In the past few years, E3 became a major event and a major spectacle. But now, for the sake of the industry, it's looking like the convention will get downsized.
July 31, 2006 - The Electronic Software Association confirming that the annual Electronics Entertainment Show will be downsized in 2007 is obviously big news. The developers, publishers, media, fans, and everyone else involved are obviously affected.
If it gets all the big news and announcements more organized, I'm all for it. But I can't deny that it hurts to see this happen. Part of the fun of watching those big announcements happen was the atmosphere.
I still don't understand why there isn't a huge consumer show like E3 was becoming, but for fans and press instead of industry and press.
If I knew how to put something like that together, I'd do it. I have so many friends that have gone to great lengths to get into E3... it's not even funny.
Originally posted by Guru ZimI still don't understand why there isn't a huge consumer show like E3 was becoming, but for fans and press instead of industry and press.
I don't know if there are any others, but Penny Arcade's PAX (pennyarcadeexpo.com) seems to be increasing in size and popularity each year, and might become what you're referring to, if it hasn't already.
You believe me, don't you? Please believe what I just said...
Originally posted by Guru ZimI still don't understand why there isn't a huge consumer show like E3 was becoming, but for fans and press instead of industry and press.
IGN actually had a convention last year in Anaheim, which was fairly decent for a first go-around (It was definitely fun to watch RVD try and flirt with this reporter gal after the cameras were off). If they decide to do another one, I'll definitely give it another look.
It makes a lot of sense to me, from an industry stand point. There's no "E3 Rush" to put together flashy tech demos (which will allow the programming teams to focus on actually making the game), there's no need to spend thousands of dollars on neon lights, booth babes, and video walls every year. The only convienience you're going to miss is A) having all the gaming press in one spot (which is especially bad for your smaller development houses, though most of them wouldn't be at E3 anyway), and B) you don't get to have the one week where you can shoot off all your big announcements against your competetors. Now they'll have to pick TGS or GDC.
That said, it sucks that I never got to go.
Tonight I wanna ruin my life, I wanna throw it all away, In a spectacular way
Something else will come up to replace it in the fans' eyes. Remember, before E3 came around, the Consumer Electronics Show was THE place for revealing new video game stuff. E3 only went for, what, about 10 years?
Whether it's PAX or some other upstart, within a year or two we'll see a mega-event that all the sweaty, rabid gamers can attend. Meanwhile, the company-specific events like Microsoft's X06 (does Nintendo still do Spaceworld?) take on a bigger significance.
Glad to see E3 downsized. Too many Best Buy and Gamestop employees getting in. Too much hype, too much emphasis placed on who "won." It's not a contest, it's a trade show.
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