CES to Replace E3 as the Game Trade Show of the Year?

CES (the Consumer Electronics Show so lovingly described in Douglas Coupland's Microserfs) is considering picking up the ball that E3 dropped. The Consumer Electronics Association, the good folks who put on the gadget-fest, is soliciting "gaming industry feedback and explore the viability of a West Coast event in late spring 2007 focused on the gaming and entertainment marketplace." In non-PR speak, they are putting feelers out there to see if there is enough interest to run a CES version of E3.

"Since ESA decided to eliminate the E3 event in its known format, we have been deluged with inquiries on whether we could fill the trade show needs of smaller video entertainment companies," Kotuaku quoted Gary Shapiro, president of CEA, saying. "Our executive board met yesterday and unanimously asked staff to explore ways that we can help the gaming community."

Shapiro's quote continued, "The Consumer Electronics Association believes that trade shows are the most viable means for reaching a market as they serve smaller companies and entrepreneurs who need access to media, buyers and investors. Our board, association and events are committed to growing the industry - in fact nearly 80 percent of our members are companies with annual sales of under $10 million."

Really, the ESA (the E3) folks seemed to have caved in the face of Microsoft's belly-aching and Sony's grumbling. Perhaps if you (I'm calling you out Microsoft) actually put some thought and creativity into your booth and presence at the show, you'd get better press out of the deal. Shapiro is right in acknowledging that this was pretty much the only chance that a number of smaller game companies had to try to land deals with publishers and gain some press.

If the opinion of one lowly game journalist matters, I vote yes. Mr. Shapiro, we'd love it if CES put on its gaming trade show, just be sure to hook a guy up with some sweet interviews and swag.

[Source: Kotaku]