IDG World Expo has announced the official name for their E3 replacement expo: Entertainment for All Expo (E for All Expo, sure to be shortened to E4). The scheduled date for the ESA-endorsed expo is October 18-20, 2007 at the LA Convention Center. The expo will feature the Video Games Live Concert, video game tournaments, inside look at new games and technology, and on-the-spot retail stores.
Unlike the Entertainment Software Association’s newly-branded private E3, the E for All Expo will be fully open to the public. However, IDG expects to keep the attendance in control at the convention center–E3 2006 had over 60,000 attendees. The ESA is continuing with its plans to hold their scaled-down E3 event in July, in Santa Monica. IDG is running both shows, but the ESA owns E3.
Mary Dolaher, Executive Vice President of IDG World Expo, said, "We’ve witnessed a growing demand for a consumer-focused interactive entertainment show these last few years–both from consumers and from the industry. E for All Expo will offer an unprecedented opportunity for people who share a passion for games to try before they buy–and to interact with the people who created them. For companies that produce and develop games, interactive toys, and all things related, our goal is that E for All will foster promotional and relationship-building opportunities that only face-to-face contact can create."
Back in July ’06, the ESA announced plans to alter the format for their annual E3 show. Despite being the gaming industry’s largest trade show, rising costs, early leaks of reports to the Internet and the pressure from prominent ESA members hammered the final nail into E3’s coffin. Now, E3 is invitation-only and will focus on meetings and more press-oriented, businesslike affairs.
For more information about the E for All Expo, visit their official site.
