Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) is an annual event covering various aspects of the computer and video games industry. It is used by video game developers to showcase their upcoming games and game-related hardware.

The event is held during the summer months in Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Convention Center and allows media professionals and industry leaders to cover never-before-seen advances in video game technology.

Past E3 showings have led to memorable moments including Sony’s unveiling of the Playstation in 1995 and the revealing of Xbox Kinect by Microsoft in 2011. Game publishers allow attendees to try out new game demos, view trailers, and test software before the general public.

E3 2011 showcased many of the most popular titles including Bioshock, Elder Scrolls and Assassin’s Creed. Some of the top gaming critics award games that are thought to be the most memorable and innovative of the event.

Some of the rumors circulating around E3 2012 include several big announcements by EA games, tweaks to Nintendo’s Wii U, and Microsoft’s introduction of titles including Halo 4 and Forza: Horizon.

Microsoft may also be revealing new content for Xbox Kinect, interface changes and a possible music service for the Xbox 360.

Nintendo will likely answer questions regarding the Wii U, the successor to the Wii, including specifications and compatibility issues. A lineup of games for Sony’s newest handheld console, the PS Vita, may be announced, including ports of popular titles such as Grand Theft Auto and God of War.

This year, Nintendo plans to provide live coverage of the event via social media, their website and a broadcast of the Nintendo press conference exclusively through Spike TV. Microsoft and Sony will also provide coverage through the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.

E3 will take place June 5 through June 7.