E3 2006 To Include Early Access Hours

A common complaint heard from press after the last several Electronic Entertainment Expos, the largest video game trade show in North America, is the increasing number of "regular" game fans who attend using game store employment credentials or "exhibits only" passes. Now, the Entertainment Software Association has announced that E3 2006 will feature "early access hours" from 9:00-11:00 A.M. on the first day of the show, so that press and retailers can play floor kiosks before the rest of the attendees are allowed in. Those wishing to gain entry during the early access hours must submit credentials and an application by April 13th, and receive special notification from the show's media relations team by May 4th. Media pre-registration will begin on December 15th, and can be accessed online at the official E3 site. The organizers of the 2006 show also announced that 20 seats in each conference and workshop during the event will be reserved free for media, on a first-come first-served basis. Members of the media will also be able to buy a session pass granting access to six of the 34 conferences and workshops, for $120. The ESA is currently putting out a call for speakers in its conference program at the E3 website.