I read Playboy for the articles, but not this one...

Pojomofo

They do have a point, but does E3 have to be loud and annoying to be exciting? I dont think so. Between publishers leaving and booths being smaller, it was difficult for people to get excited. Who says there can't be larger booths, and not have each of them blare their own brand of loud as hell music. I could easily see there being an E3 this style for journalists, the press and the like where they each get some good, one on one time with the game and the devs without a long line. And a few days later have the same event, maybe with the things they dont want the public to see/hear/play, have booth babes, be loud and OPTIONAL.

Talleh

@exeprime: Actually, Playboy has some of the best writers currently working in jounalism working on thier articles/interviews. If subscribers just wanted to look at the girls, there are dozens cheaper/more revealing magazines to order. Just my 2c.

Sparky13

Well, I'll jump on the middle ground boat. I thought the idea for having a separate press release day for companies to announce there big stuff, then some days for showroom floor stuff, and maybe some less looked forward to announcements. Also, they could try to reduce the amount of people they let in, which could maybe help the craziness.

ashman512

"Old E3 Was Worst of Nerd Culture Meets Worst of Frat Culture"

So it was like Halo?

*crickets*

well i try ;-;

i_am_ben

The reason as to why it was so fucking awesome was because it was the "Worst of Nerd Culture Meets Worst of Frat Culture", it was like a giant fun party, not some lame small show they got now

Taheen

@Super_Nintendo_Chalmers: Then maybe there's something wrong with the culture... But anyhow, this is obviously not the case.

Sayeth wiki:

"Scott Alexander (born 1976)is a British millionaire and nouveau riche socialite often quoted as being "the most vain man in Britain". Alexander is frequently seen in media. One of his most well known projects was to buy an eastern European town and change its name to Alexander.[2] Alexander was convicted of assault after having slapped a Manchester real estate agent in the face."

And his critique is based on stereotypes - i doubt that most gamers that would attend E3 are "sweaty, hygenically challenged man-children futilely chasing their ever-receding childhoods". I know i'm a normal guy with a healthy social life and yet i would attend E3 if i didn't live halfway across the globe. A dude i know used to be a professional starcraft player and is also more of a playboy than any "jock" i know. Stereotypes are simply insulting for many, many passionate gamers.

exeprime

Whoa, you *really* read it for the articles?

Suzaku

@KaneRobot: Everytime I see that video posted on here I laugh. Such a great movie.

Kanik

I had a good chuckle at that - a really succinct rant...I couldn't say either way whether he's on the money but it was funny nonetheless

elronathon

@Super_Nintendo_Chalmers: Sir, you have the best nick ever... EVER!

On topic, I know its discriminating and such... but I miss the boothbabes. Is it soo wrong for me to be a man?

Shiryu

oh just clicked the link and whilst i know that my country (Singapore) uses censorship aggressively, i didn't know playboy was banned. Just about every other porn site is ok, but not Plaboy? My guess is they wrote some nasty shit about my country's great and glorious leader: Lee Kuan Yew.

Now, anyone have a mirror i can read off?

haracas

@Bobby McPresscott:
"In case you missed it, you should find that article incredibly insulting. I'm a little personally pissed he even had the indecency to bring Asperger Syndrome into the fray, ignoring even the fact that he spat in the face of its sufferers again by misspelling it."

I agree 100% !!! What a stupid bunghole. I guess, he needs more softcore porn and less geeks...

Superuser

How dare he ruin Playboy with big words like "presage" and "eldritch".

That sentence should have read:
"... it can only boobies the sexy touch of Satan."

vr0oM

@Super_Nintendo_Chalmers: in this case some of our culture's greatest writers don't have the spellchecker turned on. and they need it. hmm, or maybe playboy spoiled them by allowing them to come up with whatever pantless-jail-scribble they wish.

loopholezero

Well, I suppose I should be more fair. I completely agree with what he's saying. The new E3 is classier and simpler and gets straight down to business. It's an expo and not an extravaganza. But surely, the irony of a Playboy writer talking about the worst of frat culture should not go unnoticed.

winterfruits

I have to agree with the critique of the old E3, even if this one was a bust. I think moving it to a later date hurt more than not letting the public in. If it was earlier in the year, there would have been more to announce.

I love games as much as the next guy, but the culture ... sometimes you've just got to look on in horror as people play into stereotypes and undercut all the progress "gamers" as a group have made in the past ten to fifteen years.

litrock

@Super_Nintendo_Chalmers: Correct. Most would be surprised as to just how many critically acclaimed writers have been contributors to the ol' bunny ears.

Not that I would know personally, I just had a professor in college that had a running list of people who made appearances.

As to this guys recollection of the old E3, I think it is perfect. It was an orgy for people who didn't understand what was great about orgies. Caligula would have been excited upon walking in the door, but would have quickly learned just how lame the scene was.

It cost too much, it hurt the industry, and I am really not that sad to see it go. Besides, homegrown orgies are just much more fun, and less chance to see Tron Guy walking around in your hotel room.

zenpoet

@Bobby McPresscott:

I know I was insulted.

thisisasignin

@EmeraldDragon: The format that the Tokyo Game Show does is pretty much the happy median so far. Same booths, same people, same venues and dates. Instead of separating the public and press by making two separate conventions, you save money by just setting aside an extra, separate day.

Zero1328

wow! Lots of venom here. I think the article is actually very well written (regardless of who it's written for) and I'm still reading through it.

How many of you guys actually clicked the link and read the whole article? And from the complaints I've read about E3; it seems like they could all be alleviated by Sony, MS and Nintendo without changing the format of the show. The excitement comes from the cool games that are available to play and not from the booth babes and blaring music.

