So E3 2007 was what many (read:everyone) would call a bit of a flop, but does that mean that the venue is at fault?
The Entertainment Software Association has certainly considered that notion, and will be bringing the event back to its traditional location at the Los Angeles Convention Center in 2008. It will take place from July 15th-17th.
Although the Expo will be returning home next year, it will not necessarily be returning to its old form. As described in the press release:
The event will continue to focus on the business of the computer and video game industry, with an emphasis on press events and small meetings with media, development, and other key sectors. While there will be opportunities for game demonstrations, the 2008 E3 Media & Business Summit will not feature the large trade show environment of previous years.
ESA president Mike Gallagher also chimed in:
We look forward to welcoming the media and top industry executives to a centralized, business focused and personalized experience. Our program of high-level meetings, networking and personal dialogue, and industry-shaping panel discussions will capture the explosive growth we have seen in 2007 and lay the foundation for the 2008 video game marketplace.
That means that every GameStop or video store employee with the cash for a plane ticket won’t be getting in the doors the way that was once possible. It might take another year of E3 failure to bring back the spectacle of yesteryear.
