So E3 came and went and like I expected there was little fanfare. Aside from Microsoft trying to muscle in on Nintendo’s casual market the only real surprise was the multi-platform release of FFXIII. So why did this years show continue E3’s downward spiral? For a show that is supposed to be the home of breaking news and market changing announcements there was very little shown that anyone reading their daily news blogs didn’t already know.

It seems the common attitude among the game making community was that E3 is a bit of a waste at this point. Sure E3 was always supposed be industry only, but at least the kids from the trenches (retail employees) could make there way to the general show floor and regale their customers with tales of incredible technological sites and scantily clad models.

Now E3 has been designated “invite only”, and is strictly for the press and retail corporate suits. The press is fine, but corporate retail? Why do they need any kind of event, the buyers only go by what has the best target market potential, demographics, and gross margin price points. Take it from someone who managed an Electronics Boutique for many years, if it where up to the corporate office the shelves would only be stocked with used games, hint guides and extended service plans.

Let’s look at what some industry veterans are saying about how they feel in regards to the current E3:

Mr Mario himself, Shigeru Miyamoto, was quoted as saying…

“For a very long time, E3 was an event where — and certainly Nintendo included — catered specifically to the core gamer. Now we look at more … an opportunity for us to introduce new concepts and new types of play that we intend to bring to the broader audience, particularly because of the media that gathers at E3 now.”

that’s his polite way of saying…

“sorry real gamers, but this show is to make sure retail tools stock the shelves with our guaranteed money makers, but don’t worry we’re making real games that we’ll show you later. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge”

Even more blunt and to the point is Dave Perry’s (he made Earthworm Jim) statement…

“The concept is broken, it’s expensive, messages are diluted, consumers are ignored (remembering that the future of this industry is DIRECT connections with consumers – not retailers), the ticket policies are stupid, and if the entire industry (worldwide) doesn’t participate, it’s not real anyway.”

that’s his impolite way of saying…

“F**k you E3! UR teh ST00p1d2! OMGLOLBBQ :p”

So there you have it, another year, another poop E3. But all is not lost, there are other events, the industry is still up overall, and each faction of fanboys can safely say their system won this year since there was no clear cut victor.