After the cancellation of most of what is traditionally considered E3 2020, there is a lot of uncertainty around what could be announced or shown this year. The PC Gaming Show is one of the very few showcases that is staying intact. With that being said, it is still anyone’s best guess what we could see, so here are five PC Gaming Show predictions you’ll hope we’re right about.
Torchlight III Deep Dive
PC Gaming Show Predictions
It’s been a while since we’ve gotten some really in-depth information on the Torchlight series.
Following the shuttering of the former developer, Runic Games, in 2017, and being recently renamed from Torchlight Frontiers, fans of the action-RPG series could use some good news.
I believe they will bring the big guns for Torchlight 3, with developer interviews, gameplay showcase, a sick cinematic trailer, and possibly even the release date or window.
Fans of the series should definitely tune in, as this feels like it could be one of the few big showcases coming to the show considering the transitional state games are in with the jump to next-gen, as well as most publishers seemingly keeping their cards close to their chest until things clear up in the world.
Considering IP owner Perfect World is planned to be in attendance, this isn’t much of a stretch, especially after a recent tease that info would be coming on June 6th, but nothing is set in stone.
More Epic Games Store Exclusives
PC Gaming Show Predictions
Returning as a major advertiser for the show, Epic Games is expected to have a larger presence, as they have the last few years.
This will bring with it some updates to their battle royale juggernaut, Fortnite, but beyond that, we could literally see anything as they have the financial stability to pursue some interesting partnerships.
I believe we will see even more large, AAA games announced for exclusivity to the Epic Games Store, as they attempt to take down fellow storefront Steam. Free games should also be a major point they push, as they are known for producing some incredible games—no charge.
Following the announcement that Total War Saga: Troy would be exclusive and free for the first 24 hours of launch, we could see several more deals that have a launch window deal similar to this one.
Whether you like Epic Games and what they are doing or not, free games are always good.
Tons of Updates and DLC
PC Gaming Show Predictions
As is customary with this presentation, lots of updates to existing games or new information for recently-announced ones will take over the show.
Expect DLC and updates to titles like Killing Floor 2, Planet Zoo, Conan Exiles, and the vast number of battle royale titles on the market. Games like Minecraft could also get a mention, but all in all, expect to see several titles you already know about getting a lot of airtime.
On top of that, seeing more deep dives and developer interviews will be commonplace as well. I don’t believe we will see much in this department in terms of AAA action, with Microsoft and Ubisoft still planning their own shows, but it’s possible a couple could slip in.
Most of this portion of the show will consist of indie titles, which regularly show very well at the PC Gaming Show. In-depth looks at titles like Witchbrook, Ghostrunner, or The Last Night could be around the corner, as well as several new, upcoming releases.
As I’ve mentioned, with everything happening in the world right now, I wouldn’t expect major players to have much of a presence, potentially skipping the show altogether.
Persona 5 PC Port Announcement
PC Gaming Show Predictions
Atlus has not been entirely 100% confirmed to return to the PC Gaming Show this year but what would they even bring to the table if they did show up? Well, a PC port of a highly beloved title could possibly be in the cards.
Persona 5 has yet to make its way over to PC, but following the release of Catherine on Steam, this dream could become a reality as the premier announcement for the PC Gaming Show this year.
Considering the release of Catherine was the original version and not the “Full Body” definitive version, I would expect the same would happen for this release, as Persona 5 Royal is left on console for the time being.
Even if it is the original release version, this would be a momentous occasion for fans of the series. Since Atlus has been sending out several surveys asking for fan feedback on releases and platforms, this could also mark the start of the top-flight titles making their way off of PlayStation exclusivity also.
At the very least, there’s a chance that we could see something from the Japanese company, and whether that’s a port of an older title or a new game entirely is all up in the air at the moment.
Valve Shows a Game or Two
PC Gaming Show Predictions
Valve hasn’t been great to fans of its titles in recent years, following the incredible success of their storefront, Steam.
From Half-Life to Portal, everyone would like to see more games coming out of Valve’s camp, but for some reason, they have decided to halt nearly everything they are doing that isn’t Steam-related or virtual reality R&D.
However, with the release of Half-Life Alyx, we might be seeing a resurgence in titles from Valve, even if they might just be more VR games.
A few years ago, Valve said they were working on three games, plus they have been adding new game development talent, so something could easily be coming down the pipeline.
I am NOT suggesting a Half-Life 3 announcement, but maybe something from Portal, Left 4 Dead, or even just some impressive updates for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and DOTA 2.
Regardless, I think we see something from Valve, but dreaming big is more fun than lowering expectations—even if the latter is the smarter option here.
Published: Jun 3, 2020 03:00 pm