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]
