I admit the first time I saw the headline I was rather sceptical, so I did what I usually do, search more sources and check Kotaku’s to make sure it’s not just one of numerous rumors. However this headline has a lot more authority than just Kotaku.
The stories source coming from Next-Gen.biz really terminates any doubts one would have of the validity of this story. What seems to be the buzz is that, vendors that are having to spend all this money on the E3 convention are looking to spend the money else where. Instead of trying to wow the numerous gamers, journalist, and enthusiasts alike, game companies figure they could spend that money in there own convention to focus exclusively on themselves rather than the entire industry (how selfish is that?)
ESA president Doug Lowenstein will likely announce the news some time within the next 48 hours, possibly on Monday. It’s likely that the ESA will seek to limit the damage by organizing some form of lesser event in May, but it’s clear that the days of an industry event attended by all the major publishers, spending big money, are gone.
The news comes to a shock to me and I am sure to most of you out there. E3 was my favorite time of year, and it is one of the things I looked forward to one day attending and sharing some laughs with the likes of Cliffy B or even getting drunk with a bunch of nerds. However it would seem my dreams and surely many of the viewers of this site have been well… crushed.
While I suspect big vendors like Square-Enix, Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, EA, and others will have no problem creating their own conventions, considering Square-Enix already does the SE Party where they showcase games before E3. But it just wouldn’t be the same for the fans, not to be overwhelmed with information and game trailers will truly be a depressing time come May 2007.
R.I.P. E3.
[via Kotaku]
