Five video game trends from E3 2013

Friday, 14 June 2013 05:17

USA TODAY's Mike Snider and Brett Molina talk games on day 2 of the Electronics Entertainment Expo currently underway at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Video produced by Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

A replica of a robot from the video game Titanfall stands in the lobby area as show attendees wait in line to enter the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.(Photo: Jae C. Hong, AP)

LOS ANGELES -- Wrapping the second day of the Electronic Entertainment Expo, a few trends have started to emerge in how players will consume their video games in the future.

Here's a look at five trends that are standing out.

1. Blurring lines between single, multiplayer. Most video games maintain separate locations for their single-player, cooperative and multiplayer game modes. But some upcoming titles such as Bungie's Destiny, Respawn's Titanfall and Need For Speed will offer seamless gameplay experiences. Players may tackle a mission solo, then jump into an event with friends without worrying about shutting down and entering a new game mode.

2. Sharing game clips will get easier. Every console boasts an option to record footage from a game and share it with friends. Xbox One will include a game DVR, while PS4 will boast a similar feature, and even Nintendo will allow Mario Kart 8 players to upload their favorite moments to the Miiverse.

3. Everything is moving open world. Countless video games announced during E3 are moving to an open world, where players can fully explore their surroundings and move at the pace of their choosing. From role-playing epic The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt to tactical stealth game Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, unbridled exploration of the game world is huge.

4. The stealth surge resumes. Although video games such as the Batman: Arkham series and Dishonored have been pushing stealth, the emphasis on covert activity continues at E3 through titles such as Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist and Thief.

5. Head in the cloud. Prepare to hear a lot about how cloud computing will benefit the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and game development. Sony revealed it will launching a cloud gaming service next year, while Xbox One touted the benefits of cloud computing for games, such as Forza Motorsport 5, which will monitor driving habits and upload a profile to the cloud that serves as computer-controller drivers in friends' races.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @bam923 ^[1].