(Image courtesy of Joystiq.)
The past few Electronic Entertainment Expos (E3) have been attracting criticism for "just not being the same". Between the press-only rule, lack of those wonderful booth babes, bands, and lots more, the changes had folks like Electronic Arts' John Riccitiello saying: "I hate E3 like this. Either we need to go back to the old E3, or we'll have to have our own private events" and studios like Activision, Atlus, Bethesda Softworks, NCsoft, Vivendi Games and Warner Bros. Interactive just plain not attending.
Well, it looks like things are heading back to the way they were, according to today's reports. Attendance will be about 10 times that of last year's show, with a more chill registration policy, and models allowed back on the expo floor. More, all of the aforementioned studios will be coming back, except NCsoft.
“The 2009 E3 Expo will be the preeminent North American computer and video game event,” said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). “With robust exhibitor sales, high attendee interest, and strong commitments from multiple industry sectors, we are going to ensure the full excitement and energy of this industry is on display."
About 70 exhibitors are currently listed as on board, more than double 2008's show, and word has it demand is high:
"We encourage interested companies to contact us because floor sales are going quickly with more than half sold out," a spokesman said.
The registration policy will be a return to the old: the event is open to all "credentialed" international and U.S.-based media, industry analysts, retailers, developers and business partners. Two pieces of id are required for proof of said credentials; registration is on now at the E3 website, where a full exhibitor list can also be found.
Floor maps aren't available yet, but rumours say it will be the same size as 2006's massive show.
Welcome back, E3.
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