Big 3 hype E3 as ESA dismisses swine-flu concerns
Console publishers voice support as organizers play down prospect of disruption by epidemic.
With the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo just over a month away, organizers at the Entertainment Software Association are "confident" in a large-scale return to form for the oft-revamped and somewhat maligned trade show. Today the ESA announced that the event's exhibitor lineup was closing in on 150 different companies, with special attention being paid by the "Big Three" of Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo.
"Microsoft is gearing up for a big presence at E3 that will completely transform how people think about home entertainment," Microsoft senior vice president for interactive entertainment Don Mattrick said in an ESA press release. "We're excited about the momentum that is building in the industry in anticipation of our June 1st media briefing, which will kick off E3 in blockbuster style."
Nintendo of America president and COO Reggie Fils-Aime echoed the sentiment of excitement, pledging that E3 has the company's full support. Sony Computer Entertainment America president and CEO Jack Tretton also threw his support behind that show, and said that his company is "looking forward to another great showing" at the event, starting with the SCEA June 2 press event.
With all of that excitement, the ESA isn't about to let a little snag like a global pandemic stand in the way. Today the organization assured GameSpot that the recent outbreak of swine flu will not deter the biggest North American game-industry trade show of the year. This afternoon, the World Health Organization upgraded the epidemic--which has already proven fatal in the US--to Level 5, one level below global pandemic.
"The 2009 E3 Expo is progressing as planned," an ESA representative told GameSpot. "Public-health officials are taking all appropriate steps, and we continue to follow their direction on all measures."
E3 is scheduled to take place June 1-4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. For more on the show, check out GameSpot's complete coverage of E3 2009.
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