Traditionally, the summer is a bit of a limp dick for new releases, as games companies decide to give up on releasing stuff for a bit, and start to concentrate on the run-up to Christmas. Yep, that's right - people complain about it getting earlier and earlier each year, but in the exciting world of video games retailing, it's on your mind from about the middle of July.
I suppose in theory, it's a great time for getting outside and indulging in such outdoor pursuits as sports, barbeques and afternoon beer gardens - unfortunately, I tend to burn easily, and I have a list of projects as long as my arm to be getting on with. However, let's not allow that to put us off looking forward to the next couple of dates for your diary! First on the agenda is August 26th, or Argue Over The Telly Day as it shall most likely be known. Deus Ex: Human Revolution is released on the same day as Tropico 4, and while I intend to play Deus Ex at some point, I simply cannot resist my dictatorial urges, and will most likely insist on husband waiting till I go to bed before he gets his go on the 360, after all, it's INCREDIBLY hard work being El Presidente!
Three weeks later, starting on September 16th is GAMEFest. Tickets are available for all GAME reward card holders at a price of just £10, pretty good for a day out at the NEC - just bring your own sandwiches or be prepared to pay through the nose at Subway! GAMEFest promises to provide a preview of all the games coming out in the oh-so-important quarter four - that is, the run up to Christmas! It also gives you all a vital first look at all the games that I shall NOT be reviewing here such as Gears of War 3, FIFA 12, Battlefield 3 and Bloody Modern Fucking Warfare Bollocks 3. Ahem.
September 20th is new Gears day! Enjoy, kids, I'm off to France for the week!
I suppose this summer lull isn't so bad, after all, the last three months of the year are traditionally the busiest of the year, and as a whole, the industry becomes cranky and frazzled. Maybe I ought to embrace this opportunity to enjoy sitting on my backside for a short while. I might even head out to my local beer garden...
