E3 had “atmosphere of a large hospital corridor” - but Sega still backs events
Posted by Graham. Filed under G, Interviews, News, North America. Tagged with E3, Simon Jeffery.
Just the other day, we reported on how several top game developing companies, including Sega, spoke of their disappointment at this years E3, and that something had to be done.
Speaking with MCV, Simon Jeffery (yep that guy again!) wanted to clarify his views on the matter:
“E3 was a strange beast this year. We had an extremely strong product showing, had some great meetings, and got our messaging over pretty strongly - all at an event that had all the atmosphere of a large hospital corridor.”
But Simon also assures the gaming world that Sega would still back the annual event. However, it is clear that something does need to change:
“We are big supporters of the ESA, and believe in an efficient need to communicate with the trade at all levels, but we’d like to see something that represents the fun, dynamic nature of the industry a little better without going back to the insanity that was E3 of old.”
MCV also asked Simon what he felt about those companies who had chosen not to attend any more E3 events, showing further support for ESA:
“I’m not at all happy with the principal of coat tailing. It’s like not paying your taxes but still expecting all the government services. I know that the ESA will work hard to bring those publishers back on board, and we believe in them.”
Well it is good to hear that Sega is still planning to attend future E3 events. But it is obvious that ESA need to buck up their ideas about the show, in a bid to please developers and consumers.
Fortunately ESA appears to have taken all the recent press into account, and speaking with GameSpot recently, the E3 organizing company had this to say:
“As we do every year, we’re beginning the process of surveying exhibitors and attendees to determine potential changes to the summit,” the representative said. “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.”
Let’s just hope they are not blowing hot air, (much like the Labour party do) and they actually do something about it that people want. It seems very clear that both developers and consumers will be happy with a middle-ground between boring press conferences and the over-the-top extravagances from previous years.
I guess they just need to work out where that ground lies.
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