I don't think it's a shocker to hear that people are discussing this year's E3 with some degree of skepticism. After all, the event once known for its primo selection of scantily clad women and free swag has transformed considerably, and while it may be more professional, you have to admit that people tend to value fun more highly. Can't we have both, somehow?
According to The Street.com, the reaction to this year's Expo could affect the future of the event. Also quoted is Tal Blevins, Vice President of games content for IGN.com, who commented:
"This year will be a big test to see if there will even be another E3 or who will participate next year," he said. "Companies will see how much coverage they get out of the show and how much value they are getting out of the conference."
A few years ago, such a thought would have been unheard of, but with multiple companies leaving the ESA recently, the future does seem a tad shaky. Michael Pachter also had some telling comments to offer:
"The conference used to offer retail, media and investors an early look at games and an opportunity to speak with company managements," says Pachter, an analyst with Wedbush Morgan. "Now the games have long since been announced and the event is virtually useless for retail and for investors."
Could this be the last year of E3? How would you feel about seeing it go, if you would react at all?
[Via GamePolitics -- Thanks, Joe]
Contest:
1:13 PM on 07.09.2008 | 
Basically, fuck them, is what I am saying.
Also, that picture made me laugh so very hard, I thank you for that.
The investment that goes into E3 would be better spent for better and more accessible systems like partnernet and other electronic means of digital proofing/PR/etc. The press would benefit. We'd have more time with the games this way -- nobody in the industry appreciates the 3 days of not sleeping try to encapsulate everything that happens.
A solution? Let's fuck shit up. I say scrap it and turn it into a party. I think we all have more fun at Penny Arcade's expo which is good blend of both consumer show and news, panels, etc. Its fun. You know, like video games and stuff.
But I think I'd rather have Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony have their own exclusive events at different times of the year. I'm sure you've noticed, but lately there's been almost no news at all, because everyone's saving it for E3!
PAX will (/has) pick up where the old E3 left off by having shit gamers want to experience in addition to just previewing new games on the horizon.
Or go to Vegas i watched quite a good few videos from last years E3 and Vegas had some big support, and we all know how Vegas loves to put on a show.