No More E3?

[Dante]

Senior industry sources have revealed to Next-Gen.Biz (http://next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3538&Itemid=2) that the E3 industry event, in its present form, has been cancelled for next year and the foreseeable future.

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) shindig has been a staple of game industry life since the mid-1990s. However, we understand the larger exhibitors have jointly decided that the costs of the event do not justify the returns, generally measured in media exposure.

Publishers believe the multi-million dollar budgets would be better spent on more company-focused events that bring attention to their own product lines rather than the industry as a whole.

Well placed sources say the news that larger exhibitors were pulling out had prompted urgent meetings among publishing executives. They decided that, without the support of the larger software publishers and hardware manufacturers, there would be no point in continuing.

ESA president Doug Lowenstein will likely announce the news some time within the next 48 hours, possibly on Monday. It's possible that the ESA will seek to limit the damage by organizing some form of lesser event in May, but it's clear that the days of an industry event attended by all the major publishers, spending big money, are gone.

Calls to ESA staff are not being returned at present.

Edit

As it has been confirmed on E3's website that planning is underway for the next E3 (http://www.e3expo.com/default.aspx) I have changed the topic title.

Ashley.

Edit 2

Entertainment Software Association Announces Evolution of E3Expo for 2007
Monday July 31, 1:46 pm ET

WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 31, 2006--To better address the needs of today's global computer and video game industry, the 2007 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3Expo) is evolving into a more intimate event focused on targeted, personalized meetings and activities, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today.

"The world of interactive entertainment has changed since E3Expo was created 12 years ago. At that time we were focused on establishing the industry and securing orders for the holiday season," said Douglas Lowenstein, President of the ESA, the trade association representing U.S. computer and video game publishers and the owner of E3Expo. "Over the years, it has become clear that we need a more intimate program, including higher quality, more personal dialogue with the worldwide media, developers, retailers and other key industry audiences."

The new E3Expo will take shape over the next several months. As currently envisioned, it will still take place in Los Angeles, described by ESA as a "great and supportive partner helping to build E3." It will focus on press events and small meetings with media, retail, development, and other key sectors. While there will be opportunities for game demonstrations, E3Expo 2007 will not feature the large trade show environment of previous years.

"E3Expo remains an important event for the industry and we want to keep that sense of excitement and interest, ensuring that the human and financial resources crucial to its success can be deployed productively to create an exciting new format to meet the needs of the industry. The new event ensures that there will be an effective and more efficient way for companies to get information to media, consumers, and others," said Lowenstein.

Additionally, the evolution of the video game industry into a vibrant and expanding global market has led to the creation of major events in different regions, such as the Games Convention in Leipzig, the Tokyo Game Show, and company-specific events held by Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, and others around the world. As a result, Lowenstein said, "It is no longer necessary or efficient to have a single industry 'mega-show.' By refocusing on a highly-targeted event, we think we can do a better job serving our members and the industry as a whole, and our members are energized about creating this new E3."

Additional details about the new E3Expo event will be forthcoming in the next few months.

The ESA is the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet. ESA members collectively account for more than 90 percent of the $7 billion in entertainment software sales in the U.S. in 2005, and billions more in export sales of entertainment software. For more information about the ESA, please visit www.theESA.com.

[Fresh]

Wa....who....meh, i always liked TGS.

[Minihobbsch]

Damn this is some shocking news to ever reach my eyes. We will miss you E3...:bowdown:

[Cube]

If E3 is canned, something will quickly replace it.

[Shorty]

Perhaps Sony pulled out after the criticism of their coma-enducing performance this year, and a lot of people followed suit. Have to wonder why this is the only site that's been told this though....

[Dan Dare]

how bizzare. perhaps we can call and end to the summer silly season too. It'd be nice to see real news in the summer instead of news sites crawling over press releases for months

[Fuzpoy]

it should herald the return of spaceworld then.

[CoolFunkMan]

Madness! O_o

I would say this is really bad, but I'm sure something will replace it soon enough. Plus this could add up to more interesting outcomes. Publishers and developers could host thier own media exhibitions.

