EA leading the move away from E3, claims senior source

A senior industry source has told GamesIndustry.biz that next year's E3 expo is in jeopardy because publishing giant Electronic Arts has taken a stand over rising event costs.

The source, who did not wish to be named, claimed that EA has been meeting with show organisers the Entertainment Software Association in a bid to drive prices down.

Rumours that major industry players are pulling out of E3, resulting in a massive downsize for the show, began to emerge last week via trade publication MCV. The ESA has yet to offer comment on the rumours, but an official statement is expected within the next 24 hours.

The suggestion that EA is leading the move away from E3 is not entirely surprising. Speaking to GI.biz at this year's show, senior executives expressed concern over the value of the event - suggesting they had chosen not to show many key products there because it is no longer the correct venue for that type of unveiling.

Other industry sources have told GI.biz that major publishers are planning to place more focus on retail shows - as retailers are also turning away from E3.

EA had yet to respond to requests for comment at the time of writing.