CES organsier will not compete with new E3

The Consumer Electronics Association will not be launching a gaming event in the US to compete with this years' E3 Media and Business Summit.

Contrary to rumours, and following the CEA's own considerations to compete with the new E3, the organiser of the annual Consumer Electronics Show has backed down from staging a videogame-specific event.

"Although the CEA was prepared to launch a new event, the recent announcement by ESA that it would open its event to both ESA and non-ESA members and would include PC and wireless gaming, led us to conclude that a new spring West Coast event would likely not serve the best needs of the industry," revealed Karen Chupka, senior VP of events and conferences for the CEA.

However, the CEA is not ruling out hosting such an industry event if it sees an opportunity in the future, as it looks towards related markets with the potential to cross-over with gaming experiences.

"At this point we will continue dialogue with the industry to determine if the need for a broader gaming event exists for 2008," said Chupka.

"We believe that consumer electronics are a vital part of the gaming experience. Broadband access, quality surround sound, large HD screens, portable video devices and cutting-edge furniture, all can make the gaming experience immersive."

"Gaming and consumer electronics are inseparable and we continue to look for ways to work together in our mutual interests," she added.â

Next years' Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, January 8th - 11th, will feature a Gaming TechZone for exhibitors to showcase upcoming gaming products.