A few weeks before E3, I had the unique opportunity to visit the L.A. Zoo and ask the animals to “predict” what would happen at this year’s annual E3 conference. Using the information I gathered, I put together our site’s E3 2010 prediction post. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and one of my favorite posts I have ever written for the site! (You can read the original post right here for all the details and techniques I used to make these predictions.)
So, now that E3 is over, how did they do? Was the original post accurate? Did the animals of the L.A. Zoo make correct predictions about what would happen at E3? Were their predictions better than the highly paid analysts in the industry? And, more specifically, which animal did the best?
Hit the jump for the very surprising results.
Before we get started, let me use this opportunity to once more thank the L.A. Zoo and all its incredible staff for helping make this experience possible. They were unbelievably open and accommodating with this entire process. I am forever grateful. I GOT TO FEED A GIANT TORTOISE A CARROT, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!
Now, let’s get to the results!
Oh, and for arguments sake — and to help determine the mathematical accuracies of these predictions — let’s say that Nintendo “won” the press conferences. Honestly, though, I think most of us would agree with that, right?
Guncannon asks: Will Nintendo announce a new Star Fox game?
The cockatoo says: Yes.
This is accurate … ish! It is a 3DS remake of Star Fox 64, but it’s still technically a new Star Fox game.
LK4O4 asks: Will the EA Partners project with Suda51 and Shinji Mikami finally be unveiled at E3?
The cockatoo says: No.
Correct!
EdgyDude asks: Will Kid Icarus Wii be announced?
The cockatoo says: No.
This is accurate. Sure, a new Kid Icarus game was announced, but it was for the 3DS.
Pedro Cortes asks: Will Nintendo release Mother 3 in the U.S.?
The cockatoo says: NO!
This one is obviously correct. But I think even a rock could have guessed this one.
Studakris asks: Will we get more solid release dates on the Final Fantasy XIII sequels?
The cockatoo says: Yes.
Incorrect.
Who will win the press conferences?
The cockatoo says: Nintendo!
Correct!
Elsa asks: Will Sony finally announce a valid release date for Gran Turismo 5?
The gorilla says: Yes.
Correct!
chrissmith9c asks: Netflix for 3DS?
The gorilla says: No.
Correct!
Caspulex asks: Will Valkyria Chronicles 2 for PSP be demoed?
The gorilla says: Yes.
Correct! And it was awesome!
Seltzermx asks: Will Raskulls get a release date?
The gorilla says: Yes.
Not accurate.
Enkido asks: Will Microsoft announce a handheld gaming system?
The gorilla says: No.
This is accurate.
Who will win the press conferences?
The gorilla says: Microsoft!
Incorrect!
Takeshi asks: Will there be any news about another Ratchet & Clank?
The lion says: No.
Accurate!
Trebz asks: Will we receive any more information on Kirby for the Wii?
The lion says: Yes.
Absolutely correct! And the game is absolutely incredible!
Woopman asks: Is the 3DS’s name going to change?
The lion says: No.
Wow. This one was a huge surprise, and the lion was right!
ZombiePlatypus asks: Will we see any gameplay from Metal Gear Solid: Rising?
The lion says: Yes.
Yup! Correct!
EdgyDude asks: Will Konami show any footage of a new Silent Hill?
The lion says: No.
Incorrect. So close to perfect, lion!
Who will win the press conferences?
The lion says: Nintendo!
Correct!
Tubatic asks: Will Konami announce a new Zone of the Enders title?
The giant otter says: No.
Correct.
Monodi asks: Will there be an announcement of Mirror’s Edge 2?
The giant otter says: No.
Correct! No Mirror’s Edge 2 … yet.
Volkarin asks: Will Respawn Entertainment announce the game they are working on?
The giant otter says: No.
Even though Respawn said they would make a huge announcement, they never did. Correct!
BrunoDeckard asks: Will there be a Pikmin for DS or 3DS?
The giant otter says: No.
Correct. Also, BOO!
mourning orange asks: Will we see a sequel to 1991’s cult classic Metal Storm announced for home consoles?
The giant otter says: No.
This is accurate.
Who will win the press conferences?
The giant otter says: Nintendo!
Correct!
LazerJoe88 asks: Will we get any info on Half-Life 2: Episode 3?
The flamingo says: No.
Sadly, this one is correct.
Mirax asks: Will Valve show Portal 2 gameplay?
The flamingo says: Yes.
It was behind closed doors, but … correct!
Danzflor asks: Will Call of Duty: Black Ops be as good/sell as well as the Modern Warfare series?
The flamingo says: No.
This one is tough to call this early, but I am inclined to say it is inaccurate. The footage shown was pretty extraordinary.
Wolfy-Boey asks: Will The Last Story be playable?
The flamingo says: Yes.
Nope.
Trebz asks: Will Interplay reveal more information on Project V13?
The flamingo says: No.
Correct.
Who will win the press conferences?
The flamingo says: Sony!
Incorrect!
Handy asks: Will we hear anything about Persona 5?
The peccary says: Yes.
Not accurate.
Sebastian Paul Lopez asks: Will Nintendo announce their new home console?
The peccary says: No.
Correct!
Double J asks: Is this the year we will finally see the fall of the music game genre?
The peccary says: No.
This is definitely correct. Dance Central was a huge hit at the show!
The Silent Protagonist asks: Will Castlevania: Lords of Shadow fail to impress, just like every other 3D Castlevania?
The peccary says: No.
Again, another tough call. Based on word of mouth, I say this is pretty accurate. People seemed to like the game.
CrimeMinister asks: Will Wii Music 2 be shown?
The peccary says: Yes.
Not accurate. You can breathe a sigh of relief.
Who will win the press conferences?
The peccary says: Microsoft!
Incorrect!
Matthew Razak asks: Will Nintendo actually have an impressive press conference unlike previous years’ Reggie talk-a-thons?
The zebra says: No.
Incorrect! In fact, Nintendo kicked a lot of ass this year!
Grafkhun asks: Will Blizzard show anything new related to Diablo III?
The zebra says: Yes.
Not accurate.
WastelandTraveler asks: Will id Software reveal gameplay footage of RAGE?
The zebra says: No.
Incorrect.
Takeshi asks: Will Kevin Butler do the whole Sony press conference by himself?
The zebra says: No.
Correct! He was there, though!
Sonic9jct asks: Will Telltale announce a new episodic game based on either Full Throttle or Grim Fandango?
The zebra says: No.
Correct!
Who will win the press conferences?
The zebra says: Nintendo!
Correct!
VGFreak1225 asks: Will the new Zelda have a darker tone a la Majora’s Mask?
The jaguar says: Yes.
Not determined yet, but I would say this is inaccurate … for now.
JTHomeslice asks: Will there be news on new home consoles from Nintendo? Sony? Microsoft?
The jaguar says: Yes. No. Yes.
Incorrect! Correct! Incorrect! No info on new home consoles from anyone!
ZombiePlatypus asks: Will there be a Natal/Fable III bundle announced?
The jaguar says: Yes.
Nope.
Mayiplay asks: Is there still hope for bringing Virtual Console between Wii and 3DS?
The jaguar says: Yes.
Not accurate.
Mirax asks: Will Chad have a great time at E3?
The jaguar says: Yes.
Correct! I had an amazing time!
Who will win the press conferences?
The jaguar says: Nintendo!
Correct!
Morty asks: TimeSplitters 4?
The giraffe says: Yes.
Nope.
Perri asks: Will Zelda Wii steal the show?
The giraffe says: YES!
I say this is inaccurate. The 3DS was easily the biggest success of E3.
Ramalho asks: Will a new Paper Mario be announced?
The giraffe says: No.
Incorrect! And that is great news! A new Paper Mario game was announced for the 3DS!
TheJesusNinja26 asks: Will we see gameplay of I Am Alive?
The giraffe says: Yes.
Incorrect.
EdgyDude asks: More information on Parasite Eve 3 (a.k.a. The Third Birthday)?
The giraffe says: Yes.
Yup, this happened. Correct!
Who will win the press conferences?
The giraffe says: Nintendo!
Correct!
CelicaCrazed asks: Will Sega be announcing a new Jet Grind/Set Radio game?
The lemur says: No.
Correct!
Davoidbot asks: Will Interplay make a major announcement?
The lemur says: Yes.
Not really. This is not accurate.
Walrusmustdash asks: Will Capcom announce a new Breath of Fire game?
The lemur says: No.
As much as I wanted this to be wrong, sadly, it is correct.
KyleGamgee asks: Will there be more 4-player co-op games for XBLA like X-Men or The Simpsons?
The lemur says: Yes.
Correct! Scott Pilgrim vs. the World! Well, I guess it is not announced on XBLA yet. Let’s just call this one half-correct.
WastelandTraveler asks: Dead Space 2 has been confirmed for the PC. Will it still have the same co-op mode as the console version?
The lemur says: Yes.
It looks like this is correct.
Who will win the press conferences?
The lemur says: Sony!
Incorrect!
smurfee mcgee asks: Will we see a new Wii Sports?
The black bear says: No.
Correct.
MowDownJoe asks: Will Monster Tale be a success?
