A few days before E3, I posted afeaturein which I visited a real-life psychic named Madame Christine of the Ether here in Los Angeles and asked her to make some real life psychic predictions about what would happen during last week’s huge industry gaming event. The psychic didn’t just give me a list of predictions — she also gave me a full breakdown of what would happen to the big three companies (Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony) during E3 and into the rest of 2009.
The results were, to say the least, absolutely fascinating.
But how accurate were her predictions? Did Madame Christine genuinely know what she was talking about, or did she trick me into being a believer by using all her mystical crystals and psychic crazy talk?
Hit the jump for a full, graded breakdown of what she got right and what she got wrong. The results are pretty shocking.
(If you haven’t seen the predictions post, you’re able to clickhereto read it in its entirety.)
First up is the Tarot Card reading results.
Madame Christine did three, full Tarot Card readings for Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony concerning what each company’s E3 presence would be like and what would happen to them for the rest of 2009.
Here is a breakdown of how accurate she was:
Of the ten card readings for Nintendo, these were some of the predictions I found most interesting:
Card #5 – The EmpressNintendo’s outlook of the future is bathed in negativity. The Empress is a romantic card, but she foresees disappointment.
Although I am baffled by this reaction, a lot of people seemed disappointed in what Nintendo offered at its press conference. Even though two new Mario games, a newMetroid, a DSGolden Sun, and many other great games were announced, a majority of E3 attendees wanted more.
Card #6 – Seven of WandsCreative conflict. Nintendo’s current situation holds a lot of creative conflict. Instead of new games, a lot of sequels and remakes will be the company’s focus.
Okay, this one is dead on. Nintendo announced a ton of sequels and remakes at E3, with only a couple new IPs making their way onto the show floor.
Card #8 – Nine of SwordsNintendo is going to have a hard time selling their products this year when compared to the past. This has a lot to do with the company’s internal attitude; stubbornness; not giving the consumer what they want.
I am not buying this one yet. The fiscal year is obviously just started, but given the turnout at the Nintendo booth (in particular things likeWii Fit PlusandWii Sports Resort), I can’t see Nintendo having a bad year financially.
Card #10 – Two of Wands (reversed)There are not going to be a lot of new, ground-breaking games coming from Nintendo. Look for a lot of variants on things you have seen before.
Again, with all the sequels and remakes, this prediction is shockingly accurate.
All in all, I give Madame Christine’s Nintendo Tarot Card reading aB.
Now let’s move on to Microsoft.
These are the cards I found most fascinating for the Microsoft reading:
Card #1 – The ChariotMicrosoft is currently moving in a very balanced direction — nothing too risky, nothing too safe. As of now, the company is all about balance.
With safe announcements likeCrackdown 2andLeft 4 Dead 2, this prediction is pretty accurate in regards to Microsoft’s E3 as a whole.
Card #5 – Queen of WandsE3 will mark a creative change for Microsoft — one that will continue into its future. The company will focus on more original content.
Card #6 – King of PentaclesMicrosoft has recently made an effort to do something against its status quo. This could mean a new direction in the future.
Both of these card readings are fairly similar. And even though they kind of contradict the first prediction, Microsoft did announce a handful of original, unique games, likeShadow Complex. Again, this prediction is pretty good.
Card #9 – Page of WandsThis year Microsoft will release a videogame that no one has ever seen before. It will be very revolutionary for the industry.
Wow. Wow, wow,wow. Of all the predictions, this one blew me away the most. When I first heard Madame Christine say Microsoft would announce something “revolutionary” at E3 I couldn’t believe it — of all things, Microsoft is not known for anything truly groundbreaking. But after the announcement of Project Natal (Microsoft’s truly revolutionary motion sensing technology), all of this changed. Project Natal was the talk of E3! Seriously, this prediction gives me chills. Call me a believer!