Spaceworld anyone...?

EDIT:
it should herald the return of spaceworld then.

Gah! Beat me to it. :heh:

[Fierce_LiNk]

I don't believe this.

Should this be classed as a rumour, or fact?

[Dante]

I don't believe this.

Should this be classed as a rumour, or fact?

We will find out in 48 hours time.

[gaggle64]

I'm gonna have to wait to get this verified, either at the actual announcement or elsewhere. Mind, it's not hard to imagine Sony and Microsoft feeling sore after their most recent E3 "performances" pailing in the face of public interest for the Wii. Wouldn't mind having Spaceworld back either, but I'm still awfully suspicous.

[Monopolyman]

Publishers believe the multi-million dollar budgets would be better spent on more company-focused events that bring attention to their own product lines rather than the industry as a whole.



Doesn't that suggest that, if this were to happen, we'd still effectively have an E3; just more 'chopped up'?

[Fierce_LiNk]

Doesn't that suggest that, if this were to happen, we'd still effective have an E3; just more 'chopped up'.

Yes.

Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony would all have seperate events.

However, the downside is, instead of getting lots of information and seeing what all the companies were up to all at one time, we will get little bits throughout the year, as it would be unlikely that the Big N, MS and Sony would all have their conferences at the same time.

[Tellyn]

Time for Nintendo to re-establish Space World?

[Fierce_LiNk]

OH NOES, im gonna go KILL MYSELF

Let's write some poetry about this. :)

[ShadowV7]

Something has to replace E3,never be the same again.This is something i'd thought i'd never hear.

[Jimmy3000]

awww bad news, always loved e3 and wathcing the conferances etc, hopfully this will cause spaceworld to come back though.

[Hellfire]

Let's look a the bright side, it will either: a) be replaced or b) companies will hold individual shows and news will come out faster

[mcj metroid]

Time for Nintendo to re-establish Space World?
ya but change the name.I hate the name space world

[ShadowV7]

ya but change the name.I hate the name space world
How about Galaxy World :heh:

[Charlie]

I really hope E3 isn't cancelled, it is one of my favourite times of the year, the 3 big companies all having loads of news (or lack of it in some cases).

I love E3.

I was hoping for a Spaceworld anyway this year, hopefully it'll come back...

[Konfucius]

I wouldn't read too much into it, even if it's true.

After all the article states

in its present form, has been cancelled for next year

So I believe there'll definitely be an E³ next year. Only it won't be that mega show it used to be but this is too big of an event to be canned.

[gj15987]

We need a bigger gaming event in the UK. Is ECTS still on in london?

And also...that would be good for Nintendo, the LAST EVER E3 was the one that THEY ruled!

[Dcubed]

HOLY MOTHER OF FUCK! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! (Though it's not officially announced it's as good as fact)

If they don't have one next year, they wont have one ever again. Shows never skip a year (Looks back at Spaceworld, which simply has to come back now, Ninty have no choice) and some are specualting that EA's departure from the show is the main cause of this...

I can't even remember a time when we didn't have E3!

This is possibly the worst thing that could happen to the Gaming Industry, MANY developers rely on E3 for publicity. Without it, a great deal of AAA games today would have gone completely unnoticed and people are saying it's good for small developers!!! They can't afford to set up their own exhibition!

This is a very sad day for the entire industry, and to us all. RIP E3, 1995-2006 Never forget the good times, may the memories never die!

[BeerMonkey]

attack e3's weakpoint for massive damage...and they did :(

hopefully something will replace quick..or nintendo will have there own super show every year showcasing the wii and ds

[Letty]

Its not cancelled.

http://www.clubskill.com/Game_News/3998/E3%20cancelled%20for%20upcoming%20years

[BeerMonkey]

goodie goodie gum drops

[Kaeporagaebora]

Hm... you can kind of understand why developers might be angry. Wii stole the show, and others spent millions of dollars to be a footnote on some forgotten blog somewhere. Anybody know what games EA showed off? I don't. But also, it looks like it won't be cancelled.

