The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has announced that the Electronic Entertainment Expo, popularly known as E3, will remain in Los Angeles through 2015.
“We are proud to partner with Los Angeles for another three years. The City serves as a strong backdrop for the video game industry’s biggest announcements and we look forward to remaining in LA,” said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, which represents U.S. video game industry. “Video games are a dominant force in the global entertainment marketplace and there is no better place to display that than Los Angeles. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the City and AEG.”
There was speculation that the largest U.S. gaming expo could be leaving L.A. amid reports that the Entertainment Software Association were uncertain about renewing its contract due to construction issues.
In addition to the news of the extended contract, it was confirmed that E3 2012 will take place from June 11 through June 13, 2013. In 2012, E3 generated $40 million in revenue for Los Angeles as over 45,000 video game industry professionals from 103 countries gathered together for the three day industry trade show.
"The City of Los Angeles is thrilled to welcome E3 back for another three years," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "My office was committed to doing whatever it took to keep the largest annual conference that the City hosts here for another three years. I personally joined in the negotiations, and we worked with all parties to ensure the needs of E3 would be met. The City is grateful the Entertainment Software Association continues to view LA, the entertainment capital of the world, as the ideal location for the world's premiere video game convention."
The three-year agreement with Los Angeles also ensures E3 will continue as scheduled alongside AEG’s plans for downtown Los Angeles, including development of the new Farmer’s Field, one of the major hindrances in negotiations.
“ESA’s commitment to remain in Los Angeles is a critical endorsement of Los Angeles as one of the nation’s most important convention destinations,” said Timothy J. Leiweke, president & CEO, AEG. “Working with ESA to provide the confidence in scheduling they have requested has truly been a collaborative effort. We are also grateful to ESA for their thoughtful input into the design plans which will result in the most efficient and modern facilities that will not only benefit E3 but all of the new conventions that will come to Los Angeles. On behalf of our City and AEG, thank you ESA, we won’t let you down.”
Registration for next year's event is not yet open, but additional details regarding registration, hotel, and travel accommodations will eventually be made available on the official E3 website.
