The Electronic Entertainment Expo, or more commonly recognized for its shorter grab-bag moniker, "E3," has so far in its history only been very welcoming to media personnel and white-collared gaming industry people, often closing its gates to the common person who, despite possessing rabid interest of attending the event, has no actual ties to the gaming industry.
That changes now. Going against tradition, E3 will officially open its door to the general public, and yes, that means even those who aren't in any way connected to the professional gaming world may beeline to Los Angeles and attend the show.
Want To Attend E3? You Can, But For A Price
Starting Feb. 13, Monday, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) will sell 15,000 public passes to the event via its official site.
The first 1,000 passes will be sold for $150, and the remainder will cost $100 more at $250. Traditional business and press passes are of course still available for those working in the gaming industry, and those still come with exclusive perks, such as a special entrance, a lounge and more.
E3 is arguably the gaming industry's most widely recognized trade show, and its efforts to evolve beyond its close hubbub of people follow last year's experimental "E3 Live," which entailed a show for 20,000 public attendees outside the LA Convention Center, notes Ars Technica.
In 2015, E3 also handed out invites to 5,000 "prosumers," or frenetic and hyper-dedicated fans who were gifted passes by exhibitors participating in the trade show.
A Changing Industry
The decision to crack open E3's mild elitism was propelled by incredible attendee enthusiasm for those experiments, Rich Taylor, ESA's Senior VP for Communications, told GameSpot.
"It's a changing industry," he said. "The decision to open our doors to 15,000 fans was a strategic decision. It is thanks to our members and their vision and leadership that made this possible."
The decision also follows E3's struggle with some entities withdrawing from its event because of its industry-focused model. Last year, several high-profile publishers dropped out of the show, with some hosting their own demonstrations instead of paying the fee to participate in E3's show floor.
It's also not without its competitors, especially with similar conventions such as PAX, which now includes four yearly shows which give exhibitors the freedom to directly engage with gamers, the press, and the industry at large.
All told, E3 still is deemed a touchstone event for big-name publishers and exhibitors. It's the reputation that gives it its colossal weight.
Is E3 Still Relevant?
Through the years, so many reveals, unveilings and announcements that hyped the gaming world happened during E3, and that's not about to change any time soon. Every June, the gaming industry's eyes are keen on E3, prepared to rake in the raucous hype that comes along with a coming-together of the biggest names in the field. Now with the public directly involved, one can only imagine the level of excitement E3 will foster as June gets closer.
E3 2017 happens on June 13.
Would you spend $150 for an early bird E3 pass? Willing to cough up $250 when those run out? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
