E3 launches open-to-the-public satellite event
[UPDATE] E3 Live will take place June 14-16 at LA Live complex; free show sells out in less than a day
[5/24 UPDATE]: The ESA announced that E3 Live completely sold out within a day, with "tens of thousands of gamers" claiming all available tickets. The original story follows below.
The Electronic Entertainment Expo is finally opening its doors to the general public (sort of). The Entertainment Software Association today announced E3 Live, a satellite event to the annual trade show that will take place at the LA Live complex (right next door to E3 proper at the Los Angeles Convention Center) June 14-16.
E3 Live will be a free (but still ticketed) event open to the public, with opportunities for fans to check out some upcoming games, compete in events, purchase collectibles, and take home giveaways from a number of sponsors. Attendees will also be able to experience a performance of Pokemon: Symphonic Evolutions, a touring concert of orchestral arrangements of music from the Pokemon franchise.
The ESA is expecting 20,000 attendees at E3 Live, and tickets are available now on a first-come, first-served basis. Participating companies in the event include Twitch, Facebook/Oculus, HTC Vive, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Alienware, and more.
"As E3's official live streaming partner, it's great to see them continuing to evolve this tentpole event," said Twitch VP of business development Benjamin Vallat. "Since the heart of Twitch has always been our platform's accessibility to all members of the gaming community, we love that everyone will now have the opportunity to check out the latest games and connect with each other at E3 Live."
E3 Live won't be the only fan event at the LA Live complex during E3 week. Electronic Arts is having its own EA Live event at LA Live's Club Nokia June 12-14.