STACK July 2016 Issue 141

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Consequently, the Entertainment Software
Association (ESA) who operates E3 is at a
crossroads. The poorly received and practically
deserted E3 Live, an offsite event designed
to incorporate consumer interactivity, was an
obvious tacked-on attempt to recalibrate the
show’s modus operandi in light of an ever
evolving landscape. However, the ESA faces a
challenge to ensure that E3 remains relevant
for the future.
That said, aside from the expansive voids
in the South Hall at the LACC, where the EA
and Activision booths were once a dominant
presence, it was business as usual; the
enthusiasm for E3 certainly wasn’t diminished
at all.
The traditional press conferences, now
beginning even earlier than usual with EA Play
kicking off on Sunday afternoon L.A. time,
visit
50 JULY 2016
GAMES
That’s another E3 in the bag Editor-in-Chief Paul Jones strode the floors of the
Los Angeles Convention Center once more in search of the big hitters at this year’s show.
I n the lead up to E3, the industry
heavily debated its relevance in 2016,
where rival events like PAX and
Gamescom, that speak directly to both the
consumer and the trade, enjoy ongoing
success. E3’s esotericism was once part of the
show’s allure – what was happening behind the
doors and in the halls of the Los Angeles
Convention Center (LACC)? The industry were
the privileged few who gained early access to
all the upcoming titles, while the gaming public
would have to wait patiently for news about the
biggest games from E3 via web
pages and column inches.
But that attitude has
changed immeasurably.
The industry now has
grown far beyond the
lava flow of console
game releases once associated with the
show. Companies like EA have recognised the
importance of letting the fans get their hands
on these titles as early as the gaming media.
SHOW
BUS INESS
The industry now
has grown far
beyond the lava
flow of console
game releases once
associated with the
show
That's an E3 fact...
Over 70,000 people
attended this year’s
show.