Speaking to GameSpot, the ESA confirmed that it is makings plans for an E3 in 2009. No details were offered on how the conference will differ from this year’s event. ESA boss Mike Gallagher has promised that he will change E3 to meet the needs of ESA members.
"As we do every year, we’re beginning the process of surveying exhibitors and attendees to determine potential changes to the Summit," said an ESA representative to GameSpot. "Once this is completed and shared with the ESA’s Board of Directors, we will make an announcement about the specifics of the 2009 E3 Media & Business Summit, which will occur."
While the format of E3 was cut down two years ago on the request of various ESA members, the new format has received a new series of complaints. Ubisoft North American President Laurent Detoc expressed discontent on the conference’s scale and EA CEO John Riccitiello flat-out said, "I hate E3 like this."
Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter was even more bearish about E3. "In our view, E3 is headed for extinction, unless the publishers and console manufacturers wake up to the fact that nobody cares about the show anymore," he said.