This quote right here seems to be the most accurate: "News flash: The places you go don't define you; the thoughts you think about them do. Get some freaking nuance and go play some games."

jp182

Huh.

Does Scott even know what the fucking Electronic Entertainment Expo is all about?

All I read there was a rant, no much worst, a Playboy bitchfit. I demand those two-minutes of my life back Kotaku.

humongous_mouse

i wish they WOULD just ditch this bore-fest that has been E3 since they stopped jo-public from attending and get back to the way it's meant to be.

lost_in_hollywood

@Super_Nintendo_Chalmers: That may be, but it's hardly a publication that one first thinks about when it comes to gaming news. Likewise, his opinion of the old E3 format is riddled with idiotic stereotypes. Plus I doubt this guy could be considered one of our culture's "greatest writers".

deadjesterx

It sounds to me like the author of that article has put himself on a pretty high pedestal.

TheGuilty1

So which is it? Was the E3 of old like a three-day migraine or a four-day bender? Or like five days hanging upside down in a Guatemalan spin-fuck chair?

Day Man

Yeah, because most guys buy Playboy for the articles. Especially gaming articles. It's not like there are websites or magazines that cater to the gaming community or anything...

Ok, snarkiness aside, I'd agree with EmeraldDragon in that there's got to be some sort of middle ground. There were issues with the "old" E3 but the "new" E3 isn't that much better. And it's not just the fans that are complaining about the new format either.

Maybe if they opened up the doors to the public for a couple of days things will work out better. Have all the major press announcments, media and business aspects taken care of in the first couple of days, then have a couple of days where the public can parade in. Yeah, yeah, I know that wasn't the original focus of the event but even some gaming companies are admitting that E3 actually seemed special when it was such a huge event.

deadjesterx

@exeprime: Some of our culture's greatest writers have been contributors to Playboy. And I think his critique of old E-3 is dead-on.

Super_Nintendo_Chalmers

I don't agree with the article, it makes it sound as if the old E3 was exclusively for a bunch nerds with no life.

I expect no less from Playboy.

SonnyBoy

someone needs to remind this guy... Dude, you *write* for playboy. You're hardly in a position to criticize anyone.

exeprime

It is forbidden to post that photo without the video.

"Well let's get those nerds!"

"NERRRDS!!"

"NEEEEEERDDDDDS!!!!!!!!!"

+ Watch video

KaneRobot

Wait... from Playboy? Of all the quality publications?

winterfruits

Europeans throw a better party anyways.

OFF TO GERMANY!

Black-Dog-Howls

In case you missed it, you should find that article incredibly insulting. I'm a little personally pissed he even had the indecency to bring Asperger Syndrome into the fray, ignoring even the fact that he spat in the face of its sufferers again by misspelling it.

Fuck you. Aside from the sheer ass-hole-ey-ness to it all, the fact is FUCK OFF. Old E3 needs to be reborn bigger and better, and geared toward the exact OPPOSITE of you. That being those nerds who actually give a fuck about what is being said.

Bobby McPresscott

I miss the old E3. It's only a matter of time when the current E3 will degenerate back to what E3 once was.

SiN13

Wow thats a pretty good analogy/burn, especially coming from Playboy, because they're soo well known for their writing.

That said though, there is plenty to hate about new E3. Its pretty much lost all any excitement it had. Nothign exciting is announced at E3 now and games that were announced fail to turn up as playable demos at all.

Whilst we all know how terribly interesting listening to corporate performance is to fanboys (nyahahaha nintendo still beats microsoft at making mowr cash?), the people that actually give a shit about E3 press coverage are the gamers. I don't expect E3 coverage to make frontpage on WSJ.

haracas

I still say there is a happy meddian somewhere.

EmeraldDragon

@Ophanin:
It's really called "Asperger" after the guy who discovered this autistic syndrome...

Superuser

"The old E3 was like a four-day bender with your friend who just discovered how awesome crystal meth is. It's entertaining at first, then it gets tiring, then annoying, then scary, then you wake up in jail without your pants."

Yeah, the old E3 was fucking awesome!

Quilt

So, why are so many other expos like PAX doing so much better then?

All I read in the article was some guy didn't like the old E3, because 'Other people' were there. Meh. I say forget E3 and lets move on to the other gaming shows that actually seem to care about more about everyone, and not just a few journalists and some industry types.

Salen

Have to disagree here. While he might have a point about the "extreme" nature of the old E3, he forgets that it was all part of the hype. And when you had the promise of hype, companies brought more of their A-game. None of this crap Microsoft pulled with holding back a big name title at the last minute because things were dull.

Also, he mentions how people were trying to get work done. What E3 did he used to attend? It's a trade show where you show off your goods. That's it. Somehow I don't think the people attending or the "extreme nature" of it all prevented anyone form doing this. If anything, it only helped them and got people excited about their products.

ShadowXion

The Playboy writer is clearly a weak-willed milquetoast, and should no longer be permitted to attend industry events.

The old E3 was glorious, and I weep to think that it is no more. However, I believe that it will return, larger and louder, and those of us with the necessary spiritual fortitude will be there to partake once more in the demented spectacle that once heralded the season of bacchanalian summer nights.

DreadSpaniard

The old E3 was more a celebration of our industry more than anything else. We never got much work done during it but it was definitely a time where everyone in our industry can get together and put some faces to names. And beers to lips. And cameras to booth babes. I miss the old E3...

samuraiyu

I was really enjoying the article and its even-handed treatment of the console wars, especially the brighter side of Sony's lineup... then got up to the bit about music games. While his criticism of Kai Huang's... bending... of the truth is fair enough, this bit isn't:

The only trouble is, Harmonix took the soul with them. Because with every new version it seems clearer that Guitar Hero is merely a video game, while Rock Band is truly a music game.