[Ashley]

Hm... you can kind of understand why developers might be angry. Wii stole the show, and others spent millions of dollars to be a footnote on some forgotten blog somewhere. Anybody know what games EA showed off? I don't. But also, it looks like it won't be cancelled.

But then thats surely their own fault. If a product was worthy of fanfare it would have gotten it.

[Fierce_LiNk]

But then thats surely their own fault. If a product was worthy of fanfare it would have gotten it.

Agreed.
Fact is, why should it be cancelled if Nintendo had a good show? If Nintendo had a good show, then good for them. All that it means is that others will have to put in that extra effort to make their shows better.

[LukeLee]

It is often said that the gaming industry makes as much profit as the film industry. The film industry has MANY big events in the year, yet the one huge event for the gaming industry is in danger of stopping.

[Fierce_LiNk]

Its not cancelled.

http://www.clubskill.com/Game_News/3998/E3%20cancelled%20for%20upcoming%20years

But when was the E3 site updated?
If it was weeks ago, then its pretty much useless info.

[DanielTimothy]

Pardon me if I missed something but is it cancelled or not?

[Fierce_LiNk]

Well, at this point, we're still waiting for some clarification to come through. If you check the first link in the first post, there will be an annoucement about this pretty soon. Thats IF it does get cancelled.

[DanielTimothy]

Thanks Fierce. Pretty weak if the Wii had anything to do with any big guns pulling out. They where ment to sit up and notice that innovation is the way forward, not pull out because they aren't getting enough attention to match how much cash they put into it. Change, don't give up.

[Fierce_LiNk]

Thanks Fierce. Pretty weak if the Wii had anything to do with any big guns pulling out. They where ment to sit up and notice that innovation is the way forward, not pull out because they aren't getting enough attention to match how much cash they put into it. Change, don't give up.

It's the wrong attitude to have, if you ask me.

You don't complain because Nintendo are getting all the attention. You look at what they're doing, look at what you're doing, and then compare. Only then will you know if they deserve the attention or not.

[Action]

I dont know wat to think now :'(

[Dan Dare]

Problem is- if Nintendo can afford big shows and all that, what about the little studios? can they afford anything at all?

[The3rdChildren]

Sounds troublesome. I couldn't go anyway, so I guess I don't really care.

[trisha returns]

e3 used to be part of the huge electronics expo held earlier in the year.
if it wont be standalone it will just go back into that.
its too big not to have a show for all those folks wares, but standalone when its main players are in the electronics business is not so important to them.

after all, sony would love to have the games glitz on the bigger tv/hifi show based electronics expo, while microsoft no doubt sees no problem in adding it to their stand at the same event or a pc one...

[KKOB]

what about all the oddities in Kentia Hall- think of the crazy people, PEOPLE lol

[system_error]

For smaller developers it will be really difficult to showcase their new (and probably innovative) games to a big audience. E3 had lots of coverage not only on gaming sites but on TV, newspapers all around the world. I think the money publishers spend on the E3 is worth every cent. I do agree that E3 has to change in some way. Maybe open it to the public like the GC in Leipzig and just keep one day press only - keynote speech day. Charge a those people a entry fee and you surely get more than 60.000 visitors like the last E3 did. The GC had 134000 in 2005 - so I think Europe knows whats best :)


Whats the point if big publishers hold their own show - they have to spend around the same amount of money but will never recieve as much coverage as they could have had on the E3.

[Tellyn]

How about a world tour of E3 to make them more money? I want one in England, preferably in Yorkshire.

[mcj metroid]

How about Galaxy World :heh:
actually actually somehow better.i still think mario galaxy shold be called super mario universe but meh i don't really care

[Haver]

No, Ashley, it's pretty dead. We're getting a corpse.

As Next-Gen exclusively reported Sunday, all major exhibitors have effectively pulled their support from the show, prompting the majority of game publishers to also cancel plans for high-cost booths. The ESA will make an announcement later today that will attempt to add some gloss to this catastrophe, with some form of media-focused boutique event - branded E3 - taking its place.

e3expo.com has been like since the end of May. It's placeholder text.

