Video game trade show E3 to get more “intimate”

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The Entertainment Software
Association said on Monday it will downsize and refocus its
sprawling Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3Expo) video game
trade show, which attendees describe as “sensory overload.”

The profitable show, the industry’s largest, will evolve
into a more intimate event focused on targeted, personalized
meetings and activities, said ESA President Douglas Lowenstein.

“The world of interactive entertainment has changed since
E3Expo was created 12 years ago,” Lowenstein said. “It is no
longer necessary or efficient to have a single industry
‘mega-show.”‘

Game demonstrations will still be part of the down-sized
show, which will stay in Los Angeles, but no longer be held at
the Los Angeles Convention Center, he said.

The original intent of the E3Expo was to raise the profile
of the industry and to foster relationships between game makers
and retailers. As the industry has grown and matured, numerous
niche trade shows have sprung up, catering to different aspects
of the now-mainstream entertainment product.

While final plans are still in the works, the ESA said the
show will continue its focus on press events and small meetings
with media, retail, development and other key sectors.