Rubbish. In both games, you press coloured buttons in time with a music track. That's not making music, no matter how much we wish it was true. And GH WT is actually going to include a music creation feature, for heaven's sake. I feel sorry for the Neversoft guys, constantly having to put up with digs like this. You see them everywhere. I love Harmonix, but they're not gods.

freakout

He's from Playboy...

KM91

this article was actually amazing and a poignant display of common sense.

hotdamn

Despite the fact that he is in some way associated with Playbody (Hey, so is the guy who sells advertising space.) This guys sounds like he's resentful of anyone who has sex. The whole article was rather insulting.

Eville1

"hygenically challenged man-children futilely chasing their ever-receding childhoods"

This all sounds familiar...Wonder if Scott Alexander knows Kate Muir and Kay Hymowitz.

Helkaurain

I totally agree with him about the old E3, although in many ways Playboy has the same sort of problem.

With the whole "booth babe" culture, it got to the point where I was embarrassed to check gaming news during May in public. But in the same way, I can't really read the brilliant writing in Playboy on the train either.

sxp151, the happy-headed nose

@Super_Nintendo_Chalmers:

Have they? You mean writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Mark Twain have all written for playboy? I was not aware.

Anyways his description of the event is not spot on. If you read the original article you'd find this:

"I've been going to E3 for years, but I don't typically mention it in polite company. That's because up until recently, saying that you'd attended the Electronic Entertainment Expo (i.e. the world's pre-eminent video game conference) would generally be met with a mix of blank stares, pity and revulsion."

The guy is clearly so superficially wrapped up in his self image that he is ashamed to mention video games in a conversation. So why should we care what someone as insecure as this has to say about a video game expo that has clearly declined in all aspects since it's change?

NeoAkira

@nintend0nick:
@Superuser:
@thisisasignin:
@Bobby McPresscott:

Not to be ants at the picnic, but a simple google result for "Asbergers Syndrome" returns sites such as:
[www.webcare.md]
as well as other sites that seem to use the term "Asbergers" and "Aspergers" interchangibly, although the "Aspergers" spelling appears to be more in use by the general population.

So, holy crap, chill.

On topic, I really don't know if conventions such as E3 are even as necessary as they were in times past. Sure, I would love to go to one (even the E3 this year!), but it seems that the majority of announcements are coming either directly from companies or at a company's own press conference or the like. So, is a convention like E3 even relevant anymore?

Ophanin

I actually... kind of agree with him.

In any case, this type of voice is needed - I think the big publishers are getting nostalgic and teary eyed right now. I remember them complaining every year about the old E3's expense, how hard it was to get anything done, how noisy and unproductive it was, even how it was too early in the year (games were shown in too rough a state).

E3 was changed only because the people who actually went there to show off the goods wanted it to be changed... now they want to change it back... funny.

chantastic

@exeprime: Wow, sounds like we have a real winner here.

As I said, Playboy may have a long list of well-respected writers, but this guy is not one of them.

deadjesterx

@Sparky13: So true, so true.

Brian Ashcraft

@Super_Nintendo_Chalmers: Agreed.

The greatest journalism upsets people, and makes you debate a topic. Gaming journalism should be no different. Now you are thinking about E3 of the past, present, and future, are you not?

This shouldn't be mistaken for sad lists of "YOU'RE A QUEER IF YOU LOVE WII GAMES X AND X", or someone trying to be witty through some lame picture comments. An actual article written on a premise that upsets you and makes you think about what you would like something to be - and an opinion on it's past.

This is good work, written in an inflammatory voice, don't take it personally, just talk about it.

I for one couldn't give less of a shit about E3. I'll let everyone here at Kotaku sit through the event and let me know what goodies may come my way in a year or two. It's just multiple days of reassurance from companies and hardcore advertising. Make it an enjoyable experience for the journalists that may give your small new game a boost, and E3 will be fruitful.

wtfomg

Well if he was trying to sound smart, it would've been better if he had spelled ASPERGER'S correctly.

nintend0nick

That is a pretty awesome description. I still think there is a happy medium between what is was and what it is now.

ion1626

And now back to E3, or move forward to Leipzig GC :)

Sorry, for the doublepost!

Superuser

@Dev: Agreed sir!

wtfomg

@Ophanin:
The more you know...
[en.wikipedia.org]

Superuser

@Superuser:
Ah, that came in when I was writing my other comment.

Really not familiar with it, so I really can't speak of anything for it.

Ophanin

@Superuser:

.....

Alright. Listen very carefully.

I did a search of "Asbergers Syndrome"

It returned results, more notably from WebMD, which I find to be more or less a credible source for online medical information.

So, it's possible.

At best, it's an alternate term for it, at worst, a common misspelling.

Besides, the point of the article is not to belittle people with a disorder, the point is to talk about E3.

So, I stand by my statement.

Ophanin

LOL at all the "Playboy" ignorance.

Playboy has employed some of the best writers in the business for over three decades. Some of you entitled to your ridiculous comments... but please refrain from looking ghastly unintelligent if at all possible.

ty.

rainofwalrus

The guy's right.

I would wager most of you complaining about this article have never been to E3.

He has, and I have too. And he's right.

My guess is most other people who have been to the "old E3" would agree.

badasscat

Nice excerpt. I may have to subscribe to that magazine again. For, uh, articles like this one...