[gaggle64]

I would be pretty cool if a little industry show was built up around the video game BAFTAs this October.

[Fierce_LiNk]

e3expo.com has been like since the end of May. It's placeholder text.


That's what i thought, i just needed it confirming.

Ok, i'm going to edit this topic title back to its original state. Looks like we can say goodbye to E3 then. :(

[LukeLee]

sounds to me like the big guns got upset that Nintendo stole the show, so they're throwing their toys out of the pram. Very poor sportsmanship, instead they should look at where they can improve. Although Sony had a poor press conference they did have a couple of good moments - the "crouching tiger, hidden dragon" style game and the metal gear solid trailer.

[rokhed00]

Definitely not cancelled, just downsized.

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060730-7382.html

[Twozzok]

I think they should make it more of a Game Stars Live Event, 'cos that was cool.

(and it was in the UK)

[rokhed00]

I think they should make it more of a Game Stars Live Event, 'cos that was cool.

(and it was in the UK)

And look how quickly that was cancelled.

[Adrian DX]

Lets hope it truly is just downsized and not completely shut down.. I've never been to E3, but I'm hoping I can go when I get old enough. :smile:

[Dante]

Entertainment Software Association Announces Evolution of E3Expo

WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 31, 2006--To better address the needs of today's global computer and video game industry, the 2007 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3Expo) is evolving into a more intimate event focused on targeted, personalized meetings and activities, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today.

"The world of interactive entertainment has changed since E3Expo was created 12 years ago. At that time we were focused on establishing the industry and securing orders for the holiday season," said Douglas Lowenstein, President of the ESA, the trade association representing U.S. computer and video game publishers and the owner of E3Expo. "Over the years, it has become clear that we need a more intimate program, including higher quality, more personal dialogue with the worldwide media, developers, retailers and other key industry audiences."

The new E3Expo will take shape over the next several months. As currently envisioned, it will still take place in Los Angeles, described by ESA as a "great and supportive partner helping to build E3." It will focus on press events and small meetings with media, retail, development, and other key sectors. While there will be opportunities for game demonstrations, E3Expo 2007 will not feature the large trade show environment of previous years.

"E3Expo remains an important event for the industry and we want to keep that sense of excitement and interest, ensuring that the human and financial resources crucial to its success can be deployed productively to create an exciting new format to meet the needs of the industry. The new event ensures that there will be an effective and more efficient way for companies to get information to media, consumers, and others," said Lowenstein.

Additionally, the evolution of the video game industry into a vibrant and expanding global market has led to the creation of major events in different regions, such as the Games Convention in Leipzig, the Tokyo Game Show, and company-specific events held by Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, and others around the world. As a result, Lowenstein said, "It is no longer necessary or efficient to have a single industry 'mega-show.' By refocusing on a highly-targeted event, we think we can do a better job serving our members and the industry as a whole, and our members are energized about creating this new E3."

Additional details about the new E3Expo event will be forthcoming in the next few months.

The ESA is the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet. ESA members collectively account for more than 90 percent of the $7 billion in entertainment software sales in the U.S. in 2005, and billions more in export sales of entertainment software. For more information about the ESA, please visit www.theESA.com.

[EchoDesiato]

http://img415.imageshack.us/img415/6128/20060731az1.jpg

[Blue_Ninja0]

lol @ penny arcade

Well, i hope the change is for the best. Maybe they'r finishing/downsizing E3 so that sony cannot self-humiliate themselves more.

I can see the E3 executives, watching the Sony press conf from their control room:

Sony rep: "...blah blah... real time weapon switching... blah blah..."

E3 execs:
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/4451/1154107348937ts1.jpg

I miss spaceworld.

[Librarian]

E3 gone... frankly my dear i don't give a damn

[Hellfire]

I think this is for the best. This way we'll get better videos and more accurate hands on impressions. The world is-a changing.