There are also the usual rumblings of the “big three”, Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony, showings as well. For Nintendo’s showing, we have rumors of a Kid Icarus game, as well as a new F-Zero. But the biggest rumor is that there will be a re-designed DS unveiling. While the timing is about right, the company has furiously denied the rumors, but it is a safe bet that either a new DS or perhaps colored Wii systems will be there.

Since Microsoft Studios already had their “Gamers Day”, we know what is to be expected at the show more or less. But the rumors of some sort of motion-peripheral have been kicking up some dust, as well as the normal rumors of a redesigned, non-suicide initiating, Xbox 360 are there as well. Finally, there is Sony, who also held their “Gamers Day” recently.

Oh Sony, they have the most to be gained from the show this year. But chin up; new user-interfaces such as the heavily demanded in-game crossbar are rumored to appear, as well as the PlayStation Phone. Though we have to admit, with Phil Harrison no longer giving the press conferences, the show is going to be a lot less enjoyable. Oh Phil, you jumped ship so fast.

Of course, dealing with the game companies is only the meat of the experience; there are also plenty of side-events that take place during the show which help the exhausted journalist relax. This year, Into the Pixel Art Exhibition 2008 will be unveiled at E3 and then again to the public at E For All later this year. Into the Pixel is a truly amazing showcase of sixteen of the best artworks done by video game industry professionals and is something that every attendee should definitely stop and see. To get a glimpse of the caliber of work at the show you can check out the galleries of past winners at their website. Another event folks can check out is Gamecock’s BE-3 Initiative.

Gamecock, as you might remember from last year’s “burial of E3” event, have decided to run their event alongside E3 for gamers who just love games (those who don’t have credentials to go to E3) and people that just want to play and enjoy Gamecock’s games, such as the upcoming Insecticide. The event will take place at the Hotel Figueroa from July 15-18. Other events have yet to be announced, but it is safe to say that there will be plenty of things ahead.

With the show less than two months away, the summit seems a bit dry since very few details have been let out about this year’s show. Coupled with the fact that fewer media are rumored to be able to attend this year, and several major companies pulling out, we have to wonder how long E3 has left. Will this be the last E3? That is an article for another time, but for now, we can enjoy the E3 we have and hope that in time the positive aspects of the old show will return.