Ptolemy

@Ophanin:
Oh, I forgot: It's pretty common to get upset about such a thing for people having this syndrome ;)

Superuser

What's funny to me is how personal people take this simple write-up of a bygone media blitz.

Hear me out though, now listen to this:

These comic geniuses attack the credibility of the writer through the publication in which his opinion is expressed (playboy), why? because it's a famous pornography magazine, and they refer to it as simply that, a nudie mag, which in my honest opinion if you read playboy expressly for it's pornographic content while also owning a computer capable of internet access, you'd stick out -just a little bit- in this conversation.

Those who don't, and have never read playboy, in fact they'd never be caught -dead- reading one of those dirty skin mags...

well what are you doing talking about it's credibility anyway? sounds a bit phony to -me-.

Not trying to single anyone out here, just trying to be fair.

The other camp seems to think the validity of the article is crushed because of a spelling error.

Let's disregard these people completely.

Not trying to single anyone out here, just trying to be fair.

But the biggest punchline of all, I find, is that many of these same guys who just hate the attitude while necessarily agreeing with the article try to denounce it because they feel, insecurely, that they're being attacked by the author in some weird, non direct way.

You, other rational person, doesn't this defensive wall smell -a little bit- like insecurity? Same folks who in the 'Movies beat out games' articles on this very site almost have to validate themselves and their habits by tearing down the perception that, maybe, just maybe, these stereotypes enforced on geek culture just -might- have a basis in reality?

But does it -really- matter?

It seems to me anybody who is comfortable with themselves and their habits doesn't need to validate them through angry online message board ranting.

That being said, i don't run into a whole lot of comic book nerds trying to convince me that somehow Graphic Novels will one day be as accepted in literary circles as traditional text. You know what they do? they just read comics.

Not trying to single anyone out here, just trying to be fair.

Oh and, just to kick over your little sandcastle a little bit -more-, don't bother attacking me personally, I'm not going to come back to this discussion. Yeah, that's right, i won the argument, i won't read anything you've typed and I'll have gotten the last word.

Just learn to take things, a little -less- seriously please?

Dev

Cleverly written, but making fun of Asperger's syndrome is a low blow and totally derailed any point he may have been trying to make.

ghostgirl

wow a lot of people before me have pointed it out. oh well.

MormonJay

I may have asperger's syndrome, but at least i can spell it.

MormonJay

Wait, that's already been addressed. Disregard that.

Narsil

"Asberger's Syndrome"? Really? Try As-P-erger's. Asperger's. Damn, get an editor.

Narsil

The old E3 was getting hard to take seriously. It was like a really loud commercial with a lot of bluster and little substance. Now it's all subdued, but still with little substance.

SeedyXX

Yeah! God forbid people get excited about these things.

Now it's all business, like it should be.

r0bVious

Hey, kids, when a writer describes an event as a 4-day bender that ends with you waking up in jail without pants, you might want to stop and consider that maybe he's joking. Seriously, why are so many people such well-trained sheep? So quick to get offended.

dunetiger reads kotaku, seems pleased

@badasscat: Dunno. I went to three of 'em (2004-2006), and they were great. I haven't heard anything good about the new format. *shrug*

DreadSpaniard

Why is a playboy fratboy saying such stupid sh*t?

He needs a new job. Anyway I don't see the problem, last E3 was a bunch of people enjoying themselves in a series of drinking, women and gaming events. It's only for like 3 days, there's no sex, no violence (from what I know) and nothing bad about it. I think the guy must just like the new E3 and want to throw a p*ssy hissy over the fact that most found it uninteresting.

I personally think E3 needs a revamp, it's got stale due to the fact that there's minimal announcements, too many sales pitches and gloating over market dominance, uninteresting layouts and with the audience mostly being journalists there is less of a reaction (I like to hear the cheering and stuff).

Llost

well people enjoyed it, so who gives a fuck? besides that, e3 was just an excuse to delay things or make fake points in the development cycle, and in the end things get rushed or delayed, neither of which makes a game good. also i think he spelled 'asperger' wrong.

Xeros606

@zanzibarlegend: As decrepit as Hugh is looking, do you really think he's non-smelly?

All the perfume in the World can't cover up the smells of a diaper.

Soldier_CLE

But...Ogre eventually JOINS the nerds....

JayrodT

@Llost:

it's no use. If you read his comment you'd see his argumentative skills are shot as he failed to do little more than generalize and consider his argument the best although he had yet to even address anyone in the comments.

NeoAkira

Looking at this year's E3, I can't imagine how anyone could think ill of its previous incarnation.

mrdietsoda

@Bobby McPresscott: AH FUCKING MEN.

seriously, E3 needs the people back. nobody goes to lollapalooza to see editors swoon over the artists. its the people that helped get the artists to where they are now. (crucify me for this analogy, i'm standing on this.)

WE, not analysts,celebrities,athletes,pornstars,musicians,(insert),etc have helped gaming become a movement that has even made Hollywood turn its head. E3 needs to give back to us gaming geeks simply because we idolize the people who make them. there has to be a crossroad where it doesnt turn into a total nerdfest,i apologize PLAYBOY, E3 is about games. if you want to be surrounded by suave,sexy, and non-smelly types... go talk to HUgh Heffner. he throws the type of event u might be interested in, Aspereger-Free and all.... i think
/end rant

zanzibarlegend

And a "writer" from Playboy matters how?

Reading articles from a washed up magazine built on the pretenses of a shriveled old man, some money grubbing (and over-rated) bitches, with articles that try to capture what used to be good reading, but is now left to "old hat" taste; trying to say "Hey America/World! I'm still hip, ya know?", is nothing short of being both tragic and humorous at the same time.

