Some big changes are coming to E3 this year, and yes, we’re talking about boobs. No, not bigger boobs, fewer boobs. Starting this year, E3 will be getting a make-over, a cleanup if you will, as the ESA just announced that “booth babes�, the permanent staple of the expo, are no longer allowed. In recent years, the level of scantily clad women tantalizing young precarious males has increased to such heights that they began to shuffle the focus from games to picture events with models. Exhibitors would receive one verbal warning when a violation occurs. Upon a second violation, the ESA said it would impose a $5,000 penalty, payable immediately on the site.
The changes are believed to come from the scandal surrounding Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the PlayStation 2 and Xbox game that had a sex mini-game, as politicians ratchet up calls for game regulation. “What’s new in 2006 is an update and clarification of the enforcement policies; as we do from time to time, we have taken steps to ensure that exhibitors are familiar with the policy and how it will be enforced,� Mary Dolaher, E3Expo show director, said in an e-mail. The handbook from the Entertainment Software Association says: “Material, including live models, conduct that is sexually explicit and/or sexually provocative, including but not limited to nudity, partial nudity and bathing suit bottoms, are prohibited on the show floor, all common areas, and at any access points to the show.�
