For years, E3 was never really meant for consumers. This video game mecca that glues salivating gamers around the world to their computers was technically an industry-only event for hands-on coverage for upcoming games and business meetings.
But a couple of years ago, the annual L.A. Convention Center event began offering a limited number of consumer passes. (Coincidentally or not, this coincided with some of the industry’s biggest publishers, including Microsoft and Sony, pulling out of the event.) Now, after a pandemic pause, that trend has pushed forward: ReedPop, which is known for producing consumer-facing events like PAX and Star Wars Celebration, has come on board as a partner for the next in-person edition of E3, which includes industry-only business days from June 13 to 15, with public days open to gamers with tickets on June 15 and 16. Certain experiences will be limited to the business days, but gamers should still expect to encounter the sort of over-the-top booths that the convention is known for.
All that said, even if you don’t buy a badge, expect enough party tents, promo trucks and swag bags hanging around Figueroa to make a visit worthwhile—and once you’ve seen the gridlocked crowds and endless lines of the sensory overload inside, that might just be the best way to enjoy E3.