60,000 interactive entertainment professionals from more than 70 countries converged on the Los Angeles Convention Center for the eighth annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3Expo). According to the show's owner, the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA), approximately 400 exhibitors showcased thousands of new computer and video games and products, including more than 1,000 never-before-seen titles. "This year, E3Expo focused on the ever-evolving, highly-advanced interactive software that reflects why millions of Americans have made video games their entertainment of choice for the 21st century," said Douglas Lowenstein, president of the IDSA, the trade association that represents U.S. computer and video game publishers, and the show's owner. "E3Expo 2002 showcased the computer and video games that will be on consumer shopping lists this holiday season. In fact, according to show exhibitors, about 75 percent of the products shown at E3Expo will launch in time for the coming holidays." This year's E3Expo also included a newly expanded conference and workshop program featuring a faculty of more than 125 industry leaders. E3Expo 2003 will be held in Los Angeles the week of May 12, 2003. The popularity of this year's E3Expo certainly shows that gaming plays a powerful role in the animation industry, not only for career opportunities, but in licensing deals for popular animated properties. At E3Expo, THQ showcased more than a dozen Nickelodeon games as part of its exclusive publishing deal for Nickelodeon's individual animated television and movie properties. Cartoon Network and game developer Majesco recently announced a deal to develop Game Boy Advance titles based on various Cartoon Network characters. And many popular animation-related licenses were featured at E3Expo including THE POWERPUFF GIRLS, SHREK, MONSTERS, INC. and SCOOBY-DOO. Look for full E3Expo 2002 coverage coming soon to Animation World Magazine. Exclusively online at http://www.awn.com/magazines/animation-world-magazine.
