Revitalizing The Videogame Trade Show

Thanks to GamesTM for its feature discussing the current state of the videogame trade show. Although shows such as this year's E3 were more exciting, the article argues: "The likes of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the European Computer Trade Show (ECTS) and the Tokyo Game Show have recently been accused of being dull, predictable or lacking substance. Last year, there was no ground-breaking news, no earth-shattering games (only updates of ones we already knew about), and some companies didn't even turn up." Simon Byron of Barrington Harvey makes the point: "In this media-savvy world, information is readily accessible, so of course there are fewer opportunities to be surprised - which is what I think is at the heart of most people's criticisms of trade shows." In light of our previous coverage of trade show significance, how do you see videogame trade shows evolving?

Comments

Easy.

[torpor]

Get the 'rock star' factor back.

Trade-show rules should be relaxed a little... this little fascist state that gets created in "Exhibit Hall X" is tiring, and after a day of it any sane person is -exhausted- ... too many companies, all with their little 'individual idea of cool', in too many little boxes, row upon row.

Bring back some of the party factor. There is no identity at trade shows - there needs to be one.

Imagine if someone with a little rock star factor hosted the show, and there was actual stunts and PR capers worth having news written about ... everything that does happen at these events is really contrived and culturally uninteresting ... a big press-release factory and little else.

Re:Easy.

[Elsebet]

While I respect the idea of glitz, I have to say there is something to be said for a more intimate, personal type of gathering. I've never been to E3, although honestly I'd jump at the chance. However from what I see it's a bit of overload, personally.

I attended a DAoC Fan Meet in Washington, DC a few years ago and have to say that was the best and most informative time I ever had concerning a game I played. We actually got to have dinner with "Lum the Mad" (I forget his real name) who was a developer for the game and I got to hear a little how their database works. They also had small-group meetings to discuss various parts of the game.

Granted I'm not media, I'm a nerd and am more interested in the technology behind the game, but it was also neat to interact with the people who wrote the code you spend so much time playing. I'm guessing huge trade shows just don't allow much of that type of casual interaction unless you are press or famous.

It wasn't a flashy event but I felt I learned a lot more than I would at some huge event like E3. I'm curious why more game developers don't have smaller events like this more often, and I wish they would.