PAX + TGS = E3

Gaming conventions have become something of an anomaly.  You have on one spectrum something like Blizzcon where a publisher/developer holds an annual conference for fans of their products and games while providing a chance for retail partners to boost exposure to their own products.  Then on the other end you have a convention such as E3. E3 circa 2006 was THE convention to beat.  It was loud, crass, brass, and had enough sex appeal to make a grown man blush.  Out of nowhere, the ESA announced that E3 2007 on will be a different beast -  a quieter event catered only to the press.  This was largely met with poor attendance, developer membership cancellations, and in general ridicule from the industry.

However, E3 of old maybe returning sooner than you think.  It really only a matter of time before the old E3 returned since other trade shows have stepped up to fill the void and being quite successful (PAX is a good example while Blizzcon continues to grow every year). could it be too late for the ESA to regain its former glory? Maybe not.

In order for the ESA to succeed, they must leverage their old contacts with new prospects.  What that translates to is E3 has to look back and see what made them great and build on that. The old E3 had publishers and developers vying to out-do one and other in presentations, announcements, booth designs, and even booth attendants (or booth babes as they are respectfully referred to).  But the one thing that stopped E3 from being the TGS of North America was their closed door policy.  Sure there were those that had the savvy to sneak in but for the general public, having the money to pay for a ticket simply wasn't enough.