So E3 isn’t dead, just ’stripped down’ and moved to July. That’s cause for elation and depression. Elation because, hey, two more months to make that kickin’ demo. Also elation because there’s more separation between it and GDC.

What’s depressing is that, in the new stripped-down, all-behind-closed-doors format, being sent to E3 to pitch your game is going to suck.

I tend to agree with those who opine that some other show will rise up to take the role that E3 did for wheeling and dealing. Already,AGC has sent me mail suggesting themselves as an alternative, and PAX has reportedly gotten a surge of interest from publishers. The industry isn’t just dancing on the grave of E3, it’s dirty dancing, and nobody puts baby in the corner!

Last but not least, I like Greg’s idea of abandoning the pretext of it being a trade-only show, and making it a pure gaming festival that welcomes all gamers. Hell, it was already a trade show in America where people who went would frequently take their geek-friendly significant others. What, paper gaming can have dozens of public cons, but video games are too good for that? I also agree with one commenter that PAX is well on the way to being heir apparent to that ideal.

Original comments thread is here.