The ESA (Entertainment Software Association) confirms that E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) will be returning to Los Angeles starting next year, just as industry sources predicted earlier this week. These same rumors suggested the ESA was keen on hopefully restoring some of the luster E3 possessed in previous years, when it was a lot bigger and admittedly a heckuva lot noisier. The current invite-only format was heavily critized by industry movers and shakers, though it should be noted that many of them were also critical of the pomp and circumstance which plagued the convention in its older incarnations. Guess they decided things got a little TOO quiet this year.
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.The upcoming E3 event will be held at its old home at the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 2nd to June 4th 2009. While the ESA is indeed looking to boost attendance figures, it still isn't quite opening the floodgates for the general public like IDG World Expo's "E for All" (also held at the LACC). Instead, E3 2009 will "welcome all qualified computer and video game industry audiences". Good thing the media sill counts! Meanwhile, publishers already seem to be throwing their support behind E3's return to glory:
"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."
