E3 sees record attendance, 2014 dates announced

48,200 game industry professionals, analysts, journalists and retailers from 102 countries attended E3 2013 in Los Angeles this week, surpassing last year’s record total of 45,700. Roughly 230 exhibitors showcased their products at E3 2013, which generated nearly $40 million in revenue for the city, according to event owner and organiser the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which has also confirmed that E3 2014 will return to the LA Convention Center from June 10-12.

ESA CEO Michael Gallagher said: “This year’s E3 showcased the best that our industry has to offer and channeled the immense energy, drive, and enthusiasm for video games onto a global stage. Thanks to our members and exhibitors’ boundless capacity for innovation, billions of consumers are seeing the future of our industry through this outstanding landscape of creativity, technology and content.”

By the time E3 2014 rolls around, we’ll have a better idea of the impact of this year’s announcements from the platform holders. Will new Mario, Mario Kart and Donkey Kong games have the desired impact on Nintendo’s flagging Wii U hardware sales? Will pre-owned and online restrictions lead Xbox fans to abandon the brand? And will the positivity surrounding PS4 help Sony reclaim some of the market dominance it held pre-PS3? For a catch up on all of this week’s major talking points, check out our Xbox One E3 2013 press conference recap and highlights, PS4 E3 2013 press conference recap and highlights, and Nintendo Direct E3 2013 recap.