Senior industry sources confirm E3 downsizing rumours

Senior industry sources have confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that the E3 expo will return in a different form next year, following a unanimous vote by US publishers.

One source told GI.biz that the board of the Entertainment Software Association discusses whether E3 is still offering an effective arena to showcase games each year.

This year, many of the publishers who hold seats on the board requested that an alternative be found to continuing with the show in its present form. ESA president Doug Lowenstein presented a new proposal - and it was unanimously approved by the board.

Another source confirmed that the ESA is set to announce full details of the new show format shortly, with a statement expected later this evening.