Getting your video game console connected online these days is almost a foregone conclusion. Sure, you can simply start on Level 1 and play ‘til that final boss is downed, but through the power of the Internet and the increasingly social nature of today’s gaming interfaces, you’re really just getting started when your quest is completed. Getting online with others, competing, cooperating, creating and sharing content, and much more all represent the extended life that today’s games so often have.

Though the stigma of the lone gamer in his dark basement lair still exists in the minds of some, the truth is that through the power of this connectivity, gaming is becoming a much more social hobby. You’ve gotta get online and mix it up with your friends. We’ve already told you how Facebook and other social tools have been mingling with your game consoles for a while now, but picking through the announcements at this year’s E3 thus far, it’s clear that game makers are looking to take it to the next level with some unique and exciting approaches to social networking and connectivity in your games.

Like the NRA, but different

Among the numerous trailers and gameplay demos Electronic Arts showed off at their E3 press conference, they also unveiled an interesting new program called Gun Club. The Gun Club is an online portal for shooter enthusiasts that connects many EA games – and the gamers who play them – all the while bringing you rewards like exclusive news and events, early access to demos and betas and all kinds of downloadable content – such as shiny new guns for your next Battlefield: Bad Company 2 session. If those guns aren’t enough, Gun Club will also be packing the upcoming Vietnam expansion for Battlefield: Bad Company 2. Get onto Gun Club and you can get early access into the upcoming beta test for Medal of Honor, one of the biggest games at this year’s E3. What do you think of those guns?

Run Your Friends Off the Road

At E3 we saw the first footage of a new Need for Speed Hot Pursuit game, very much a return to the franchise’s roots, but also a reimagining of them. It will contain the same exotic cars, sense of speed, and thrilling car chases that have been staples of the series, with the addition of a new feature called Autolog, which keeps you constantly connected to your friends and enemies out on the road. Similar to your Facebook or Twitter feed, Autolog will help you keep constant tabs on what your fellow speed demons are up to, including their latest recorded times, achievements and more. If a friend is continually eluding police pursuit and becomes “most wanted,” you can hop onto the road and take him out yourself. Think a very fast, dynamic, connected take on Cops and Robbers.

Become an MMA Star (and save yourself some bruises)

EA Sports, the guys behind Madden, NBA Live, Fight Night, and many other sports gaming mainstays have been showing off their first foray into mixed martial arts at E3 with EA Sports MMA. The game looks to have all the authenticity and fun factor that we expect from EA Sports, but the most interesting aspect being shown off is EA Sports Live Broadcast.

In a nutshell, EA Sports Live Broadcast can make you into a MMA star, minus all the sweat, blood, tears, bruises and broken bones that might come from it. You can create a fighter for yourself and promote yourself by uploading smack talk videos. If your fighter or your smack catches EA’s attention they will arrange a fight between you and another fighter. From there it becomes just like a real life MMA fight, the kind you might watch via Pay-Per View or at your local Buffalo Wild Wings. It will be promoted, and real people will watch your fight as real announcers commentate. You can win real life prizes along with the fame and notoriety your fighter can amass. So if you always wanted to be an MMA star, but you bruise easily, EA Sports MMA could be your salvation.

Being a Team Player

We’re betting you’re pretty good at Madden. We know our gridiron skills are nothing to sneeze at. But we all make mistakes. Blown coverage, missed tackles, etc. They happen. In the past, you would have to cover yourself and preserve your pride by making up excuses such as blaming it on the “AI” or on your team’s poor ratings in the Secondary. With Madden 11, you can stow away all these silly excuses in favor of blaming your buddies. With Madden 11’s new Team Play you and two friends can team up online and play against three other human players. Each player is responsible for one section of the team, such as linebackers or defensive backs on defense or running backs or wide receivers on the offensive end. It requires a whole ‘nother level of cooperation to play as a team. So sharpen up your game, because your buddies can blame you too, you know. Want to hear more about the new Team Play in Madden 11, along with some other new features? Check out our extended video interview courtesy of GameSpot.

E3 at Home

And one final story that isn’t necessarily about the future of connectivity and social gaming, but that shows a neat way it’s being used today.

Wish you could join us at E3? Well, you can, kind of. PlayStation Home, the virtual online community on PlayStation 3, has been around for a while now, but if you haven’t stopped by in a while you may want to schedule a visit during E3. Sony has carefully recreated their E3 presence -- the booths, the signage, the demo units and more -- and put them right in Home. You can take a stroll around the virtual E3 zone with your Home avatar and pretend you’re here while checking out game videos and images of some of the big games being shown at E3, all from the comfort of your couch. Sure, it’s not the real thing, but it’s pretty cool, nonetheless.

What do you think of all of these connections and social networking inspired innovations changing the way you game? Getting you pumped up? Or do you just wish people would leave you alone and let you game in peace? Connect with us in the comments and let us know what you think.