The SF Chronicle carries word that EA CEO John Riccitiello and Ubisoft US honcho Laurent Detoc aren't really impressed with the new smaller E3 format:

"I hate E3 like this," said Riccitiello, speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle.

"Either we need to go back to the old E3, or we'll have to have our own private events."

Detoc was equally blunt, bemoaning the poor turnout.

"E3 this year is terrible. The world used to come to E3. Now it's like a pipe-fitters show in the basement," he declared.

The article goes on to mention that one of the keynote speeches, delivered by the Governor of Texas,had only around 20 people attend - in a venue intended for around 1000 people. Not exactly sure why people were surprised about this; if they wanted attendance they probably should have tried to get someone that gamers and press actually would be interested in listening to.

I actually quite enjoyed the new style of E3; it's certainly more laid back and less of the massive spectacle that it used to be, but I guess its not the cathartic media feeding frenzy that publishers really want at this time of the year. The ESA have reportedly taken all the feedback on board and have suggested that next year's event might be a little bigger - which certainly wouldn't hurt, but whether or not it satisfies everyone is another story.

I should prolly also point out that the Ubisoft Press Conference was packed to overflowing, so it wasn't like they had any attendance problems of their own. I wasn't at the EA one but Steve was (and pretty much everyone else), so I'd say it was pretty busy as well.

last edited by trog at 11:58:24 20/Jul/08

booth babes
bring them back

more like: Bring me one back

more like: Bring me one back

How many can you fit in a suit case?