How do you solve a problem like E3? | Opinion
Christopher Dring
Head of Games B2B
Thursday 7th July 2022
A little while ago, ReedPop's VP of gaming Kyle Marsden-Kish asked me if I'd like to help with E3.
The news is out that ReedPop -- the folks behind PAX, EGX and New York Comic-Con (amongst others) -- is handling the running of E3 2023. They're also the company that operates GamesIndustry.biz, and so it wasn't a surprise that they asked for our input.
I've always loved E3. I did as a teenager, when I'd spend all-night discussing the news on forums, before rushing out to buy all the games magazines to read what the journalists thought. And I do now as an adult, only this time I am writing the reports, and discussing the news at the Marriot bar instead.
E3 2019 was the most recent physical version of the event
Therefore you'd think I'd jump at the chance to get involved. But it wasn't an immediate yes. Because although I love E3 and I will be first on the plane to LA next year, working on it is an entirely different matter.
E3 is a challenged show. It's an event in transition, much like the rest of the games industry, and everyone has different views on what it should be. There are those that think it should be a complete business show, with quieter halls, places to meet and connect, good internet and plenty of food and drink. There are those who think it should embrace the fans and open the doors fully to the public. Perhaps even mimic the Gamescom model with its business and consumer areas.
E3 is a challenged show and everyone has different views on what it should be
And then there are those that think it should just go away. A relic from a bygone era, when people bought games in physical shops and got their news from printed media.
I never really prescribed to that
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