So the ESA (Entertainment Software Association) released an official press release today about E3. The verdict: it still exists… but not the way you would think of it. There’s no more huge expo floor stuff. OUCH. This excerpt of the press release about sums it all up:

�The world of interactive entertainment has changed since E3Expo was created 12 years ago. At that time we were focused on establishing the industry and securing orders for the holiday season,� said Douglas Lowenstein, President of the ESA, the trade association representing U.S. computer and video game publishers and the owner of E3Expo. �Over the years, it has become clear that we need a more intimate program, including higher quality, more personal dialogue with the worldwide media, developers, retailers and other key industry audiences.�

The new E3Expo will take shape over the next several months. As currently envisioned, it will still take place in Los Angeles, described by ESA as a �great and supportive partner helping to build E3.� It will focus on press events and small meetings with media, retail, development, and other key sectors. While there will be opportunities for game demonstrations, E3Expo 2007 will not feature the large trade show environment of previous years.

I, for one, think that cancelling it would be a better idea. I don’t see any reason to go to next year’s E3. It’s basically a small trade show with no big announcements. I guess we can now only look forward to the “big” shows from Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. Too bad they’re always outside of the country, which makes it tougher to go.