Report: E3 To Be Restructured?

Author: by Frank Cifaldi, Simon Carless

Despite sensationalist headlines regarding E3's outright cancellation from several online sources, Gamasutra has learned that the event is currently under significant threat for downsizing and relocation in 2007, due to dissatisfaction from major publishers over the cost of the LA-based event. Several reports claim that unnamed sources have "revealed" that the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the annual trade show event that draws thousands of industry professionals, members of the media, and dealers in the retail space to the Los Angeles Convention Center, has been "cancelled for next year and the foreseeable future." This report comes some time after a Friday news item by UK trade magazine MCV stating that rising cost concerns have caused a meeting between major exhibitors and Entertainment Software Association (ESA) president Doug Lowenstein to discuss the show's future. The report also suggested that E3 was "not in any danger," and foreboded that "the wildest rumors should be discounted." The veteran journalist Curt Feldman at consumer video game site GameSpot also claims to have spoken to anonymous sources, who described an E3 2007 catered only to individual meeting spaces, rather than one large exhibit hall, effectively cutting exhibitor expenses. A follow-up report today by PC enthusiast site Ars Technica has gone as far as to claim that a number of the reports are "simply incorrect," by virtue of "some quick fact checking." According to the report, sources close to the ESA can confirm that E3 will be taking place next year, though "big changes are planned." An announcement from the ESA is expected Monday morning. Until that time, any information pertaining to a change in the event - be it downsizing or outright cancellation - should be considered unverified. Gamasutra will have more on this story as information breaks.