The E3 of Old Returns for June 2-4, 2009

[FriskyTanuki]

http://kotaku.com/5067239/e3-2009-its-officially-on-june-2nd

The 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) will take place from June 2-4, 2009, at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today. The expanded E3 will welcome all qualified computer and video game industry audiences, including international and U.S.-based media, analysts, retailers, developers and business partners to preview the latest in interactive entertainment and technology.

After conducting both qualitative and quantitative research, ESA officials stated changes were necessary to better meet the needs of both exhibitors and attendees— these changes include increased booth sizes, increased qualified audiences, and an intensified focus on reinforcing the high-octane growth, innovation, and captivating entertainment that are driving the computer and video game industry.

ESA also said IDG World Expo, whose principals have operated E3 since its inception in 1995, will produce the event with the ESA.

The event will be open to ESA members and non-members alike. Organizers noted they are expanding the list of companies eligible to participate. Companies involved in console, PC, online, and mobile game publishing and developing, qualified business partners, as well as makers of video game hardware and peripherals can exhibit.

Additional details, including registration, hotel and travel accommodations, and media credentialing, will be forthcoming in the next few weeks and will be available at www.e3expo.com (http://www.e3expo.com).

[Redeema]

Gah, I swore I wouldn't go next year, but this changes things...maybe. I'll have to see how fat/skinny the wallet is at the time. Only problem is that June is hot in LA.

[FloodsAreUponUS]

Good. Old E3 was getting to be a joke.

[MarkMan]

Good.

I'll be there again ;)

[Clarke]

I wouldn't doubt that the success of PAX influenced this.

[TC]

Is it so hard to copy the Tokyo Gameshow?

[Strell]

Have developers issued comments that support this? Nintendo and Sony and MS and third parties?

Because the overall opinion I got is that most people didn't like all the prepwork that was required for E3 - making demoes took a good portion out of time and effort, all the overblown nonsense that booths became, etc.

[FriskyTanuki]

Have developers issued comments that support this? Nintendo and Sony and MS and third parties?

Because the overall opinion I got is that most people didn't like all the prepwork that was required for E3 - making demoes took a good portion out of time and effort, all the overblown nonsense that booths became, etc.
They already have to prepare for PAX, TGS, and Leipzig, so they'd have to do the same things for those other shows anyway.

There are a few in the article though they could be chalked up to PR fluff quotes:
“Video games are the fastest growing and most compelling sector of the entertainment industry. And, this upgraded event will reflect the growth, innovation and excitement of our industry,” said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, which represents US computer and video game publishers and organizes the annual event. “The breadth, scope and quality of the changes made to the show will make E3 the must-attend event of the year.”

“The E3 Expo will be the pre-eminent North American gaming show next year. The new, larger event is better for industry leaders and for serious gamers,” commented John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts.


"The video game business will be twice as big in 2009 as it was in 2006 when we had the last real E3 Expo - so get ready for some fireworks!" said Laurent Detoc, president of Ubisoft North America. "The changes made will ensure that the 2009 E3 Expo conveys the best of what makes us proud as entertainment leaders."

[Strell]

That doesn't answer my question at all, you know.

I don't know much about TGS or Leipzig, but they never came off as nearly as big as E3 was in its heyday. PAX is just coming into its own and has very little in the way of feeling like a press-release-party event, and instead is more of a "we can just take the internal demoes there and let'em loose." Granted I haven't been to PAX yet so I might not know.

I'm just saying E3 became this gigantic fashion show of the industry. Other shows are becoming larger and carrying more weight, but they don't seem to compare.

[Chase]

Any guesses on what WiiMusic-like project will be unveiled next year?

[Maklershed]

This is good news. Now can someone hook me up with a ticket when the time comes? :)

[FriskyTanuki]

That doesn't answer my question at all, you know.

I don't know much about TGS or Leipzig, but they never came off as nearly as big as E3 was in its heyday. PAX is just coming into its own and has very little in the way of feeling like a press-release-party event, and instead is more of a "we can just take the internal demoes there and let'em loose." Granted I haven't been to PAX yet so I might not know.

I'm just saying E3 became this gigantic fashion show of the industry. Other shows are becoming larger and carrying more weight, but they don't seem to compare.
What I meant is that whether E3 is around or not, those companies were still working on demos and booths for other shows, so this rebirth of E3 just adds a bit to what they were already doing anyway.

I don't think we know anything about specifics on what limitations may be in place for booth sizes or what's allowed to be in them, so the info that non-ESA members will be allowed in could mean that those that left, like Activision and LucasArts, can come back, but maybe even more companies can get in and force them to put limitations on booths and such. They could have a show look that resembles the past two E3s, but giving publishers a bit more space and freedom to show off.

I know that if they thought it wasn't worth it to show up at E3, TGS, PAX, and Leipzig, they'd just have an event to themselves whenever they have stuff to show off and make it all about themselves. They obviously do think they get enough out of it if the feedback that the ESA got pushed them to go back to this style of show.

Edit: This interview (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/joystiq-interviews-esa-president-about-e3-2009/)that Joystiq has could have some answers to your questions.