Kotaku: Expo

Top Travel Spots for Gamers

Maggie Greene — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:30:00 MDT

With an aging gaming population comes more gamers with money, which means ... money to spend on travel. Bonnie Ruberg takes a look at where gamers would go given $1,500 for expenses for a 'game-related' vacation. PAX? E For All? Tokyo Game Show? ... Disneyland? I can't remember the last proper vacation I had, but I can say definitively I wouldn't be planning it around a convention or expo. In fact, a weekend off with time to do nothing but hang out would be a treat right now:

Not everyone's so ready to move from the sofa and fly across the country though. Chris Furniss, a 26-year-old Web site designer at Microsoft Game Studios in Redmond, Wash., feels $1,500 won't get him far. "Since flights anywhere are so expensive and I already live in Seattle, I'd go to PAX and live it up," he says. "I'd stay at a nice hotel downtown, get tickets for all three days and go on a shopping spree on the show floor. PAX is the gamer destination of choice and always a really fantastic time."

Short piece with a nice little slideshow and worth a looksee on a lazy, overcast Saturday like today.

Top Travel Spots For Game Fans [Forbes via Heroine Sheik

E For All Returning In October, PAX Gets August All To Itself

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 03:30:00 MST

Sure, it attracted 18,000 people last year, but with a planned move to August 28-30 - ie the same time as PAX - this year's show was always going to struggle. Which is probably why the show's organizers have announced that the 2008 E for All will instead be taking place between October 3-5. They're trying to spin this as "a decision that reflects the great success of the last year's event — also held in October — as well as the positive feedback from exhibitors and attendees about the Fall timing", and if that's what helps them get to sleep at night, then that's what counts.
E For All 2008 No Longer Competing With PAX [Game|Life]

Major Companies No-Shows To Korea's G-Star Expo

Maggie Greene — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 12:30:23 MDT

It's a sad, sad week if you're the G-Star Expo in Korea these days ('Korea's largest video and computer game expo,' happening next week): lots of Korean companies aren't attending, and you can forget major foreign companies (with the exception of Microsoft). Nintendo? Despite recently announcing a planned launch of the Wii next year, they said thanks but no. Sony? No PS3 games for you, G-Star! Blizzard? Hey, why would anyone want to exhibit StarCraft 2 in Korea of all places? Admittedly, companies like Blizzard have little need to attend yet another event in Korea, having hosted their own shindigs this year; but the general complaint seems to be 'Too much effort, too much money, not enough pay off.' It sounds like a fun time, though, and the past expos have been 'dotted with controversies':

It was launched in 2005 with the government promising to make it one of the three largest game expos in the world. In the inaugural year, the organizers were blamed for displaying addictive electronic gambling machines such as "Sea Story.'' Those machines were later ruled illegal and thousands were confiscated by police from all over the country.
Then last year, a controversy arose regarding the costumes of "game girls.'' Many viewed the clothes of models at exhibition booths as inappropriate for the young audience. The case ended with the show earning a scornful nickname of "Girl-Star show'' after a female dancer accidentally exposed her breast in front of the all-age audience.

And I bet it'll be LOADED with terrible, over the top, and poorly translated press releases. Sounds like a fun conference to me.

Game Companies Shun G-Star Expo [The Korea Times]

EA Signs On With E For All

Mike Fahey — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:00:53 MDT

Well the E for All exhibitor list just grew by one, but it is a pretty big one. Electronics Arts will be making their presence known at the E for All Expo in Los Angeles this October, joining Nintendo on the show floor as the only other major gaming company I can find that is confirmed to be attending.

"Electronic Arts' participation reflects the essence of E for All - providing consumers with unprecedented access to the leading video game companies in the business," said Mary Dolaher, CEO of IDG World Expo, which produces the event. "No matter what role you play in the world of video games, E for All is designed for you, because its focus is on what matters - the games. Just like EA's products, E for All is made for all kinds of gamers.

Well good for them. I'm sure now that a big time business like EA is going to be showing up the rest of the game industry will fall into line. Probably just waiting for EA to make the first move. With great power comes great responsibility.

