any body going to E3 in May?

[Crazycarl]

...because I am. I have the ability to go this year ( ), and I'm taking the chance. I was wondering if any other DPers are going, that way i can meet some of you.

[hezeuschrist]

I'm not sure yet. I think I still have the ability to go as Media, but I'm not 100% if I want to go or not this year.

I've been the last two years and while it's definitely an expereince every gamer that has the opportunity to experience should, but there are just so many fucking people. I'm not an anti social guy but theres a lot of shit to see, and there are a lot of people there that have no reason to be there.

The big draw for me too was being able to go to the media conferences before the show, but you can get all that info straight from IGN or Gamespot the exact moment it's happening. The only incentive left for me is to actually play the games (getting my hands on Twilight Princess was excellent), but even then I've already go so much shit to play it doesn't matter to me when these games come out. The last piece of incentive is all the schwag, but most of it is total crap anyways.

I think I just made my decision :/

[Crazycarl]

well one of the major draws for me is meeting a lot of the game designers, and companies since its the field I am trying to get into (student right now). Also i have the ability to sit in on the workshops, so that the major draw. and the free swag and games too .

[Bojay1997]

I have to agree with the "way too many people comment," but this year media will be given access to the show floor an hour or so early. Last year the show floor was packed and frankly there wasn't much new shown, but with PS3 and Revolution both anticipated to be on display, this is not a year to miss. I know it's a hassle, but it's just one of those experiences you have to keep having year after year if you have any role in the industry at all.

[InsaneDavid]

I was thinking of going this year as I have about a 90% shot to get in but with the money crunch the way it is I'm probably not going to. I haven't been since 2001. (attended 1999-2001)

...and there are a lot of people there that have no reason to be there.

Agreed. Seriously, I haven't been in five years but that was a problem then too. Especially since I was writing columns for a small tech radio program at the time. It's day after day of smash and hussle then spending the night in your room trying to make sense of your notes since your mind is reduced to mush more and more as the convention rolls on. Of course things would be easier if that guy who knows a friend that has a cousin that is married to someone that is the sister of a manager of a FuncoLand would get out of your way so you can work. I'd rather try to slip my way into the GDC again honestly - if you're a student of the arts that's the place to be.

[GrayFox]

I think I am going. Hopefully.

[Crazycarl]

from what I have been hearing they are making it tougher to get in. Basicly one of the new things is that you must be a manager or full time at a store, if not your not aloud in. I'm getting under the student pass ability they have set up w/ some colleges.

[ProgrammingAce]

I'm trying to avoid it... but i think i'm going to have to go in the end...

[MarkMan]

I'll be there this year. Going in as Media, possibly exhibitor. It's just a two hour drive for me.

This is going to be my 7th straight year.

[Joker T]

I've never been. Maybe next year, right now I just can't fly out there, too much to do in the next few months. I'll be reading up on it as much as I can though.

[tylerwillis]

Going for the first time and as media. Lookin forward to it.

[l_lamb]

Retail employees this year are severely limited unless they want to pay $500. Not even if you get the 2006 direct-mail brochure from the ESA. The registration site for Package 5 (free entry) has a pop-up that says:

NEW THIS YEAR, in early February, E3 will distribute to key retail outlets a pre-determined amount of pre-approved Priority Buyer Passes. [...] Only Retail employees who register via the Priority Buyer Pass will [...] be given a complimentary Exhibits Only registration. Any retail employee who does not receive a Priority Buyer Pass will be charged an admission fee of $500 until April 7th.

That will eliminate thousands from attending, and give the people who do go room to move! I've already secured the promise of a pass from our buyers since I asked first.