Xbox Live Brings E3 to You

Can't go to the show? You're luckier than you think. And Microsoft will have highlights for you anyway.

The Electronic Entertainment Expo is a heady week of non-stop frenzy for the thousands of attendees of the trade-only video game event, but increasingly companies are trying to get as much content directly to gamers as well. And it's here that Microsoft is sitting on a winner as the company is planning to use Xbox Live to bring goodies from the show next week straight to you.

Live will keep you up to date on J Allard's antics

The most traditional content to hit Xbox Live will be high-definition trailers for most of Microsoft's big hitters, including a brand new trailer for the eagerly awaited Gears of War and demos or trailers for Viva Pinata, Crackdown, Splinter Cell: Double Agent and more.

But there's more to Microsoft's Xbox Live coverage of E3 than just demos and trailers. During show week, you'll be able to download new multiplayer maps for Call of Duty 2, sample and buy UNO for Xbox Live Arcade, watch clips of developers preparing for the show, and go up against celebrities (including Jenny McCarthy and Dave Navarro) in online gaming sessions.

Gamers in Europe will also be able to get all this for free, during the Adidas sponsored Xbox Live Football Free-For-All, which gives those who sign up full Xbox Live Gold status for the week.

E3 runs from Wednesday, 10 May, to Friday, 12 May, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony will be holding their own pre-show briefings on Monday and Tuesday. For more on what you'll be able to see and play during the week on Xbox Live, check out the official Xbox site. And be sure to come back throughout next week for our full coverage from the show floor.

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games