14 DAY TRIAL // The Entertainment Software Association declared this year's E3 a success and already announced plans that the 2010 edition of the E3 trade show would take place June 15-17 at the same Los Angeles Convention Center. Apparently, the current format of the show will be maintained for the foreseeable future.
This year, more than 41,000 people from 78 different countries got to the venue and watched the big and small players from the videogame industry showcase their wares. There have been quite a few impressive and interesting announces. Microsoft unveiled Natal, a new type of motion tracking system, while Sony countered with another controller that also tracks the way the player moves.
Activision detailed Modern Warfare 2 and showed off Guitar Hero 5, while Electronic Arts brought the surviving members of The Beatles on stage to introduce the upcoming Rock Band. Sony showed off God of War III and announced a slew of other exclusives for the PlayStation 3.
Don Mattrick, senior vice president, Interactive Entertainment Business, Microsoft, said that “Xbox 360 was pleased to be a part of a rejuvenated E3 this year and to see the interactive entertainment industry really shine and reach new audiences. We look forward to being at E3 next year and continuing to redefine the future of home entertainment.”
John Riccitiello, the head of Electronic Arts, also praised the show, saying that it “reflected the vitality, innovation and global presence of a rapidly growing industry. I'm already looking forward to next year's event.”
It's a far cry from the rather disappointed statements that many leaders of videogaming companies made after the closing of E3 2008. Apparently, the now reborn “big” E3 show, with more people attending and some booth babes returning, is successful and here to stay.