Card #10 – Five of CupsMicrosoft is heading in a very positive direction. People have a lot of unrealistic expectations about what to expect, but this is the year Microsoft will be a “dream factory” and hopefully meet a lot of its inflated promises.
Again, this prediction is spot on. Microsoft not only lived up to expectations, they easily surpassed them in most people’s eyes.
All in all, I give Madame Christine’s Microsoft Tarot Card reading anA+.
And, finally, how did Sony’s predictions turn out?
Looking back at Sony’s Tarot Card reading, these are the predictions I found the most intriguing:
Card #2 – The Eight of PentaclesSony’s current situation is being dictated by money.
No price drop for the PlayStation 3 and a $249 price tag for the newly announced PSP Go? Oh yeah, money is definitely the first thing on Sony’s mind.
Card #4 – The Devil (reversed)At E3, everyone will be dancing to Sony’s tune. All of its announcements and game reveals will have a big influence on the industry. During the conference, Sony will be a force to be reckoned with. All the bad advice they have been taking will finally remedy itself.
Er, this prediction is a borderline bust. There is no denying that Sony had some great stuff to show at E3 (God of War III, PSP Go, new impressive motion technology), but I don’t think anyone would argue everyone at E3 was dancing to Sony’s tune. This prediction is a stretch.
Card #6 – Seven of PentaclesSony will make the most money it has ever made this year.
WithGod of War IIIofficially pushed to early 2010 and an expensive price point for its hopefully-holiday-season-bound PSP Go!, I don’t see this happening.At all.
Card #10 – The WorldThe final outcome for Sony is that everything is coming full circle. The company won’t be releasing as much into the market, but because all its software will be such a huge success, it will be making money. People are going to be talking about Sony, and actually want to play the games released on their console more than any other.
This prediction is right and wrong. I think the industry is really excited about Sony and what it showed at E3, but will that translate into huge financial success? That is unknown that this time.
All in all, I give Madame Christine’s Microsoft Tarot Card reading aC.
And now let’s get to the predictions I am the most excited about: the pendulum divination yes or no questions.
After Madame Christine did the Tarot Card readings, I asked her a ton of yes/no questions provided by the Destructoid community about things that may or may not happen at E3. Using a mystical pendulum, Madame Christine of the Ether channeled the sprits and gave me answers toallof the numerous questions.
KyleGamgeeasks: Will Rare announceKiller Instinctfor PSN/XBLA?The pendulum responds:Yes.
This was not accurate.
MrSadisticasks: Will Sony announceThe Lost and Damned(GTA IVexpansion) for the PlayStation 3?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Pedrovay2003asks: Will Nintendo announce it is publishingFatal Frame IVin the US and Europe?The pendulum responds:No.
Correct!
SilverDragon1979asks: Will Capcom announce a newStridergame for the Xbox 360 and the PS3 that will release a couple of months after a remake of the originalStridergame for PSN and XBLA?The pendulum responds:Yes.
This was not accurate …but… I heard some strange rumors on the show floor that this may be true … it just wasn’t announced at E3. Creepy!
SilverDragon1979asks: Will Nintendo announce a newStar Foxgame?The pendulum responds:Yes.Wii it have online multiplayer support?The pendulum responds:No.
Both of these were not accurate. Well, I guess thesecondone was.
SilverDragon1979asks: Will Sony decide to add a party system and cross-game XMB voice chat to the PlayStation 3?The pendulum responds:A strong yes.
Nope. Sorry, Madame Christine.
SilverDragon1979asks: Will Sega announce a new, current generationEcco the Dolphingame?The pendulum responds:No.
Correct! Although, that makes me sad.
Tubaticasks: Will a newMega Man2D side-scroller be announced?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Again, this was not accurate, but I wouldn’t count this out …yet.
eternalplayer2345asks: Will Rare announceBlast Corps 2?The pendulum responds:Yes.
I think we all knew this one was not going to come true.
eternalplayer2345asks: WillSin and Punishment 2finally get a release date?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Well, anexactrelease date wasn’t mentioned, but early 2010 was confirmed. I say correct!
