How E3 Became the Biggest Event in the Video Game Industry

E3, Electronic Entertainment Expo, E3 2018

Electronic Entertainment Expo

What is E3? 

June is the gamers’ month. And you definitely must know why! Well, of course, it’s the time for E3. E3 stands for Electronic Entertainment Expo. Every June, the video game industry gathers in North America, most especially in downtown L.A. This expo is one of the biggest events for the game developers and publishers to announce their upcoming video games whether it is an indie or a triple-a title. And who else will the winners of this gaming fiasco be? Of course, it’s us!

E3 formally includes an exhibition floor for the developers, publishers, and manufacturers to showcase and to promote their products and title to be released in the upcoming year. The well-known publishers and developers announce their press conference earlier than ever to anticipate by some video games enthusiasts. They usually hold an hour-long press conference to exhibit their offers and their products.

E3 was exclusive only to the video game industry. Any individuals who wish to attend were required to verify a mutual connection to the video game industry. However, several of the press conferences from various gaming companies were broadcast to the public to increase the audience. Last year, E3 was open to the public for the first time with 15,000 general admission passes.

Let’s go the brief history of this biggest expo in America.

 

How E3 became the biggest event in the video game industry?

The first event held from May 11-13, 1996 at Los Angeles Convention Center. At first, the organizers were not sure how successful this would be. However, more than 40,000 attendees gathered. From then on, E3 was regarded as the biggest event in the gaming industry.

Due to failed negotiations for the space in LA, the 1997 and 1998 E3 conventions were held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. It was in 1999 that the show came back to Los Angeles Convention. They continued to attract attendees ranging from 60,000 to 70,000. And the rest was history.

Following the issues from 2007 and 2008, E3 downsized due to the criticisms from various exhibitors. They started to limit the attendees from the media and retail sectors. 2007 and 2008 E3 was renamed to E3 Media and Business Summit. The 2007 event held at the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport limited the attendees for only about 10,000. The 2008 event returned to Los Angeles Convention Center. Unfortunately, only 5,000 people attended this.

In 2009, ESA announced that E3 would be more open. 45,000 attendees came. But this was closed to the public. The following year until as of the moment, this expo is being held every June of the calendar year at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

 

E3’s Format and its presenters

The Expo features a presentation from major gaming companies. These include Microsoft, Sony, Activision, Ubisoft, Nintendo, and others. Each presentation usually lasts for one hour or more. These are presented in the main auditorium of the Convention Center.

Some small developers and publishers have booths to showcase their products including gameplay demonstrators for the attendees to experience the game.

 

Who are the major presenters for this year’s E3?

The following are the major game companies to hold a press conference.

 

Are you ready for Electronic Entertainment Expo 2018? Check out our website for more updates on E3 2018.

PS: Thanks, Wikipedia! 

For more updates and announcements about E3 2018, click the button below.

 

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