Games Market Europe 06 called off

While a number of other conference organizers including GenCon and the Consumer Electronics Association are hoping to pick up the slack left by a downsized Electronic Entertainment Expo, not all expos are so optimistic.

For instance, the Games Market Europe is closing up shop for good less than a month before its scheduled tip-off, according to show sponsor MCV. The trade publication reports that weak exhibitor support is to blame.

Last year, two other London-based trade shows were put to rest: the upstart Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association's conjoined European Game Network/Game Stars Live show, and the venerable European Computer Trade Show. The rival expos had squared off in 2004 by running at the same time, and effectively committed mutual suicide.

The UK's first city isn't completely devoid of gaming events, however. GDC organizers CMP Events still plan to put on the London Games Summit and the Game Developers Conference London in the first week of October.

The official Web site of Games Market Europe carries no news of a cancellation, and still advertises the event as happening September 6-7 at London's business design center. GameSpot's inquiry to the organizers had not been returned as of press time.