STACK #141 Jul 2016

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SHOW BUS INESS

GAMES

That’s another E3 in the bag. STACK 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 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.

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,

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

The industry now has grown far beyond the lava flow of console game releases once associated with the show

changed immeasurably. The industry now has grown far beyond the lava flow of console

That's an E3 fact... Over 70,000 people attended this year’s show.

JULY 2016

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