IDG World Expo Announces Electronic Arts' Participation in E for All(TM)
FRAMINGHAM, Mass.—Aug. 21, 2007—Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) has
signed on to exhibit at the new Entertainment for All(TM) Expo (E for
All(TM)) video game event, scheduled to take place October 18-21, 2007
at the Los Angeles Convention Center, IDG World Expo announced today.

"Electronic Arts' participation reflects the essence of E for All
- providing consumers with unprecedented access to the leading video
game companies in the business," said Mary Dolaher, CEO of IDG World
Expo, which produces the event. "No matter what role you play in the
world of video games, E for All is designed for you, because its focus
is on what matters - the games. Just like EA's products, E for All is
made for all kinds of gamers. We're thrilled to have EA's involvement
in this inaugural event and to be able to bring their products to our
attendees."

A major independent developer and publisher of interactive
entertainment software, EA publishes an industry-leading portfolio of
titles that have sold millions of copies worldwide. EA's broad
portfolio of franchises includes global perennial blockbusters from
its EA SPORTS(TM) brand, including Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer and NBA
LIVE. The diverse offerings from its EA(TM) brand feature wholly-owned
intellectual properties such as Need For Speed(TM), The Sims(TM) and
Burnout(TM) franchises, as well as key Hollywood licenses for games
based on The Lord of The Rings(TM), Harry Potter(TM) and The
Godfather(TM) properties. Recent EA SPORTS BIG(TM) hit titles include
NFL STREET, NBA STREET and FIFA STREET. (Titles to be shown at E for
All will be announced at a later date.)

EA's participation in the Expo expands the range of the latest
video game titles that consumers will be able to test drive and buy at
E for All before they hit store shelves for the holidays. In addition
to being first to preview the newest video games and gadgets in
advance of the holidays, E for All attendees will be able to
participate in tournaments, compete head to head with other gamers on
the show's various game stages, and take advantage of social and
professional networking opportunities. With an emphasis on video games
and the people who play them, E for All will bring together all
members of the gaming community - from hardcore and casual gamers,
developers and publishers, to industry luminaries, media and
retailers.

Dragon Quest Castle Appears in Japan

fdemarco — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 13:51:30 MDT

As part of Fuji Television's Adventure King 2007 celebration, Square Enix have erected a funhouse style Dragon Quest castle in the Japanese city of Odaiba. The inside houses a maze (and presumably other funhouse staples), a few Dragon Quest: Monster Battle Road cabinets and, of course, a gift shop.

Close by in the Fuji Television studios, Square Enix is holding the Dragon Quest Odaiba Expo 2007 featuring more game cabinets, a Dragon Quest figurine collection and something called an iMode corner (you can read more about iMode here) From now until September second you can check out the castle and the Expo if you happen to be in the area and get a free Slime cell phone accessory for your time. Nothing like that sweet, sweet swag.

Dragon Quest castle erected in Odaiba Japan News Review
(Thanks, Marcus)

ESA Exec Leaves E3 for E4All

Brian Crecente — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 19:00:10 MDT

Boy, it's been a day of job transitions, hasn't it?

First Sony Computer Entertainment of America lays-off 80 to 100 people, then 90 percent of NOA's marketing department quits and now the woman behind the scenes of E3 has jumped ship to join the IDG World Expo.

Carolyn Rauch, the former senior vice president of the Entertainment Software Association, was named vice president of event development today for the company that puts on the Entertainment for All and Macworld, among other expos.

Rauch has been with the ESA almost since its inception and was most recently in charge of organizing the E3 Media & Business Summit.

When I spoke to the now former president of the ESA, Doug Lowenstein, about the future of E3, he told me not to worry because it was in Rauch's loving hands. Should we be worried now? Brian Crecente

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—IDG World Expo, the leading producer of world-class tradeshows and events, today announced the appointment of Carolyn Rauch as Vice President, Event Development. In this role, Rauch will be responsible for business development initiatives and cultivating new events for IDG World Expo, with an emphasis on strategic planning and branding across all events.

