ESA announces dates, venue for E3 2010

It seems this year’s E3 (2009) is doing well enough that ESA (Entertainment Software Association) has announced the dates and venue for the next Expo.

E2 2010 will take place June 15 through 17, 2010, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. According to the ESA press release, more than 41,000 attendees from 78 countries have attended E3 2009.

This year’s expo brought a return to what is being called “the old format” by many companies and media outlets, with larger booths, “booth babes” and allowing guests general public admission to the exhibition floor.

ESA’s press release included the usual happy-to-come-again quotes by several companies, implying those companies are likely to attending next year:

• Graham Hopper, executive vice president and general manager, Disney Interactive Studios - “The E3 Expo has returned as the premiere annual destination for the global games industry. “The excitement the show generates and the ability for us to showcase our portfolio to a worldwide media, retail and consumer audience is an important business driver.”
• Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello – “The ESA has put on a great show for the game industry. E3 2009 reflected the vitality, innovation and global presence of a rapidly growing industry. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.”
• Don Mattrick, senior vice president, Microsoft‘s Interactive Entertainment Business – “Xbox 360 was pleased to be a part of a rejuvenated E3 this year and to see the interactive entertainment industry really shine and reach new audiences. We look forward to being at E3 next year and continuing to redefine the future of home entertainment.”
• Richard Iggo, vice president for marketing at SouthPeak Interactive Corporation - “This year’s E3 exceeded expectations and SouthPeak Games was proud to be a part of it. For us, E3 is about building our brand, showcasing titles, and making the business connections necessary to deliver high-quality entertainment and we were able to accomplish all of that. This is once again the industry’s launchpad for computer and video game news.”

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