I'm still waiting for some "truth serum" to come out, where the women admit that they are money-grubbing attention-whores that are trying to hide their current/former stripper/escort gigs, that Hugh is just a shriveled old has-been, and that their nude product hasn't got shit on the porn industry; of which some of the pornstars look better than their bunnies!

And for the record... Old E3 was not the worst of parts of Nerd Culture.

This year's Nintendo E3 Presentation was! But, I am sure than Hef wouldn't want you to write that in, being as he might've wanted in on that M. Night Shylaman action, right?

Soldier_CLE

@Dev: That sounds kind of like those arguments that just try and say 'you have to agree or you're just being defensive'.

Why should we listen to this guy? Firstly he's from a playboy magazine, I don't know about you buy I have a problem with some recurringly trying to live a pre-teen horny state of life coming and bashing gamers for a hobby. E3 had no real problems in the past, no one complained because it was just a fun and colourful presentation for the public. Now they've took that away and made the presentations alot more dull and filtered out the public making it a PR stunt fest that's diluted and meant to impress journalists with small back door presentations rather than the cool and interesting public spectacle it used to be. It's no longer about the fans, it's no longer about having fun with the gamers and the audience, it's about PR.

Secondly why do you think we all agree with him but disagree just because he insulted us? I personally just think E3 has become diluted (for the above reasons). It's even had the exact same response from alot of the people who had to do the presentations themselves. I was slightly annoyed by the gaming insult but because I'm not like that it's hard to take it too personally.

Llost

Oh, and I also think it is very hypocritical to flame Mr. Alexander for making general statements about nerds while doing the exact same thing concerning Playboy readers.

Oyn

@scott a: As a journalist it may have improved your efficiency to freely move around and get to more events but you have to admit that the event has become alot more stale. They've took away the fan spectacle that E3 used to be and made the presentations alot more dull and filtered out the public making it a PR stunt fest that's diluted and meant to impress journalists with small back door presentations rather than the cool and interesting public spectacle it used to be. It's no longer about the fans, it's no longer about having fun with the gamers and the audience, it's about PR.

There's no reason to kid ourselves that the new E3 is great even if we did dislike the old one (which it sounds like not many did). We're also not saying that you can't know games just because your a playboy writer but the comment you made was judged to be aimed at most gamers 'hygenically challenged man-children futilely chasing their ever-receding childhoods'. When the audience you write for are mostly horny pre-teens or the overly horny pre-teen like adults who just try and get laid all the time and think that's the be all and end all of life.

Although I doubt you are Scott alexander I'll write this anyway :p

Llost

I think it's amusing seeing all these game companies coming out saying what a failure this E3 was, when it is primarily their fault in the first place. The show is only as good as the announcements, news etc that com out of it, and they didn't have much. Why should publishers have to shell out of all this other frivolous bullshit when they can use the money for game development?

Oyn

Wow, now I see it.

The over-defensiveness of nerds and the lack of any reasonable argument other than name calling (dur dur Playboy) of frat boys is really coming through real clear in this comment thread.

Guizzy

Oh oh oh oh! I know how to best phase this.

"E3 has changed." /Snake

Salen

Okay, there were problems with the old E3, but what they've turned it into is an huge over-correction.

Me, I think I would've first tried to fix the old E3, by narrowing the parties that could attend for the first three days, then adding an extra day or two and allowing anybody to attend during those days.

The extra length involved would've forced developers not to go overboard with their booths. Allowing only game industry insiders and journalists for the first three days would've made it a lot easier for business to get done. Having two days specifically open to everybody else would make it easier for the average gamer to attend.

Of course I may be wrong about that actually fixing things, but I'm fairly certain something on that scale would have done the job. Instead the E3 organizers scaled it back so far, that it's essentially changed from an expo to a press event.

The problem with that is, as far as major game developers are concerned, they can hold press events anytime. This reduces the importance of the E3 to such an extent that they don't need to lay everything on the table. They can hold off and reveal their games through a press release, a magazine, at conventions or at the Tokyo Game Show.

In other words, it changes the E3 to a once in a year news avalanche, to business as usual. People only interested in business as usual are probably going to appreciate it, but everybody else will just be disappointed.

WolvenOne

Scott Alexander here, greatly appreciate all the feedback on the piece. Wanted to toss out a couple of facts about myself to clear up any misconceptions.

1. I do not hate nerds. The vast majority of us are very high-functioning, lovely, warm, funny people. As with any subculture, tho, there's always a lunatic fringe. Turns out those were a lot of those guys wandering the floor of the old E3. There were of course plenty of wonderful people there too, but they didn't cause the same kinds of issues. Or odor. I should also cop to the fact that I'm probably carrying around a little residual bitterness about having to deal with this element at previous shows. It really did make my job harder. And then there was all the shouty army guy macho crap. Wait, the PTSD is starting again. My main point was that for a journalist, this E3 was far more efficient and I got to see a lot more games. (for the record I liked Santa Monica too)
2. It is possible to both work at Playboy and understand videogames. I've been a technology journalist for 15 years, six of which were at ziff davis. I also completed Ultima I when it came out on my Atari 800 and in seventh grade was making Lode Runner levels that spelled out "scott is cool." You get the picture.
3. Big mea culpa on my misspelling of Aspergers. I will have a word with my copyeditors.

scott a

I think he meant to spell it "Assburgers", as in, the condition one finds himself when inserting foot in mouth and chowing down till one reaches his glutes.

