The following is the text, uncut and unedited, of the ESA’s “official” statement about E3:

Entertainment Software Association Announces Evolution of E3Expo for
2007
Monday July 31, 1:46 pm ET

WASHINGTON, D.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 31, 2006–To better address
the needs of today’s global computer and video game industry, the
2007 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3Expo) is evolving into a more
intimate event focused on targeted, personalized meetings and
activities, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced
today.

“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.

“E3Expo remains an important event for the industry and we want to
keep that sense of excitement and interest, ensuring that the human
and financial resources crucial to its success can be deployed
productively to create an exciting new format to meet the needs of
the industry. The new event ensures that there will be an effective
and more efficient way for companies to get information to media,
consumers, and others,” said Lowenstein.

Additionally, the evolution of the video game industry into a vibrant
and expanding global market has led to the creation of major events
in different regions, such as the Games Convention in Leipzig, the
Tokyo Game Show, and company-specific events held by Sony, Nintendo,
Microsoft, and others around the world. As a result, Lowenstein said,
“It is no longer necessary or efficient to have a single industry
‘mega-show.’ By refocusing on a highly-targeted event, we think we
can do a better job serving our members and the industry as a whole,
and our members are energized about creating this new E3.”

Additional details about the new E3Expo event will be forthcoming in
the next few months.

The ESA is the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and
public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games
for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and
the Internet. ESA members collectively account for more than 90
percent of the $7 billion in entertainment software sales in the U.S.
in 2005, and billions more in export sales of entertainment software.
For more information about the ESA, please visit www.theESA.com.

Contact:

Entertainment Software Association (ESA)
[Contact information deleted]
Source: Entertainment Software Association (ESA)