Feedback from attendees of past events has made the prior problems even more evident. Crowd control has become more of a necessity, in order to maintain the event’s original purpose as a business networking situation, as opposed to the more all inclusive, "circus" type of atmosphere that the event had become. At one time, it could have been prudent to attempt to run two parallel events; one that would include exclusively business and media – the other catering to public consumers. However, when key audiences were asked what they desired, the response indicated that business professionals preferred a situation where high level meetings could easily take place, and if desired, games could be played without having to wait in long lines.

While the fan base is certainly important, the purpose of E3 had always been to handle the business end of the industry, with media and investor-based activities. Most of the changes in the event attendance and structure, were made in an effort to upgrade the networking capabilities, so that attendees could socialize with the same kinds of key players. In this way, it would be possible to become aware of what major company offerings were being developed and available, while at the same time, preserving the sense of excitement, interest and discovery.

In order for E3 event attendees to more fully grasp the evolution of gaming, presentations on the most important issues and trends facing the industry need to be explored. This was the sort of feedback which became the guiding principles behind E3 for 2008 and for the E3 Media and Business Summit.

After each event, it is the producer’s intent, to adapt the future conferences around the feedback of all attendees, including participants, companies, and contributors. While the producers believe that they have taken great strides to perfect the event satisfactorily, the current 2008 model is by no means “etched in stone.” Accommodating the attendees is the main focus, so event coordinators will continue to listen to the feedback from key audiences and evaluate after each iteration.

As a result, the exact format of E3 ’09 is unknown at this time, as it will be structured around feedback and information from the attendees of 2008’s event. Mr. Taylor is confident that the coordination of the event is heading in a direction and forum that meets the needs of its clientele, as enlightening and informative events continue to evolve in the process.

Mr. Taylor did confirm that it is currently the participating original publishing companies that determine which companies will be invited, through lists submitted.

In addition, Mr. Taylor stated that it is not the goal to keep everything secret; in fact, it is the desire of the companies involved in E3 to share the knowledge of products and get them out to both consumers and critics alike. Part of the ESA’s process, appears to be in finding the best ways in which to accomplish that.

Based on the attendance policies in place for E3, those interested in attending, particularly small to medium sized publications, as well as gaming enthusiasts, should work to develop as many relationships with the participating publishers as possible. Ultimately, it makes sense that any serious gaming enthusiast, business or organization, would be interested in engaging in these types of activities, that will serve to grow individual businesses, as well as support the gaming business overall.

When The Game Reviews suggested that a few publishers have indicated that they are considering debuting certain major announcements at shows other than E3, Mr. Taylor remarked, “Any publisher can choose to take whatever [tack] they wish . . . to announce their new game and products, but I think E3 remains the standard bearer in terms of time and place on those types of announcements. The companies have historically seen the benefit of making those kinds of announcements at the Meeting and Business Summit.’’

Ultimately, Mr. Taylor believes that most of the publishers will choose to continue to make their major game announcements at E3. At this point, Mr. Taylor was unable to confirm rumors that Nintendo will premiere an important announcement, or just how many spaces are available at this time.

However, there will be many more details revealed for the upcoming 2008 E3 Media & Business Summit in the coming weeks. This year’s event promises to be a very entertaining experience, for all of those involved. Those interested in learning more, should stay tuned for developing information at The Game Reviews.