Having gone to old E3 .. he's right on at least one merit. There was definately a culture clash between the EA-Sports booth (populated by off season hooters babes encouraging nerds to take 3-point shots for prize money) and the arcade-style booths overflowing with tech and plasma screen goodness. The fact that playboy needs to publish a how-to on E3 talking points just goes to show how desperate the "frat boys" are trying to fit in (and cash in) on geek culture. If you're not convinced, see exhibit B: Cybergirl.

All things aside, we find ourselves at a point in time when game companies would rather spend the cash on their own conventions rather than invest in someone elses' brand name. Once there's a critical mass of people who give a frak about a title (a.k.a. community) companies find they get more out of having their own prom, without the meathead mafia.

// Going to PAX
/// Goes to Gencon Indy
//// Doesn't do E3 anymore (see above)

cyr3n

@KrelianAngel: I'd agree with you if the person who wrote the article was, say, they sports writer who talks about Marlin fishing off the coast of Mexico, but since they have an actual tech writer/games enthusiast on this article, I think you're just desperately trying to pick nits.

Reuptake

Man playboy sure knows their games eh? This coming from someone like them doesn't surprise me. Of course they can't get into the spirit of an exposition like the old E3, because they don't care enough to be excited about anything there.

KrelianAngel

Eh I was a little for the change in E3's direction originally, but all I can think of now when reading this is "compared to what...?"

Kiyosuki

@Odin: I'm with you on that - July just seems way too late, and it's right smack in the middle of the summer game drought.

Reuptake

Honestly I think the worst part about the new E3 is the month, it's just the worst kind of time for any event. Should have toned it down still but kept it in May.

Odin

This guy is right on the money. The old E3 was like some kind of satanic carnival for the senses, which may be entertaining and shiny the first hour or so, but it was a situation where you lost track of the forest for the trees with the spectacle and distractions that abounded. To be blunt, I really like the fact that the actual GAMES get more emphasis now than booth babes and all the other dog and pony shit of yesteryear.

And seriously, Playboy has some of the best writers in the business - I know it's easy to take a poke at them, at the "articles," etc., but when I want pornography I just fire up the internet. Playboy has always had fantastic writers.

Reuptake

Whatever...I had the priviledge of attending the old E3 multiple times. It was a lot of fun if you're not a member of the press or a blogger who has to document it all. I was just there to play new games, get free shit and take pictures with booth babes. Frankly, I miss those days.

Zanch

@Dev:

As silly as it is to read Playboy for the porn when you have the internet, it's equally as silly to buy it for the articles when you have access to the internet - since you can read many of these same articles online and you can also find much better thought-out arguments on various blogs if you so feel inclined.

Of course, this point is moot if you're the type of person who absolutely, positively must read whatever Scott Alexander has written the very second it's off the press.

Koztah

@Bobby McPresscott: Mr. Sensitive is sensitive?

BobTheChainsaw

@Llost: you're right of course about the new E3 in that it leaves an uncomfortable gap from what it used to be. The industry does need something with a bit more spectacle to it. However, that type of event does not do its job for journalists. I feel like the ESA dropped the ball when they changed the format of the show, but ignored the 80% of the old E3 that was fan-driven. They should have essentially the same old show in September (closer to when the fall gaems are actually starting to come out), without pitching it to the press.

To clarify, I was not talking about gamers in general in that piece *at all*. Only about the scary fanboys who are obsessed to the point where they'll fake press credentials so they can wait in 4 hours lines and see two games a day.

I of course take exception to your characterization of our readership, but then you probably figured on that.

And but also! I am actually scott alexander, although I know there's no way I can prove that to you.

cheers
s

scott a

Is anyone else tired of hearing about/talking about E3? God, we know, it sucked, let's move on already.

ƒox

@Soldier_CLE: THAT WAS PURE WIN! didn't think of that. LOL

zanzibarlegend

Honestly I think the words nerd and jock were the worst things to ever happen to human culture but I'm gonna go off on a tangent here and I have a migrane...

...shouldn't even be typing.

Kiyosuki

@scott a: I am curious to see what your definition of "nerd" is. It is one thing for a person to like games, and maybe even attend their events. But to broadly categorize them?

Based on this generalization, perhaps if I go to the Defense conventions, I am an "Army nerd"? Nevermind that I were in that line of work for years until recently, but still.

Perhaps if I go to an X-Games, like in LA this past weekend, I'd be an "extreme nerd"? How about any other event where alot of fans gather... like The World Series? Does this make me a baseball nerd"? They can be pretty smelly too.

The truth is that with any mass gathering, you will have people of many different extremes, from the ultra-conservative in a suit an tie, to the extremely fanatical, and regardess of who you let in the door, you will have both to some degree. As far as functional for your journalism, how would some of the "eye candy" affect your magazine, which one of it's elements is based on that specifically? (Booth babes, I hear, are also great filler for gaming mags, too!) So, you have a couple of cos-play fans out there, and it doesn't fit up to your cup of tea. I'd wager that most would agree that they'd rather have that than the snoozers that filled up this E3 event.

P.S It's interesting to me that a journalist of what is supposed to be a "Gentleman's Magazine" would trivialize two mental health conditions; Aspberger's Syndrome and PTSD...

Soldier_CLE

Wow... that's surprising coming from Playboy, but it's exactly what I imagined the old E3 to be like.

goddessakasha

People, what does it matter if he writes for Playboy? Does that somehow invalidate his opinion? He's been to E3 for several years; that alone gives him more qualification to talk about it than 99% of the people here. I think people here are just having a knee jerk reaction reaction to a negative comment, and so are lashing at at any perceived weakness, be it his medium or his ability to spell.

