NCsoft, Foundation 9, Atlus also skipping E3, other attendees confirm

by Christopher Grant { May 2nd 2008 at 4:27PM }

The E3 2008 confusion continues. Following the soon-to-be merged Activison and Vivendi Games' departure from the Entertainment Software Association and its E3 press event, we got to wondering who else might not be showing up for the annual game industry showing. The list of attendees on the (password-protected) E3 site leaves out some pretty big names, including MMO-publisher NCsoft who tells Joystiq that, though it's been an ESA member since last year, it will not be attending E3 this year because the timing of the event didn't work out for their upcoming releases. Gamespot reports that Foundation 9 won't be attending, stating, "We just didn't feel like we got enough out of the investment last year in order to justify the expense this year." Atlus also confirmed to Joystiq that, despite attending last year's summit, it too would be skipping out on E3 2008.

Gamespot confirms that other names missing from the list – Bethesda, id Software, Majesco, and D3Publisher – still plan on attending. Kotaku claims that id Software is not attending despite Gamespot's story to the contrary. We've contacted id for clarification. They also assert that Her Interactive (best known for their popular Nancy Drew games) won't be attending, though the publisher didn't attend E3 last year either. We reached out to peripheral manufacturer Nyko who said that, though they aren't listed on the official site, they will nevertheless be attending.

As for a specific reason for the absences, outside of timing and exposure, Kotaku cites several unnamed sources who pin the blame straight on current ESA pres Michael Gallagher's well-tailored lapel. Is Gallagher out of touch with the video game industry?

[Update 4:58pm: Added Atlus and Nyko details.]

Read – Activision/Vivendi leave ESA, skip E3
Read – Five Publishers Drop Out of E3 This Year, Some Blame ESA President
Read – NCsoft, Foundation 9 bypass E3 '08

Tags: ESA, Foundation-9, id-Software, NCsoft

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Donald @ May 2nd 2008 4:33PM

I was wondering what would replace "CONFIRMED FOR BRAWL" in my heart. I guess "CONFIRMED FOR E3" is the closest I'll get.

GearSecond! (a.k.a AwesomeStuff) @ May 2nd 2008 10:55PM

I miss the "CONFIRMED FOR BRAWL!!" stuff :(

Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ May 2nd 2008 4:41PM

Should we call this the natural consequence of limiting attendance, floorspace, and even coverage on an event which is all about allowing publishers to plop their biggest dick on the table for holiday season measuring contests?

Oh well, looks like events like TGS and PAX will continue to grow in importance.

t_m @ May 3rd 2008 9:00AM

I think the new E3 did exactly what it was intended to do. Unfortunately it also did it at a time when "citizen journalism" is becoming much more important to hype than it used to be.

We still got just as much coverage about e3 on sites like IGN and Gamespot... but there wasn't as much hype from various bloggers, etc..

As for this E3, as I understand it, the big problem is the TIMING. Its just after stock reports at the end of june.. so its really bad timing for companies to be releasing info.

Also, I think devs have (sensibly) learned from Silicon Knights and decided not to waste time and money rushing out a demo if the game isn't ready... instead only attending if they have a game at a good point to display.

Benny @ May 2nd 2008 4:42PM

So downsizing has dragged down the benefit:cost ratio for developers? That's pretty much the opposite of what was intended.

Mr Khan @ May 2nd 2008 5:09PM

E3 is starting to sound a lot like E for All

Next Up: Sony, EA, and Microsoft

GoonieGooGoo @ May 2nd 2008 5:16PM

E3 is no longer relevant....the minute they took the ability for the grassroots to attend en masse....it took the spectacle out of it.

WHo wants to goto a Video Game exposition that is all business types and marketing people and buyers who probably don't even play the majority of the products?

t_m @ May 3rd 2008 8:57AM

thats the whole point. No one is supposed to WANT to go to E3 for a laugh. Its for the industry to discuss business.. and for the media... who then deluge every web site with E3 reports.

There weren't as many booth babe pics as in previous years... but i didn't notice any less press coverage last year.

Ethan @ May 2nd 2008 5:23PM

I think having everybody in the same city for a bit makes sense. Maybe it just needs to be more like GDC but for publishers and marketers.

Eleniel @ May 2nd 2008 5:40PM

I really can't wait to get the full story on this one. It strikes me as odd. I thought everyone loved the scaled-down E3? Maybe just the press did.

eldee @ May 2nd 2008 6:00PM

I bet the ESA is really kicking themselves for downsizing E3 to a joke of a convention right about now.

Zsavior @ May 2nd 2008 7:39PM

They are getting exactly what they deserve. I can't tell how many outlets and such were talking about how great the new "downsided" E3 was going to be because the non-industry personal would be gone. And what happened, E3 became boring and a joke. And now the journalist go right back to sweating it up next to gamers in Pax,TGS, and blizzcon. I guess elitism is so great when the people you are being elitist against stop caring.