They lost last year. The Direct was a disappointment. This year may be better because the plaint field is even.
Let's not get things twisted though; they lost last year because their reveals were lame, not because the format was different. If last years Direct had Metroid instead of DK, a better SM3DW ad, a Zelda Wii U reveal, Star Fox, etc, nobody would have given a shit about them not having a conference. Oh, and the streaming sucked. What they seriously need to do it just release a video instead of streaming it live.
Two things though.
1. They are already renting out the NOKIA theatre for the Smash Tournament. They should air the Digital Event at the NOKIA theatre as well, so the press can all watch the event together. Then after the Digital Event, they can stay for the Smash Tournament.
2. They should release a demo for Smash on the Wii U during E3. People should be given the option to play Smash the way it's meant to be played if they have the Wii U: At home with friends. All they have to do is limit the amount of characters to 4 (Mario-Sonic-Mega Man-Villager/*Packman*) and only allow for battle on two stages. Battle Field and Final Destination. This way it is limited enough, but fun to play and people who already own a Wii U can convince their friends to play it this way.







