E3, easily known as one of the world’s largest gaming events has reopened the doors to the public. As reported by the organizer of the event, Entertainment Software Association, E3 2017 will allow a limited amount of public entries into the event. How limited? How’s 15,000 tickets sound to you?
Welcome back, consumers. Consumer passes go on sale Feb. 13. https://t.co/upcqHeX3V7 #E32017 #E3isComing pic.twitter.com/exwi9PgiD4
— E3 (@E3) February 8, 2017
The ticket sales will go on sale as of Feb. 13th, 2017, will cost $250. Early birds can a snag a less expensive ticket at $150, which will be limited to 1000 tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the E3 website here. While that may seem like a lot of money, that’s still cheap. Compared to $795/$995 you had to pay if you were part of the Press/Media, but didn’t get approved for a free pass.
This isn’t the first time that E3 was open to the public either. Back during 2015, they allowed up to 5000 fans to attend the event in a limited capacity. Prior to that, from 2006 – 2008, you could attend E3 if you had your own blog or attempted to get involved in the gaming/media scene. This, in turn, caused a large number of free passes to be provided. Due to the outcry of exhibitors and the media, Entertainment Software Association restructured the event to an invite-only affair. Since then, E3’s numbers dropped tremendous and have been slowing rising ever since.
Honestly, I’m not really sure what to think. On one hand, I think it’s great that the public is allowed back. However, this will add more people and cause longer lines for various attractions. The press has a hard enough time as it is, this only complicates things. Now, if it was something similar to how Gamescom or TGS does it, but allowing 1/2 days for press or industry persons, and the other day for the public, that would be perfect.
As it stands, it definitely doesn’t seem like ths is going to end well. But we can only wait and see. I’m still trying to decide if the trek to the West Coast may even be worth it now. That said, should a certain console make an appearance, then I’ll likely change my plans.
E3 2017 will run from June 13th – 15th, 2017, and will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
