Even though it's a video game convention, the LA-based Electronic Entertainment Expo (or E3) isn't meant for gamers. Instead, it's an industry-only event intended to woo journalists and retailers as salivating gamers around the world watch on in jealous rage.
At least, that's how it used to be every June until the Internet changed the way we get our hands on early betas of games and consume preview coverage (i.e. hours upon hours of YouTube and Twitch streamers). In response, a growing number of major video game publishers, including Electronic Arts, Activision, Sega and Disney, have decided to vacate their costly spaces on the Los Angeles Convention Center show floor.
The organizing body behind the expo, however, is assuring everyone that E3 is still just dandy. In an interview with trade site MCV, the Entertainment Software Association's Rich Taylor insists that the expo is still a critical and relevant industry event, but that it could turn toward the video game-playing public to fill some of that show floor space.
"The consumer question is certainly part of the equation and one we will be taking a hard look at," says Taylor. "You saw last year, certain companies brought along some of their most valued customers. We will probably end up doing that again this year, and there will be some additional elements on top of that, that may or may not come."
While we certainly can't take that as a definitive "yes" from the ESA, it does suggest that regular gamers may soon be able to descend upon Downtown to fill up their swag bags and join the gridlocked crowds, endless lines and sensory overload inside the convention center.