Ms. Rauch brings a diverse set of skills and more than 20 years experience to her new position. Prior to joining IDG World Expo, Rauch served as Senior Vice President of the Entertainment Software Association where she managed the association's new E3 Media & Business Summit, as well as public relations, research, aspects of the E3Expo trade show, grassroots campaigns, and other programs for the organization. Prior to joining the ESA, Ms. Rauch was a vice president at Robinson Lake Sawyer Miller, a strategic communications firm specializing in entertainment industry public relations. Her clients included MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comcast, to name a few. Ms. Rauch has also served in several political roles, including deputy national press secretary to U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey's 1992 presidential campaign, deputy press secretary to former U.S. Senator and Senate Budget Committee Chairman Jim Sasser, and New Hampshire press secretary and scheduler for former Governor Bruce Babbitt's 1988 presidential campaign.

"Carolyn is a seasoned executive who brings a broad range of experience to IDG World Expo and we are thrilled to have her on board," said Mary Dolaher, CEO, IDG World Expo. "She will play a pivotal role in helping us build our event portfolio, as well as build on the success of our existing events."

About IDG World Expo

IDG World Expo (www.idgworldexpo.com) produces tradeshows and events for professionals seeking world-class education, peer-to-peer networking and one-stop comparison shopping. IDG World Expo's portfolio of conferences and events includes Entertainment For All™ (E For All™), Macworld Conference & Expo®, Next Generation Data Center™ (NGDC™), LinuxWorld Conference & Expo®, and LinuxWorld® OpenSolutions Summit™. IDG World Expo is a business unit of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research and event company.

About International Data Group (IDG)

International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media, events, and research company. IDG's online network includes more than 450 web sites spanning business technology, consumer technology, digital entertainment and video games worldwide. IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers in 85 countries including CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Macworld, Network World, and PC World. IDG's lead-generation service, IDG Connect, matches technology companies with an audience of engaged, high-quality IT professionals, influencers, and decision makers.

IDG is a leading producer of more than 750 technology-related events including Macworld Conference & Expo, LinuxWorld Conference & Expo, Entertainment for All Expo (E for All), DEMO, and IDC Directions. IDC, a subsidiary of IDG, is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events. Over 900 IDC analysts in more than 90 countries provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends.

Additional information about IDG, a privately held company, is available at http://www.idg.com.

E for All Pricing Revealed

Mike Fahey — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 13:30:12 MDT

E for All? That adds up to a whole lot of E. They've got Nintendo as an exhibitor, other companies fighting for floor space, special events, the Kentia Hall shopping mall, and large amounts of sweaty people, all rubbing against you. How much will that sort of action set you back?

Advance registration:
Thursday/Friday = $45
Saturday/Sunday = $65
4-day Pass = $90

On-site registration
Thursday/Friday = $50
Saturday/Sunday = $75
4-day Pass = $110

So you're looking at $90 for the whole shebang unless you want to wait until you get there, in which case you pay the $20 waiting fee. Not too bad, considering in the past you had to pay $325 or so just to get onto the E3 show floor for three days, nevermind this year's 'you can't go' policy. All this E isn't going to pay for itself you know. Michael Fahey

E For All Fact Sheet [E For All Expo, via GameSpot]

GDC07 Gallery: The GDC Expo Hall

Brian Crecente — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 16:53:06 MST

This is so Kentia Hall it's not even funny... well Kentia Hall plus Sony and Nintendo. Brian Crecente

PAX06 Has Ended

Brian Crecente — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 20:36:54 MDT

Penny Arcade Expo 06 is official over.

They're rolling up the banners, piling up the bean bags and airing out the place as I write this.

It was three days of bouncing blue balls, moms, concerts and game play. Three days of gamers getting a chance to connect and play.

That's what makes PAX so unique, I think. It's not just for gamers, it's about them. They're the show, Tycho and Gabe are just along for the ride.

If I had 17,000 friends and the money, patience and wherewithal to throw a party, I'd like to think it would be a little bit like this.

I still have a lot of other things to post, including an interview with the creator of the Fruit Fucker mod, video and impressions from Dark Messiah and the mighty duo themselves: Gabe and Tycho. Check back Monday for the goods. Also you can check out our PAX06 coverage here.

