Washington - The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), a trade group of U.S. video game developers and publishers, announced on Wednesday that it will host an "expanded" Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) at its former home in the Los Angeles Convention Center next year, after experimenting with a smaller event over the past two years. Next year's E3 "will welcome all qualified computer and video game industry audiences, including international and U.S.-based media, analysts, retailers, developers and business partners to preview the latest in interactive entertainment and technology," the ESA said.

The event drew over 70,000 attendees back in 2006, but many in the industry thought E3 had grown too big and expensive to produce, so a scaled-back version was held at a smaller location in 2007 -- when just 4,000 were invited.

This year, the event returned to the Los Angeles Convention Center, but attendance was still strictly limited.

While attendance will surely rise next year, VentureBeat notes that the event will still not admit the general public.

The ESA said it will also expand the list of companies eligible to participate, to include firms involved in console, PC, online and mobile game publishing, qualified business partners, and makers of game hardware and peripherals.

"Video games are the fastest growing and most compelling sector of the entertainment industry. And, this upgraded event will reflect the growth, innovation and excitement of our industry," said ESA chief executive Michael D. Gallagher.

"The breadth, scope and quality of the changes made to the show will make E3 the must-attend event of the year."

Related Links:
http://www.theesa.com/newsroom/release_detail.asp?releaseID=38