Let's face it. E3 was a fight to get people's attention. It may have been cool, but it wasn't practical. So this year sucked. Was it E3's fault, or was it that many companies either didn't show or had nothing to show? Even if it was E3's fault, they're trying something new. Few things work perfectly on the first try. Give it a couple chances before you call it a failure.

Tiber

@ƒox:

a little, but whatever.

Kiyosuki

This guy needs to get entered in the QOTY contest. I love his metaphors!

subnet6

@Tiber: With all due respect, *any* convention or place of mass gathering serves a purpose to garner attention. The thoughts that the type of attention it brought upon itself is what IMHO made this year's E3 suck.

I will agree that this E3 was an epic failure. But I would disagree to think that this format should be tried multiple times past what had already been tried.

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results." -Anonymous

This year's E3 formula tanked in many people's opinions, whether it be people who attended, or the online peanut gallery.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to write for "Knitter's Weekly", so I can get press passes to write at E3 2009.

P.S I have been to E3s in years past, and never cos-played, and I shower twice daily. Does that also qualify me to write on about E3?

Soldier_CLE

@journies_end: Yeah, but that's a burden that rests on the companies and developers, not "E3" itself. There's no connection between a smaller venue and a lackluster showing by a company.

Reuptake

I had no gripe with the size of this year's E3. So it was only in one hall of the LA convention center? Whatever. No bright lights, pounding music, or million dollar booths? That's fine. Its all about the games, right? Once the game announcements started poping up on the net, did anyone say to themselves "wait, what DID the Capcom booth look like again?" or "what was that music playing at the Blizzard booth?" It was all just superficial flair.

Even if it was just a peek, just a glimpse, a title screen or a pre-rendered trailer, we gamers would lap it up like the salavating dogs that we are. When Nintendo was asked why didn't they show off any Triple A first party titles they explained that they ARE working on a new Zelda, Mario, Pikmin (or at least the "Zelda Team" and "Mario Team" are "busy working")... but not even a piece of conceptual art or tech demo? Remember E3 2001? Mario 128? Zelda for the "Dolphin"? Meowth's Party? Luigi's Mansion? Half of those titles never even saw the light of day, the other half, not anywhere close to their final builds. Were is that giddy sense of "let's show the world what we CAN do" even if it's not even what they're doing? I hear people who complain about that fakey Killzone 2 demo for PS3 a couple of years ago? If you're gonna show off, shoot for the stars I say.

Whose bright idea was it that because E3 isn't so big this year so their announcemnts need not to be as big as well?

journies_end

@scott a:

The misspelling would have been forgivable if you hadn't mentioned the condition in such an appallingly insulting context. Now how about you apologize for THAT?

Asshole.

liquidnumb

@Soldier_CLE: I'm not sure where your foamy ire is coming from exactly... obviously you're taking some of what he's writing about personally, but doesn't that just smack as a huge waste of time?

I'm not sure what this whole argument over his credentials is about either. He's a journalist, a tech writer, and has been doing this shit for years.

Why such a defensive attitude anyway over terms like "nerd," etc.? Are you telling me there aren't people who like video games who take it to the extreme? Even if they're a small minority, they're definitely over-represented at events like E3.

Relax. Enjoy the sunshine.

Reuptake

@Llost: "last E3 was a bunch of people enjoying themselves in a series of drinking, women and gaming events."

... and that's exactly why he called it nerd culture meets frat culture.

Just_as_planned

@synapticflow: Wat. He said the old E3 with all its booth babes sucked. It's what the article is about. He likes the new E3 and its lack of booth babes.

Anyways, this guy is smart, and I have a feeling the people he is talking about are the same bigwigs who have been dogging the new E3.

As far as us gamers, we should be blaming publishers for releasing such garbage news at the new E3, not the ESA. It's really no different to us, all we get out of it is game news, and that's nobody's fault but the exhibitors at the show that it's been sucky.

Mit

and why is someone from Playboy talking about E3 and why does he care? I guess there were no booth babes around for him to proposition.

synapticflow

I think that we have seen the light after have an terrible E3 and we need to bring it back to what it once was or get rid of it completely. The spectacle of it is really the only reason for having it.

PERSONALLY I am going to PAX for sure.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IVE SAID THIS, "Thank god I live in Washington."

Devil240Z

I'm almost at a loss for words...

Really, for those of you who have the audacity to try and hold the fact that Mr. Alexander writes for Playboy against him: You. Are. Morons.

@liquidnumb: Message to Scott: No apology needed.

Jest

@i_am_ben: I was just about to blame Halo for it myself.

The game did wonders in opening up hardcore gaming to broader audiences (and for that I do appreciate it), but it certainly has generated its fair share of problems too. I just wish cross-platform play had been in place for Halo 1 when it launched so the hardcore PC crowd could have gotten in on the action.

I'd bet Xbox Live wouldn't be the mess it is if the frat population playing Halo had been diluted by the generally less "frat-f***" PC population.

[www.penny-arcade.com]

Just a quick final note though: I do like Halo. I think it's a great game.

Corion

What a douche. At least he writes for Playboy and not something credible. He can't even spell either. Serves him right to not be able to spell as he throws insults at everyone left and right.

Gam3r

@Ophanin:

My being insulted had little to do with the syndrome reference, it was the bashing of who/what I am for enjoying what I enjoy at my age and my cleanliness level.

thisisasignin

If they did the old E3 but spaced all of the events over a longer period of time, would people be happy?

Were there seriously that many people butthurt about the crowds and the noise and the smell of sweat? Jeez, welcome to every convention ever. Excitement draws crowds, crowds are loud and smell like shit, but at the end of the day anybody who isn't a socially retarded hermit has had a good time. Also, I don't remember seeing a single brosef drowning in a keg or anything, so I don't really know where this is coming from.

