For the first time in the Electronic Entertainment Expo’s nearly 22-year history, the trade show will open its doors to the general public.
E3 2017 will offer 15,000 “consumer passes” priced at $250 USD each, with $150 USD “early bird” passes available on the first day of their availability.
Each pass will provide holders access to the show floor, panel discussions and other events for all three days of the expo.
For years, there have been pushes for E3 to make itself available to the public, as previously, the show only allowed entrance to exhibitors, the media and others with verifiable connections to the gaming industry.
Now, it’s actually happening.
“The feedback we heard was clear — [fans] wanted to play the games inside the convention center,” said Rich Taylor, the Entertainment Software Association’s senior vice president of communications. “In addition, exhibitors inside the convention center wanted to have access to the fans. So this year we’re bringing the two together.”
Last year’s event saw the introduction of E3 Live, a free event held outside the Los Angeles Convention Center that allowed the general public access to upcoming games and more.
This year, the entire show floor will be accessible to any and all who manage to score a pass.
“It’s a changing industry, and E3 has always evolved to meet industry needs and anticipate where we’re heading together — as an event, as an industry, and as fans,” said Taylor. “The decision to open our doors to 15,000 fans was a strategic decision. It is thanks to our members and their vision and leadership that made this possible. We have a model that allows the business of the industry to continue for our business and media attendees and provides an opportunity for video games’ biggest fans to experience the latest in innovative, immersive entertainment.”
This year’s E3 will take place June 13th to the 15th at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
E3 2017’s “consumer passes” will go on sale next Monday, February 13th, at 9:00 a.m. PST.
Those interested should keep an eye on the official E3 2017 website, though you can stay connected to Nintendo Wire for information when the tickets go live!
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Written by Daniel Dell-Cornejo
Daniel is an editor at Nintendo Wire. Always with his head in the clouds, he is never apart from his creative thoughts – a blessing for an aspiring fiction writer. As a journalist and lifelong gamer, he aims to provide readers with the very best in Nintendo coverage.
