X-Play broke the story earlier in the week, but now it's official: The Electronic Entertainment Expo will be back in June 2009, in its old home in the Los Angeles Convention Center. It's being held June 2nd through June 4th, and while the show won't be open to the public, it will allow a broader range of "qualified computer and video game industry audiences, including international and U.S.-based media, analysts, retailers, developers and business partners," than in the last two, invite-only E3 conventions.
According to Entertainment Software Association, organizers of the show, "After conducting both qualitative and quantitative research, ESA officials stated changes were necessary to better meet the needs of both exhibitors and attendees— these changes include increased booth sizes, increased qualified audiences, and an intensified focus on reinforcing the high-octane growth, innovation, and captivating entertainment that are driving the computer and video game industry."
As for whether booth babes and other old-school, over-the-top shenanigans will be welcome at the show, consider this quote from Laurent Detoc, president of Ubisoft North America: "The video game business will be twice as big in 2009 as it was in 2006 when we had the last real E3 Expo - so get ready for some fireworks!"
Fireworks! Schweeeet.
