E3 Downsizing Confirmed

Los Angeles is the annual Mecca for gamers as they flock into the city in droves, preparing for E3 each May. Under the ESA’s current scenario, that’s about to change in 2007. According to the ESA, E3 will “focus on press events and small meetings with media, retail, development, and other key sectors. While there will be opportunities for game demonstrations, E3Expo 2007 will not feature the large trade show environment of previous years.” Reportedly, expenses involved in renting space, building each venue and polishing games for E3 have taken their toll on publishers. EA, Sony and Microsoft are said to be the biggest supporters of the new format, though companies like Nintendo would also benefit in costs from a smaller event.

In other words, they’re downsizing considerably from the 60,000+ attendees. “E3Expo remains an important event for the industry and we want to keep that sense of excitement and interest, ensuring that the human and financial resources crucial to its success can be deployed productively to create an exciting new format to meet the needs of the industry. The new event ensures that there will be an effective and more efficient way for companies to get information to media, consumers, and others,” Douglas Lowenstein, President of the ESA said.

“Over the years, it has become clear that we need a more intimate program, including higher quality, more personal dialogue with the worldwide media, developers, retailers and other key industry audiences,” Lowenstein said. This editor is unopposed to the ESA’s efforts, as long as it does not stifle independent development or nudge media outlets out of the process. A free and open press is only capable of performing its duties with access to information and the latest products. We believe that all media is a valuable resource to consumers in deciding their purchases and thus a valuable resource to the game industry.