Miraxasks: Will the newZeldagame for the Wii be at least mentioned?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Bluexyasks: Will Square-Enix finally announce their new MMO?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Correct! And that game isFinal Fantasy XIV!
Bluexyasks: WillHeroes of Telara, from Trion, be the surprise hit MMO announcement?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Correct! I wouldn’t necessarily call it a “hit,” but it was talked about at the show.
Sweetchuckasks: WillLostWindsbe announced as a full retail game?The pendulum responds:No.
FalconReaperasks: Will Square Enix announce the release date ofKingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days?The pendulum responds:Yes.What aboutKingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep?The pendulum responds:No.Or better yet, will they announceKingdom Hearts 3?The pendulum responds:No.
Okay, these are impressive. When Madame Christine said that only oneKingdom Heartsgame would be focused on I found that very odd. Turns out, this was 100% true. OnlyKingdom Hearts: 358/2 Dayswas shown at E3 and itdidget a release date: July 24, 2025 in the US!
HarassmentPandaasks: Will Sony drop the price on the PlayStation 3?The pendulum responds:A very weak yes.
This was wrong (they didn’t announce a price drop), but I like how Madame Christine said “a very weak yes.” Too funny.
Takeshiasks: Will there be any HUGE unexpected exclusives revealed?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Correct! There were almost too many to count (Final Fantasy XIV,Left 4 Dead 2, etc.)!
Takeshiasks: Will Microsoft reveal the new Xbox?The pendulum responds:Yes.
This was not accurate … although maybe she was sensing Project Natal?
Takeshiasks: Will Sony reveal the new PSP?The pendulum responds:Yes.What about the rumored PS3 slim?The pendulum responds:No.
HydroTonixasks:Will Team ICO reveal its new game?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Correct! Andthe trailerwas unbelievably beautiful.
BS3 Ownerasks: Will a brand newYakuzagame for the PlayStation 3 that is set in the West be revealed?The pendulum responds:No.
DanlHaasasks: Will we seeFallout: New Vegas?The pendulum responds:No.
You’re on a roll, Madame Christine!
DanlHaasasks: Will Capcom announce yet another retro-style game to follow upMega Man 9?The pendulum responds:A strong yes.
Again, this may relate to theStriderrumor I heard. Incorrect, but it could be true soon.
Daxelmanasks: Will Platinum Games announce a spiritual successor toOkami?The pendulum responds:No.
Correct.
Corakasks: Will a Destructoid editor get lost on the way back to their hotel and meet another strange homeless person?The pendulum responds:No.
Whew! Correct!
Corakasks: Will there be swine flu masks for sale at inflated prices, perhaps branded with developer logos?The pendulum responds:No.
Correct! Thankfully, theactualswine flu did not make an appearance either.
LK4O4asks:Will Capcom announce a US version ofTatsunoko vs. Capcom?The pendulum responds:A strong yes.
Correct! And withfive new fighters!
Artemusasks: Will Accolade rise from the grave and announce a newBubsygame?The pendulum responds:No.
Garrisonasks: Will Nintendo releaseMother 3on the DS?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Sadly, this was not accurate. Sorry,Motherfans.
gatorsax2010asks: Will all the recent 3D Realms/Duke Nukem Foreverrevelations turn out to be some elaborate marketing scheme?The pendulum responds:No.
gatorsax2010asks: Will 2K have someone in a creepy Big Sister costume roaming the floor?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Actually, I am not sure if this is correct or not. I didn’tseea Big Sister, but there could have been one. I am calling this one a “maybe.”
CelicaCrazedasks: Is there a Sega Dreamcast 2 in existence?The pendulum responds:No.
Correct! But if there is one, Topher Cantler must have it!
CelicaCrazedasks: Will a new 2D Sonic game for PSN/Xbox Live/WiiWare be announced?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Tubaticasks: WillDragon Quest IXmake an appearance this year?The pendulum responds:Yes.