Hey! Booth Babes are People Too

lsmith — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 11:40:42 MST

John Geoghegan scribed up a Swiftish "proposal" on the recent Booth Babe business for GameDaily. The whole thing has Geoghegan's tongue planted firmly in his cheek, so don't go over there, read it, get offended and freak out. The ending of the piece gives you a pretty good idea about the rest of it: "John Geoghegan will probably never work again in the video game industry after this article." I bet he does!

Opinion: Booth Babe Outrage [GameDaily]
E3 Bans Booth Babes

Still More Booth Babe Issues

lsmith — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 15:31:31 MST

Earlier this morning we reported on the E3 nerf to Booth Babes. Well, Gamecloud scooped up an official response from E3 management and as it turns out, the "new" rule isn't even new. From the official statement: "The E3Expo dress code policy is not new for 2006. In fact, it is the same as it has been for the past several years, and the vast majority of other major tradeshows have the same or similar policies. What's new in 2006 is an update of the enforcement policies, which simply allow show management to better enforce the long-standing dress code. E3Expo is first and foremost a business show, and policies such as this one help create an environment not only 'where business gets fun,' but where business gets done."

I am especially fond of the business gets fun/done rhyme.

E3 Show Director Responds To Booth Model Changes [Gamecloud]
E3 Bans Booth Babes

E3 Bans "Booth Babes"?

Brian Crecente — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 09:20:15 MST

Wow, it looks like E3 is banning boothbabes. Well, at least the ones wearing swimsuits and the like.

The IDGA's Sex and Games blog points out some interesting changes in the rules and regs for the upcoming Expo.

According to E3's handbook:

Material, including live models, conduct that is sexually explicit and/or sexually provocative, including but not limited to nudity, partial nudity and bathing suit bottoms, are prohibited on the Show floor, all common areas, and at any access points to the Show. ESA, in its sole discretion, will determine whether material is acceptable.

Oh wait, it's up to someone's discretion. Nevermind, I'm guessing this means they're banning booth babes for tiny publishers and makers of crazy hardware.
Check out Sex and Games for the full handbook entry and details on the $5,000 fine.

E3 Censorship [Sex and Games]

E3 Opening Doors Early for Game(s) Journalists

Brian Crecente — Tue, 13 Dec 2005 06:00:26 MST

I was delighted to receive an email from E3 yesterday telling me that journalists and retailers that register early for the show will be able to take advantage of early access hours from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the first day of the show.

I m guessing they are doing this in response to some of the criticism from last year s show. Last year was my first, so I can t really say it was better or worse than before, only that it was hard to do my job. I dealt with it, but this bit of time certainly will help things.

I m going to be interested to see just how many of those in attendance will ending up fitting into the category. It would be pretty funny if it turned out it was everyone but like ten people.

E3 Expo [Official Site]

KOEI Unveiling Two Next-Gen Games at Tokyo

Brian Crecente — Fri, 12 Aug 2005 15:33:22 MDT

As the Tokyo Game Show looms about a month away, word is starting to get out about who will be showing what at the expo. KOEI just sent me their Tokyo line-up, adding that they are "preparing" Ni-Oh, a samurai-themed action game for the PS3, and Dynasty Warriors 5 Special, an enhanced edition of the tactical action game for the Xbox 360, for the show.

Here's the full list with release dates:

Ni-Oh, PlayStation 3, Summer 2006
Dynasty Warriors 5 Special (working title), Xbox 360, Winter 2005
Dynasty Warriors 5 Xtreme Legends(r), PlayStation 2, Sept. 15, 2005
Haruka Naru Toki no Naka de 3 Izayoiki, PlayStation 2, Sept. 22, 2005
WINBACK(tm)2: Project Poseidon, PlayStation 2, TBD
Romance of the Three Kingdoms(r) DS, DS, Sept. 29, 2005
Dynasty Warriors DS, Nintendo DS, TBD
Nobunaga's Ambition Online: Hiryu no Sho, PlayStation 2/PC, available now (Japan only)
Uncharted Waters Online, PC, available now (Japan only)