We've got to hand it to Next-Gen Biz. They've been breaking stories right and left about the new scaled down version of E3. Well now, folks, it's official. The trade show that drew tens of thousands of gamers, in addition to millions of cyber attendees, will ultimately not be the same show anymore.

Reportedly the event will now be called the "E3 Media Festival", and will cut the amount of attendees down by about 1/10, or around 5,000. Here's a quote from the new header message at e3expo.com: "It will focus on press events and small meetings with media, retail, development, and other key sectors. While there will be opportunities for game demonstrations, E3Expo 2007 will not feature the large trade show environment of previous years."
The statement also comments on the other trade events that have sprung up over the years, like TGS and company-specific shows, lessening the need for an "industry mega-show". As if these aren't enough changes, it appears the E3 Media Festival will move to July, giving publishers more time to get their games in good shape to show off to the media and to retailers.

Additionally the official E3 2006 page, which once had a note about "planning being underway for E3 2007", now has no reference at all to next year's event. Hey; at least the E3 we know and love went out with a big hurrah, with the Wii and PS3 having strong dominance. Relive the memories of E3's final big show right here.

All details found via Joystiq (here, here, and here).

Report Published by: Mark Raby