As the Electronic Entertainment Expo approaches (June 1st at 1pm EST/10am PST should be of particular interest for Xbox 360 gamers) it’s only fitting for TXD to throw its hat into the prediction ring. This will happen or that will happen is of course something that any and all loves to take to task. We “may” not be psychics, Destructoid has you covered there, but the staff of The Xbox Domain is bound to strike it gold at least a few times. Up first……..

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David “WhetWetty” Wetty.

I imagine the first is a gimme: Gears of War 3.  There has been nothing said about a possible sequel, but the franchise is too big for Epic to ignore another iteration.  I don’t think the game will be coming out in the near future, but I think we can expect some kind of tech demo or announcement.

Mass Effect 2 and Halo 3: ODST will probably be playable at E3.  Again, no surprise there seeing as the games are expected sometime around Christmas.

I may be dreaming on this, but I’m really hoping Killer Instinct 3 makes a debut.  Either on retail disc or XBLA download, I care not.  I just want Rare to knock this game out and show off how the series has evolved in the past decade.

I’m also hoping (without any kind of backup proof) that MS does something about the pathetic state of XBLA promotion and Community games management.  You all know I’m an XBLA-fiend, but I can’t say as I’ve been very impressed over the past few offerings.  The pricing scheme has turned me off, the games have been boring or uninspiring, and they are still buried in the NXE.  They need their own “blade” or “page” or whatever!

I’m pretty certain MS will uncover their motion capture device that was speculated a few weeks ago.  It may or may not replace the current vision camera (the 360 only has so many USB ports…) and might include some form of motion controller.  I don’t know how this will compete with the Wii, but I’m sure there will be some small market for its use.  The camera wasn’t really a big deal after all the fuss made, and the PS3 SixAxis is useless as far as I’m concerned, so I’m hoping MS doesn’t push this on the masses without some kind of huge software deal.

Last but not least, MS will NOT announce or even make mention of a new Xbox.  MS are going to ride the major momentum built up for the 360 for the next 2 years at least.  I see no reason for them to try and pump out another console before the holidays 2010.  The economy isn’t the appropriate climate for a new console and the next “big media format war” hasn’t started yet (haha).

That’s about all I have for now…

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Justin “thw” Verterano

Ah yes, E3. Usually I just like to sit back an not give any prediction to what we’ll see. Helps keep exceptions low for me. This year could be real interesting. There’s been talk of a Gears of War 3 teaser. I’d be all for it, but lets think realistically. If we’re seeing anything with a GOW tag on it at E3, it’ll be for DLC. But, who knows.

One thing I’d love to see is a major video game be announced for Xbox Live Arcade. Something that is so simple, easy to play, yet so enjoyable, and will draw a lot attention to the XBLA. If a new Geometry Wars gets hinted at, I’m heading to Bizarre Creations studios and barricading myself until I can play the alpha for it.

I’d be ecstatic if there are new details about Prey 2. The first one, yeah it was short, but I still think it’s one of the best 360 games out. Plus, it’s so cheap now, you have no reason not to buy it. Speaking of sequels, Mirror’s Edge. EA totally left me drooling over the demo last year, and a follow up would be amazing. With some multiplayer perhaps?

On the Avatars front….could Microsoft launch an MMO for them? O_o

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Mark “Webnet” Moore

Family games

Microsoft is going to go after the family audience, which the Wii has complete dominance over, and continue their trend of embarrassing both executives and gamers. Think party games and maybe a fitness style game using a new peripheral, as well as a revamped Arcade pack that will appeal to families and kids.

Downloadable games

The Xbox Live Arcade and Xbox Original’s label is going to see an addition with completely downloadable games. This service will be similar to the PS3’s game download service and Steam, allowing gamers to download full sized games over the web. It will probable only be used for greatest hits titles and games that have been out a while, or new original games that can’t fit under the Xbox Live Arcade title. I doubt we shall see new blockbusters like Halo ODST on this service due to angst from retailers.Few first party announcements, lots of third party

Microsoft is going to be publishing far less first party exclusives and relying more on third party developers to deliver. Games like Final Fantasy XIII, the highly probably Metal Gear Solid 4 port, the next Grand Theft Auto DLC pack, as well as more rhythm games from the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchise’s will be getting more of Microsoft’s attention.

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Miguel “ SourNotHardcore” Echavarri

MGS4 to come on Xbox360…it’s inevitable. Possibly announcing more game shows for Primetime channel. Gears of War 3 teaser and Alan Wake to be dated.

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William “thewilleffect” Bell-

Services

The Xbox platform cannot be separated from the overwhelming success of Xbox Live. With the introduction of the “New Xbox Experience”, there’s an expectation that more than Xbox Live Primetime and the accompanying 1 vs 100 will be shared. If the new 360 dashboard is as modular or interchangeable as its believed to be I full well expect to see more game shows or something of the sort to be announced. ‘Press your luck’ anyone (please)? Additionally, Xbox Live doesn’t stop at games. I predict there will have to be another branch of the Xbox Live Marketplace that supersedes Xbox Originals. Its about time all games had the option to be downloaded in its entirety.

Hardware

Will there be a new Xbox announced? Nope, I don’t believe so at all, but what I predict to be announced aside from any kind of a handheld option is the long awaited reduction in the price of the now ridiculously priced wireless dongle. If this doesn’t happen, for shame Microsoft!

Games, games, and more games

We’ve seen Duke Nukem Forever finally bite the dust recently, so in grand fashion we shall finally see the likes of Alan Wake. Is that a prediction, not really, but if Alan Wake is no where to be seen it’s likely it never will be. Unfortunately, or is it fortunately, there is very little that is known as to what the Xbox Team has up there sleeves. Uncertainty will definitely make for an exciting Microsoft Press Briefing. Has the Xbox Team been bluffing or can we all say safely that their poker face is indeed strong?

*The entire staff of TXD isn’t represented yet. This post will be updated to reflect the entire staff over the next few days.