Rumor: E3 2009 to open its doors to the public

After three years since the industry event became an industry-only function, it looks like the Electronic Entertainment Expo, better known as E3, will once again open its doors to the public.

News of the change comes from Newsweek’s videogame blogger N’Gai Croal, who reports that a “source close to the process” said:

“After vehemently opposing a bigger show three years ago – to now go back to the board, admit a mistake, and advocate for a bigger show. It reflects well on the organization and the board to recognize they made a mistake and, regardless of how it would look publicly, go ahead and fixed.”

The Entertainment Software Association ESA is expected to make an official announcement tomorrow (October 22, 2008).

The newly formatted event will be capped at 40,000 people and will be held during the first week of June 2008. The first day, June 2, 2009, will see the three major companies holding their press events while the event will be open to the public on June 4 through 6, 2008.

During the last three years of the “Media and Business Summit,” attendance of industry personnel has dropped significantly with the biggest drop occurring last year when many publishers decided to host their own events or choosing to not participate at all for varying reasons. The most common reasons were the increased ESA membership fees and a controversy concerning companies not responding well to ESA President Michael Gallagher.

Read [Newsweek] Via [1UP] Also Read [Gamertell]