Activision, LucasArts return to E3

After experimenting with downsized trade shows for two years, the Entertainment Software Association wants to restore the Electronic Entertainment Expo to its glory days. Today, the ESA announced a slate of exhibitors that will help usher in the newly supersized E3 2009, including a number of companies that had previously left the ESA and its trade show entirely.

Two of the highest-profile ESA defectors--Activision Blizzard and LucasArts--have both signed on to participate in E3 2009. Other companies that left the trade group--including NCsoft, Codemasters, Crave, and id Software--are not currently among the listed exhibitors. The full list of exhibitors includes more than 70 companies spanning all aspects of the industry, from the "big three" of Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo to joystick manufacturer CH Products and Taiwan-based light-gun maker ZeroPlus.

E3 2009 will take place June 2-4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The official E3 Web site touts a complete exhibitor list, although it lacked some confirmed attendees as of press time. For more on the ESA's new approach to E3, check out GameSpot's interview with ESA CEO Michael Gallagher.