Every year, video game companies go all out at one specific event – the Electronic Entertainment Expo, which takes place every year in Los Angeles around June.  Here, companies like to show off what lies ahead in the next twelve to fifteen months, big projects, small uprisings, little advancements to their hardware…that sort of thing.  We’ve been to a lot of shows now, and they’ve been impressive, but E3 2012 should be an even bigger year, thanks to what the companies are bringing.

Spec Ops has seen a lot of strategic action over the years, and has become a cult favorite amongst many gamers as a result.  But this summer, 2K Games will be taking the series in a new direction with the long-awaited Spec Ops: The Line.  Rather than using direct strategy, you'll instead be running and gunning your way through a war-torn Dubai, seeking out a lost troop while taking on refugees and seeking the truth to who's behind this.  We recently got a look at the game earlier this month at PAX East 2012, and managed to sit down with Cory Davis, art director, about it.

When it comes to shooters, no game delivers as unique a look and as many weapons as Gearbox Studios’ Borderlands 2. 2K Games is readying the sequel for release later this year. The original game showcased a very different look for an Unreal Engine 3 shooter. And this follow-up continues to push the visuals, while adding more customization for gamers to use when building weapons. Gearbox Studios’ Wes Parker talks about the new game in the exclusive video interview below.

The man behind BioShock and the eagerly anticipated BioShock Infinite is now on a ballot alongside Brad Pitt, Tim Tebow, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeremy Lin, and Barack Obama as one of the candidates for Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world issue. Online voting is now available on Time.com for the 2012 TIME 100 Poll, which includes leaders, artists, innovators, icons and heroes that they think are the most influential people in the world. Ken Levine is counted among the many candidates eligible for voting as of this morning and is the sole video game developer represented in the list. Gamers can cast their vote through April 6 to make Levine a part of the issue and help propel gaming into the mainstream. The founder of Irrational Games talks about 2K Games' BioShock Infinite in the exclusive video interview below.

Ken Levine and his team at Irrational Games has been hard at work on a brand new BioShock adventure for 2K Games.  BioShock Infinite introduces a colorful cast of characters, including some very big hitters. This making-of video shows the Motorized Patriot, which is just one of the enemies players will encounter in this truly original game.

When 2K Games released The Darkness a few years ago for Xbox 360, it set a precedent for comic book licensed games.  Not only did it introduce a thrilling new take on first-person shooting, but it also got us completely involved with the story, rather than focusing on the actions of its antagonist.  As a result, dread really set in, and it left us wondering what would become of Jackie Estacado.  Well, this week we have our answer, as The Darkness II has creeped its way to store shelves.

Rather than make the obvious Prince "party like it's 1999" joke (like EVERY other site is doing), we thought we'd deliver it to you straight -- when Bioshock Infinite releases later this year, it's going to pound you.  Like it's 1999.  That's the name of a new mode that Irrational Games is adding to the highly anticipated follow-up, one that will test your gamer skills to your very core.

2K Games is bringing back the XCOM franchise in a big way. After showcasing a first-person shooter XCOM game from 2K Marin at E3 last year, now the game publisher has revealed a second game. Firaxis Games, the creative team behind the iconic Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise, is developing XCOM: Enemy Unknown for 2012. The action strategy title should be instantly recognizable to fans of the original X-COM, while breaking new ground in strategy games for today’s console and Windows PC gamers. With equal emphasis on deep strategy and intense tactical combat, XCOM: Enemy Unknown will place players in control of a secret paramilitary organization called XCOM. As the XCOM commander, players will defend against a terrifying global alien invasion by managing resources, advancing technologies, and overseeing combat strategies and individual unit tactics. The game will feature a variety of alien enemy types as well as a new base setup.

The holiday season is officially upon us at sundown tonight. Children will be gathered around their Channukah menorahs, spinning their dreidels, eating potato latkes--and inviting their gentile friends to partake in the traditions that were so foreign and interesting in elementary school--at least that's what the kids told me back then.Then, a few days later that naughty or nice list will be coming into play as kids all over the world run down the stairs to see if the red-sutied cookie monster aka Santa Claus has brought them some amazing gifts. Gamers though--what do we want for all the holidays? Isn't it obvious--GAMES. We're going to give you oblivious gift-seekers five games to run to the stores to sweep up for the gamer in your life featuring NBA 2K12, among others.

It’s a little annoying to see sports games get downloadable content added on a couple of months after their release, mainly because folks already spent so much money for the main product and now have to plunk down a few extra bucks for some more good stuff.  But that’s how business rolls for other games these days, so it’s not a big deal.  Plus, when it’s as good as NBA 2K12’s new Legends Showcase, you really see where the value adds up.

It’s a little annoying to see sports games get downloadable content added on a couple of months after their release, mainly because folks already spent so much money for the main product and now have to plunk down a few extra bucks for some more good stuff.  But that’s how business rolls for other games these days, so it’s not a big deal.  Plus, when it’s as good as NBA 2K12’s new Legends Showcase, you really see where the value adds up.

It’s a little annoying to see sports games get downloadable content added on a couple of months after their release, mainly because folks already spent so much money for the main product and now have to plunk down a few extra bucks for some more good stuff.  But that’s how business rolls for other games these days, so it’s not a big deal.  Plus, when it’s as good as NBA 2K12’s new Legends Showcase, you really see where the value adds up.