This years Electronic Entertainment Expo was called an ‘unabashed success’ by the ESA.  Unlike past E3 events which had upwards of 60,000 vistors, the 2008 event maxed out at under 2 dozen. For the first time in the history of  the expo, parking was not a problem. Also, high food prices for guests were removed completely when they all chipped in for 3 large Supreme Pizzas from Papa Johns. With just over 20 visitors to the show, the exhibitors didn’t have to contend with distractions like people or delivering information, and were able to concentrate on the true purpose of E3, reading month old Press releases.

Carl Cattoner from EA said this was this most productive E3 they’ve ever been to. “Since I didn’t have to talk to people, I actually had time to read EA’s company manual. Did you know EA actually stands for Electronic Arts? That blew my mind. Now I have something new to share with my cubicle partner when I get back to the office.”

One of the attendees, Felicia Riser, was elated at the new direction of E3. “I remember when there were wall to wall people having fun, all playing the latest games, loud music, scantily clad women in every booth. It was a nightmare. But now, it’s so calm and quiet, and I managed to through almost an entire Reader’s Digest during the Nintendo Press Conference. I can’t wait to get back home and tell my 5 cats all about this.”

The exhibitors are also extremely happy with E3’s current ‘no people’ policy. Dave Curtsman, a PR spokesman for Sony remarked, “I love E3 now. In the past, it’d take us hours to box everything up and pack the booth onto a semi after a show. Those monitors were heavy. But now, all I have to do is put a few pamphlets into my briefcase and I’m done. Buy BluRay”

The ESA will not confirm whether E3 will continue to be at the LA Convention Center or if it will be relocated in the coming years. ‘For E3 2009, we’re currently in talks for booking a double room at Motel 6, but nothings solid yet. We don’t want to over promise.”

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