Mr. Mastodon Farm

Can't say I was ever that enticed by the old E3, pretty much for all the reasons above, but nerds need a good bacchanal as much as anyone else.

cynopt

Looks like Scott Alexander described his own magazine's audience in a nutshell.

gencid

"Old E3 Was Worst of Nerd Culture Meets Worst of Frat Culture"

Funny, I think the same thing about Playboy.

KypFox

Ogre!

Nerds!

Strangelove

@Dev: Also, this really merits Comment of the Week.

"You, other rational person, doesn't this defensive wall smell -a little bit- like insecurity? Same folks who in the 'Movies beat out games' articles on this very site almost have to validate themselves and their habits by tearing down the perception that, maybe, just maybe, these stereotypes enforced on geek culture just -might- have a basis in reality?"

"That's gold, Jerry! GOLD!"

Jest

Wow... words fail me. Why do so many people here think that the writing from Playboy is on the same level, as, say, "Juggs" or something? Clearly these people have never even READ articles from Playboy, or know if its long journalistic history that goes beyond topless centerfolds.

For Christ's sake people, the nudie stuff in Playboy isn't even that racy by today's standards. The point is, anyone who's written for Playboy has serious journalistic cred and something to put on a resume' that's more than desirable by the journalistic community.

Reuptake

The funny part is the only time any guy reads playboy is when they are taking a sh*t, and anyway real geeks read Heavy Metal and Lemon people...

runewarlord

It is Aspergers Syndrome. I should know that.

soulofaqua

@haracas:
Believe it or not Playboy actually does have excellent writers write for it from time to time. Plus good cartoons. I think there's anoth important aspect to that magizne, but I'm just totally blanking on what it is

M-26-7

Although I do not agree with Mr. Alexander's comment, he is an exceptional editor and an avid gamer as well, he's on our side in terms of gaming folks. Playboy is not exactly my first reach for gaming related news, but to deny that he speaks to a large audience that did attend E3 regularly goes beyond saying that he has a right to speak his mind.

However, I attended a high-end sailboat expo this summer. The purpose of the expo was for major yacht makers and other companies to exhibit the newest trends and sailboat designs to guess who? That's right.. the people that will buy them.

I think the main point of contention that I have with the article was failing to mention how successful E3 was at marketing upcoming products to the consumer base in a real time "in your face" manner. I mean other than a Saturday night stroll through an Istanbul Bazaar, is there anything else that compared in this country in terms of getting your new product out there?

I remember attending E3's grandfather, The Electronic Expo back when it was in Chicago and had an absolute blast. I did make many purchases based upon what I saw there and actually imported a Turbo/Duo (PC Engine) because of how much I enjoyed the NEC booth at the time. It was loud and obnoxious then just as it was 2 years ago when the Stasi erm.. ESA closed the doors to the public. I guess I'll have to experience my Gaming Bazaar through live feeds while Mr. Alexander enjoys his Kid free (Aka. the... um... consumer) experience up close.

Patient

@SonnyBoy: word

ShadowScale

@liquidnumb: Aspergers is not a real disease/condition, hope this helps.

That Lamer

@Bobby McPresscott: So how long have you been self-diagnosed?

That Lamer

@Reuptake: Arguably, taking the time to place a thought or opinion on a blog's forum could be considered a waste of time, but we are doing it anyway, aren't we?

Taking someone's opinion personally... I fail to see how; since I am entertaining their views with my own. Perhaps a critique is taken personally by everyone in your vantage point?

Actually, I would contend that you are rather defensive about the writer in question, since you don't seem to like the fact that I make note of what seems a broadened cast of stereotype within the use of the term "nerd", in relation to a gaming event, such as E3.

As for the credentials, I would say that you are making more an arguement, since I have later read your comparison's of Playboy as literary verita, compared to "Juggs" magazine, which I add, may also hold literary value. Hell, Hustler had quite a few compelling articles in the 80s.

For the record, I am aware of Playboy's journalistic history, and even acknowledge that at one time it had great writers. But quite frankly, I don't share in your enthusiasm in their journalism today, as I find their prose to be a bit bland, and to some degree candy coasted pretentious. Their 20 Questions, I can do without, their must have items are all "old hat", and most of their featurettes are lackluster in reading quality.

If you believe that just because someone writes for Playboy that it gives them "cred", that's your perrogative.

Me? I'll believe it when their writing shows their talent.

And there is nothing personal about that.

Soldier_CLE

Saltzman wrote for Playboy. Hudak wrote for Playboy. Hmmm, only two of the most famous videogame journalist ever.

rainofwalrus

@rainofwalrus:

... Which would be alot like saying Andy Warhol and George Mukai did artwork for American Bride magazine. Great artists, but it doesn't necessarilly make for a great medium for their work.

...Just saying.

Soldier_CLE

@Soldier_CLE: I'm not defensive, just a little stunned. It's obvious you have your mind made up, and that's cool. As to your opinion of their current journalistic standards, well, you can have it. But the bottom line is that any writer that had the capacity to dress themselves properly would jump at the chance to be able to put a playboy reference on their resume.

The whole "nerd" comment... dude... I suppose we could come up with a more politically correct term, like, "hygienically challenged, socially dysfunctional video-game/anime enthusiast," but the label "nerd" doesn't really bother me. It comes from a stereotype that has a basis in reality, and it's quite well represented at E3.

I'm not being defensive in the least - this guy and this article don't need defending. I guess I'm just a little taken aback by the massive negative response by a few people here.

Reuptake