With Joe and Mike out in San Francisco for the Game Developers Conference, it’s a little lonelier than usual here at the Gamervision offices.  We’re left with only our jealousy, some sub-par Saladworks sandwiches and a head full of speculation about what’s going to be revealed at the GDC.  We’ve organized our thoughts as well as can be expected, and come up with this list of the ten things we most want to see at GDC 2008, and the likelihood of them actually coming to pass.

10 – Fable 2 gameplay

With creator Peter Molynieux’s statement that the AI in Fable 2 would be like the AI from the original “multiplied by a billion,” there’s certainly no shortage of both hype and skepticism about this game.  There’s recently been talk of multiplayer play modes in the game, as well as an innovative death feature that leaves the player’s avatar with scars.  Enough with the talk, we want to see the game in action.  Mr. Molyneux has earned his reputation as a hyperbolist (read: bullshitter).  Let’s see if Fable 2 cements his reputation as a gaming genius.

Likelihood – 70%



9 – Halo DS

Yeah, I know.  It probably ain’t happening.  Still, though, a working version of Halo DS has been spotted on the internets, so even though the arrangement between Microsoft and Nintendo has fallen apart, the game was a reality very recently.  Maybe the two companies will see this as a way to hinder their shared rival, Sony.  Then again, maybe Bill Gates amd Shigeru Miyamoto will compete in a wet T-shirt contest at the conference.  Equally likely.

Likelihood – 5%



8– Xbox 360 price drop

There’s already whisperings of a $50 price drop for Microsoft’s box in Canada, so a U.S. reduction isn’t out of the realm of possibility.  With industry analysts predicting that the PS3 will outsell the 360 this year (and possibly even catch up in lifetime sales), Microsoft may pull a stunt like this to keep up with the Joneses.  Or Kutaragis, it would seem.

Likelihood – 30%

7 – PlayStation Home

Sony’s upscaled version of Second Life has had some serious issues in its transition from concept to reality.  Since it was announced at last year’s GDC, the project has gone into beta testing in Europe, had American beta testing cancelled, been delayed at least six months, and, if recent rumors are to be believed, been completely rebuilt from the ground up.  Hopefully, this is the week when we get to see it actually working smoothly.  Do I believe that’s going to happen?  Not necessarily, but stranger things have happened.

Likelihood – 45%



6 – In-Game XMB for PS3

If the T-Shirts are to be believed, this one seems pretty likely.  PS3 fanboys have been clamoring for this feature since launch, and it looks like Sony is listening.  Why it took this long to integrate a feature that the 360 has built in, I’ll never know.  Then again, the PS3 doesn’t sound like a damn rescue helicopter in your living room, so….

Likelihood – 60%



5 – Final Fantasy XIII gameplay

Sure, the main course might be delayed until 2010, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t want a taste right now.  Every Final Fantasy game that’s announced carries with it a lot of high expectations, and this chapter is no different.  What’s the combat system look like?  Who’s that stunning red-haired female archer?  What’s with the digital summons?  What kind of belly-shirt armor will our male heroes be wearing this year?  All questions that only you can answer, Square Enix.  Why not answer now and avoid us bugging you later?

Likelihood – 25%



4 – LittleBigPlanet playable, not broken

Conceptually, LittleBigPlanet is one of the most exciting and seemingly innovative titles ever.  In reaity, however, it’s still a glitch-filled mess that no one can keep from crashing for more than two minutes.  The game was announced back in March of 2007, and was supposed to have a demo available a few months ago.  That, of course, was pushed back indefinitely, and all we’ve seen since is evidence that the game is terribly unstable.  Let’s hope that GDC rekindles our dreams of user-generated levels, obstacle, stickers and characters.

Likelihood – 15%



3 – Gears of War II

This one seems like a shoe-in to happen.  Creator Cliffy B stated that a second game was in the works at last year’s GDC, and the Epic booth at this year’s is big enough to warrant a massive announcement like this.  All I can say is that it better be capable of 4-player co-op.  I want to be able to drive the “Cole Train” next time.  That sounded dirtier than it was.

Likelihood – 90%



2 – Microsoft XNA reveal

It’s big, it’s mysterious, and it’s covered in a big white sheet.  The XNA display at GDC has just about everyone wondering what sort of tricks Microsoft has up their proverbial sleeves.  Will it be the “youtube-of-games” that many are dreaming of?  Is it an all-new Xbox Live system?  Who knows?  Actually, I guess we’ll all know soon.  Probably later today, in fact.

Likelihood – 85%



1 – Grand Theft Auto IV details, gameplay

GTA IV will be the biggest game of 2008.  There, I said it.  If they never show another screenshot, trailer, developer diary or even any commercials, this thing will be huge.  Still, though, it might be nice to see what we’ll all be playing later this year.  How about some details on Xbox 360 exclusive content?  Or even some multiplayer info.   Even better would be a playable demo, but I’m not that hopeful for one this early.

Likelihood – 50%

RELATED ARTICLES

Top Tensday: Valentine's Day Edition

GDC Day Two 

RRoD At GDC