E3 Predictions (2018) – Bethesda

Bethesda rose from its humble, Where’s Waldo origins, to become one of gaming’s industry titans. This year’s E3 will continue the new tradition of Bethesda hosting its own mini-conference, affectionately called BE3. Rumors abound around this tight-lipped developer, but possible leaks are too tantalizing to ignore. Here’s a few predictions for what’s sure to be an exciting installment of BE3

1. Fallout 76 – full trailer and gameplay

Bethesda is no stranger to theatricality. A couple weeks ago, the various social media platforms tweeted out a message to “Please Stand By,” complete in the old film style familiar to audiences in cinemas houses seventy years ago, or modern day Fallout fans. Speculation and excitement only intensified when Bethesda began what would become a nearly twenty-four hour live stream, filled with hints and balloons to signify the announcement of something new. At 10am they announced Fallout 76, and since then, the world has become an awful wasteland of “Where’s Fallout 5-75” lazy jokes.

Speculation and leaks, most notably from Kotaku’s leak master Jason Schreier, point to the game being some sort of online, survival experience. Details are vague, and very few facts can be pulled from the trailer. What we know for sure is that  the game takes place twenty-five years after the bombs drop and will heavily involve the resident(s?) of Vault 76. Given Bethesda’s track record and the pattern established by Fallout 4, gamers won’t be in the dark for too much longer. It’s safe to expect gameplay footage and a well-delivered presentation from Bethesda’s Todd Howard. But remember, tick-tick-tickety means runs your ass out of there.

2. Fallout 3 Remaster

Rumors of a Fallout 3 remaster have gained some credence due to a supposed leak from Nintendo. While the game may be coming to Switch, that’s no clear indicator that it would launch on other consoles as well. But that decision would seem like a massive mistake for Bethesda, as gamers would certainly be wiling to shell out the cash for an updated version of Fallout 3. If a Fallout 3 remaster is coming, it’s going to be announced as part of BE3. If Bethesda’s conference concludes with no mention of the remaster, hope for Fallout 3 on PlayStation 4 can be discarded.

3. Doom 2

The Doom remake in 2016 blew us away. The game was gorgeous, and the gameplay was polished to perfection. With this groundswell of success, and given the two years since Doom’s release, we’re sure to see a sequel jumping over the horizon, double barrel shotgun in hand. Normally, we might be shy to predict one company releasing so many titles in one year, but let’s not forget Bethesda launched Wolfenstein II, Fallout 4 VR, Doom VR, Dishonored 2: Death of the Outsider, and The Evil Within 2 in almost the same quarter.

4. Gameplay for Rage 2

Rage 2 had a drawn out reveal that started with an internet leak, a trend gamers should be familiar with. The original Rage game came out years ago to a lukewarm reception. The new game looks to be wacky and colorful, with themes of pink and blue dominating the reveal trailer. What we don’t have is gameplay. Bethesda can be cruel, but not inhumanly so. BE3 will definitely offer a glimpse of Rage 2’s gameplay, and a release date to get those sweet, sweet pre-orders to start coming in.

5. Something Coming On Switch

The two most common video game headlines of 2018: “Something Something Battle Royale,” and “Something Something coming to Switch.” Skyrim, Doom, and Wolfenstein 2 are already making their way to Switch, and it looks like Fallout 4 might be joining the crew. This news certainly won’t rock the free world like a new Fallout title or Doom 2, but Switch buyers no doubt will be pleased to see Nintendo’s ongoing mission to offer a variety of titles. This could also be great news for that middle school kid, whose well meaning parents bought him a Switch to play Minecraft on – but secretly, in that little person’s heart, is a yearning to take a hit of jet, power up a gattling laser, and mow down hordes of the Commonwealth’s worst.

6. Todd Howard being mega-charming

Little bonus prediction. Todd Howard is going to charm us all of our feet. Very few in the industry present like Todd Howard, and its always a pleasure to see him talk about projects. Bonus points if he says, “it just works.”

What do you expect to see at BE3? Which of our prediction are the most safe? Which are way-the-hell off base? Let us know in the forums or on your favorite social media! And be sure to check out our other E3 predictions and our recent review of Shio (PS4).