Microsoft, Sony Reportedly Behind E3 Downsize (News)

GamePro staff, GamePro

01/08/2006 10:35:34

It's the end of an era: E3, as we knew it, is no more. E3 2007 "will not feature the large trade show environment of previous years," the ESA officially confirmed today.

UPDATE: A GameSpot writeup cites unnamed sources as saying that mega-publishers Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Sony, and THQ "were among those pushing hardest for changes to the event," for strictly monetary reasons. "Floor space alone costs exhibitors over $12 million," the article reads, and that price doesn't count booth-building or marketing-related costs.

Microsoft provided GamePro with the following response: "We are very supportive of the ESA's decision in providing a new vision for E3. Over the past 12 years, the industry has grown and matured and it's great to see the show evolving to meet the needs of the industry. The show continues to provide enormous benefits from a key media, retailer, developer and partner standpoint."

Sony Computer Entertainment also provided a statement to GamePro: "For the past 12 years, Sony Computer Entertainment has participated in the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) and has used it as an opportunity to communicate to the industry and consumers our vision for gaming and entertainment. As an ESA member, we support the board's decision to pursue other types of events that can better address the needs of our industry and further its growth. "

The future of E3 will be a "more intimate program" that places emphasis on "higher quality, more personal dialogue" with international media, developers, and retailers, ESA president Douglas Lowenstein said in a statement. This will include "press events and small meetings," the ESA statement reads.

The E3 transition to a smaller, targeted show will take place over the "next several months," Lowenstein said. "E3 Expo remains an important event for the industry and we want to keep that sense of excitement," and the new show will result in an "effective and more efficient way" for companies to dispense gaming information to the media and consumers, Lowenstein added.

More details "will be forthcoming in the next few months," the statement adds.