The black bear says: Yes.
Again, hard to say. I will give this one an “N/A,” or, for this post, an “incorrect.”
CrimeMinister asks: Will there be a new Boktai game?
The black bear says: No.
This is accurate.
Nic128 asks: Will Namco-Bandai announce a release date for Tales of Vesperia PS3 in the U.S.?
The black bear says: Yes.
Nope. This was not announced.
WastelandTraveler asks: More Diablo III goodness?
The black bear says: Yes.
Blizzard was completely absent from E3. Inaccurate!
Who will win the press conferences?
The black bear says: Microsoft!
Incorrect!
Blindfire asks: Will the next Rainbow Six title be announced?
The komodo dragon says: Yes.
The next Rainbow Six game was at the show, but no new one was announced. Incorrect.
eternalplayer2345 asks: Will Zelda Wii get a release this year?
The komodo dragon says: No.
Good job, komodo dragon! Correct! The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword was confirmed to be released in 2011.
ZServ asks: Will a Borderlands sequel show up or be hinted at?
The komodo dragon says: Yes.
Incorrect.
Guncannon asks: Will there be any games announced that haven’t been rumored or leaked beforehand?
The komodo dragon says: Yes.
Of course this is correct! Nintendo alone went crazy with surprise announcements!
Ramalho asks: Will Milo make another appearance?
The komodo dragon says: Yes.
This is not accurate. Whew!
Who will win the press conferences?
The komodo dragon says: Sony!
Incorrect!
smurfee mcgee asks: Will we see anything from Pikmin 3?
The tiger says: Yes.
ARGH! Incorrect! WHERE IS IT, NINTENDO?!
TheDRMaster asks: Will a new SSX game be announced?
The tiger says: No.
Correct!
SirDregan asks: Will there be an Alan Wake 2?
The tiger says: No.
Accurate!
CelicaCrazed asks: Will Nintendo be making a new Legend of Zelda: Four Swords game?
The tiger says: No.
This is accurate.
SteezyXL asks: Will Unreal Engine 4 make an appearance?
The tiger says: Yes.
Correct!
Who will win the press conferences?
The tiger says: Nintendo!
Correct!
VGFreak1225 asks: Will Nintendo ditch the obsolete Friend Code system with the 3DS?
The tortoise says: Yes.
Not 100% determined yet, but it looks like this is accurate! Woo hoo!
Cadtalfryn asks: Will a new Resident Evil be announced?
The tortoise says: No.
Incorrect! A new Resident Evil was announced for the 3DS!
manasteel88 asks: Will Atlus localize 7th Dragon?
The tortoise says: No.
This is accurate.
Projectexodus asks: Will Retro Studios announce the new game they are making?
The tortoise says: No.
Incorrect! Donkey Kong Country Returns made a glorious entrance! IT IS GLORIOUS!
Guagloves asks: Will Nintendo do more with MotionPlus or the Vitality Sensor?
The tortoise says: Yes.
This was accurate. The new Zelda alone uses the MotionPlus extensively!
Who will win the press conferences?
The tortoise says: Microsoft!
Incorrect!
Professor Pew asks: Will an exclusive game be Game of E3?
The rhinoceros says: Yes.
It depends on what you think the Game of E3 is. This could go either way, but I will say it is accurate, since most of the popular games are exclusives (Kirby, LittleBigPlanet 2, Zelda, etc.).
JusticeDude asks: Will Capcom revitalize the Gargoyle’s Quest series or characters in any way?
The rhinoceros says: No.
This is accurate.
Tron asks: Will Sony announce PS2 and Dreamcast games on the PSN as discussed earlier in the year?
The rhinoceros says: Yes.
This is semi-announced, so I am going to say the prediction is semi-accurate!
smurfee mcgee asks: Will a sequel to Deadly Premonition be announced?
The rhinoceros says: No.
Correct!
Double J asks: Will Shenmue III be announced?
The rhinoceros says: No.
Correct!
Who will win the press conferences?
The rhinoceros says: Nintendo!
Correct!
Guncannon asks: Will some games that actually use the Wii Vitality Sensor be announced?
The koala says: Yes.
Incorrect! There was no Wii Vitality Sensor at E3 at all!
Studakris asks: Will Blizzard reveal anything new?
The koala says: Yes.
Correct!
EdgyDude asks: Will Eternal Darkness 2 be announced?
The koala says: No.
This is accurate.
TheJesusNinja26 asks: Will a new Strider game be announced?
The koala says: Yes.
Sadly, this is incorrect.
Xzyliac asks: Will The Clash’s “Guns of Brixton” be in Rock Band 3?
