bravely take the controls to explore the array of automotive titles littered among the rest of the selections. Like buyers at an auto dealership, we consider each offering, working our fingers to the bone to report back here on the fruits of the developer's efforts. Our coverage will continue throughout the week, so check back often to see what we've discovered.
Welcome to E3 - we hope you will enjoy the ride.