This was not accurate. Where the hell is new info on this game, Square Enix?!
DanGaleasks: WillMirror’s Edge 2be officially announced?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Sorry, Madame Christine. This one was not accurate.
DanGaleasks: Will a new Treasure game be announced?The pendulum responds:Yes.Will it beProject RS3?The pendulum responds:No.
This one was not really accurate, althoughSin & Punishment 2(a Treasure game) was playable for the first time. I am still going to say “no,” though. Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, Madame Christine.
kagatoASUKA89asks: WillModern Warfare 2be playable?The pendulum responds:No.
Correct! Only a (very impressive) demo was shown.
Guaglovesasks: Will Nintendo announce aPaper Mariogame for the DS?The pendulum responds:No.
Guaglovesasks: Will Microsoft reveal a motion controller?The pendulum responds:Yes.Will it have a game developed by Rare packed in with the device?The pendulum responds:No.
Damn, nice job, Madame Christine! Again, this is the prediction that impressed me the most.
Cowboy TTopasks: WillAssassin’s Creed 2be playable?The pendulum responds:No.
Correct. It wasn’t playable, but itlookedfantastic.
Tha Meatasks: Will Apple be at E3 promoting the iPhone/iPod Touch’s gaming capabilities?The pendulum responds:A strong yes.
I guess this is correct. There wasn’t a huge presence at E3, but the iPhone was featured in some parts of the show floor.
Eagle 88asks: Any new information onValkyria Chronicles?The pendulum responds:Yes.A sequel?The pendulum responds:Yes.More DLC?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Perriasks: WillRed Steel 2be playable?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Perriasks: Will EA announce an exercise game for Microsoft’s rumored motion device?The pendulum responds:No.
Perriasks: WillGod of War IIIbe playable?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Correct! And, man, it wasfantastic.
Chad Concelmo asks: Was therecent announcementof theMetroid Prime Trilogyfor the Wii planned to coincide with the shocking announcement of a brand newMetroidgame?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Correct! I think we can all agree thatMetroid: Other Mwas one of themost surprising (and most awesome) announcementsat E3.
Chad Concelmo asks: WillPikmin 3be playable?The pendulum responds:No.
Correct. grumble
Chad Concelmo asks: Even thoughUbisoft said there would be noBeyond Good & Evilat the show, willBeyond Good & Evil 2make a surprise appearance?The pendulum responds:Yes.
Adding all the pendulum divination results together, Madame Christine predicted40 out of 59accurately. That’s68%correct!
Although she got some wrong, I have to admit that Madame Christine and her magic pendulum were pretty accurate with most of these predictions. Now, one could say that a true psychic should geteverythingright and that anyone could guess yes or no on all of these and get a majority of them correct. I can’t really argue with that point, but I will say this: Madame Christine has trouble with some predictions when I sat down with her. And most of those were the ones that turned out inaccurate. A lot of them (the Project Natal stuff and surpriseMetroidgame announcement) she answered right away — it was like the pendulum gave her stronger, more confident predictions for those. And they turned out to be true!
Maybe I am just given Madame Christine the benefit of the doubt? Maybe I was such a disbeliever before all of this that I am clouded by some of the genuinely accurate predictions? Regardless if anything of this psychic stuff is real or no, you have to admit that if we compared Madame Christine’s predictions to the research of a professional analyst, I bet you the results would not be that different. Heck, Madame Christine may have them beat!
Based on her overall results, I am giving Madame Christine’s psychic predictions of E3 2009 a solidB.
What do you all think of these predictions? Did they impress you, or were you expecting more? Which accurate prediction blew you away the most? Do you think someone that knows about the videogame industry could have made better predictions? Sound off in the comments!
Who knows what fate has in store, but I have a feeling Madame Christine may be back to help us out with some psychic predictions for E3 2010.