The koala says: No response.
I still laugh that the girl/koala didn’t recognize The Clash. Let’s say this one is accurate.
Who will win the press conferences?
The koala says: Nintendo!
Correct!
The Silent Protagonist asks: Will the Metroid Dread DS project be revived for 3DS?
The hippopotamus says: Yes.
Not accurate. BOO!
Sonic9jct asks: Will the 3DS have a handheld virtual console for Game Boy and/or Neo Geo, Game Gear, and Atari Lynx?
The hippopotamus says: No.
Correct … for now, I guess.
Mayiplay asks: Will Okamiden get the attention it deserves with a loyal and wonderful ad campaign to bring in people of all types to play it?
The hippopotamus says: No.
This is pretty accurate. The game was even hidden at E3!
ZombiePlatypus asks: Will Nintendo announce a StarTropics revival?
The hippopotamus says: No.
Correct!
ZombiePlatypus asks: Will there be an XBLA title to tie in with Fable III, in the vein of the Pub Games that came out for Fable II?
The hippopotamus says: No.
Not yet. Correct!
Who will win the press conferences?
The hippopotamus says: Nintendo!
Correct!
Brain Candy asks: Will Sony announce a phone-capable PSP?
The alligator says: No.
This is accurate.
Guagloves asks: Will any info on Beyond Good and Evil 2 come out of E3?
The alligator says: No.
<sigh> As always, this is correct
RoninZero asks: Mega Man Legends 3 and/or Mega Man Online: Will we learn anything at all?
The alligator says: Yes.
Surprisingly, this is incorrect.
buffaloAAA asks: Will Nintendo be releasing a new Wiimote that has Motion Plus built in?
The alligator says: No.
Correct!
Monodi asks: Will we see Project Sora’s project?
The alligator says: No.
This is incorrect. NEW KID ICARUS IS PROJECT SORA! NEW KID ICARUS IS PROJECT SORA!
Who will win the press conferences?
The alligator says: Microsoft!
Incorrect!
Xzyliac asks: Will Grand Theft Auto V be announced?
The wreathed hornbill says: Yes.
Nope. Inaccurate!
superdance14 asks: Will Sony finally give me a Sly Cooper 4 or am I going to have to kill someone?
The wreathed hornbill says: Yes.
Incorrect! No Sly 4, but a Sly Collection was announced. Which is awesome!
eskimo bob asks: Will Left 4 Dead 3 be announced?
The wreathed hornbill says: Yes.
Incorrect.
Blindfire asks: Will we see more of the roster from Marvel vs. Capcom 3?
The wreathed hornbill says: Yes.
Correct! And, man, the game is so good!
Wintersocks asks: Will a new Endless Ocean be announced?
The wreathed hornbill says: Yes.
This is inaccurate.
Who will win the press conferences?
The wreathed hornbill says: Sony!
Incorrect!
Masterron2 asks: Any news on Kingdom Hearts 3?
The big horn sheep says: Yes.
Not really. A new Kingdom Hearts for the 3DS was announced — and it has a “3” in the title — but it is not the next numerical game in the series. Incorrect.
Enkido asks: Will we hear more about Golden Sun DS from Nintendo?
The big horn sheep says: Yes.
Correct!
Wintersocks asks: Will a new Mother game be announced?
The big horn sheep says: No.
This is accurate.
Handy asks: Obligatory! Will a Final Fantasy VII remake be announced?
The big horn sheep says: No.
This is definitely (and obviously) correct.
Wolfy-Boey asks: Will Dragon Quest X finally be shown?
The big horn sheep says: Yes.
Nope. Inaccurate!
Who will win the press conferences?
The big horn sheep says: Nintendo!
Correct!
Scanning through all 120 predictions and results, it looks like the animals of the L.A. Zoo were 60% accurate.
60%!
THEY ARE ANIMALS AND THEY MADE 60% ACCURATE PREDICTIONS!
That may not seem like a lot, but, again, THEY ARE ANIMALS! THEIR ONLY REAL JOB IS TO BE CUTE!
Are you as impressed by this as I am?
As for individual animals, here is the breakdown:
So it looks like the animal of the L.A. Zoo with the most videogame knowledge is the giant otter! PERFECT SCORE! Congratulations, giant otter! I will make sure to visit you for an extra long time the next time I am at the zoo.
Are you surprised by the accuracy of all these results? Which correct prediction was the most shocking? Does this make you more or less interested in listening to the professional videogame analysts of the world? How did you like this experiment? Interesting? Cute? SUPER CUTE?
Until next E3 …
CHURRO SUNDAES FOR EVERYONE!
