How to Do E3 the Right Way
Advice and stories from industry vets and a (wannabe) E3 expert
This year, the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3, in Los Angeles, Calif., decided to open its doors and let fans and other non-industry people attend the previously industry-exclusive event.
For those who don’t follow gaming closely, E3 is a massive convention where developers and publishers show off their latest batch of games to the world. For many gamers, E3 has been a dream of theirs that they could only experience from watching online streams and peripheral fan events outside of the convention halls. But this year, fans will get to experience first hand the incredible gaming spectacle that is E3.
Take it from someone who attended the convention for the first time last year, it can be an exciting and overwhelming experience all at the same time. All you’re thinking about on the road to E3 is all the new games you’ll get to play and all the industry professionals you’ll see. But it is important to plan ahead and consider other items that you may have missed while dreaming about playing the new Star Wars Battlefront Sequel. With that in mind, here are a few tips and stories to help you in your first trip to E3.
Getting a Hotel
After you’ve gotten your tickets — If you haven’t, get them now before they sell out — you need to think about where you are going to stay. If you live in Los Angeles County, you can get away with driving from home. Just keep in mind that parking at the convention center will run you an average of $30 per day. So you might be better off taking a Lyft or Uber to the convention center.
For everyone else, booking a hotel in the right area can make your E3 stay much more enjoyable. Downtown LA is the kind of area where you’re on a street lined with nice restaurants and jewelry stores one minute, then you turn a corner and you’re in tent city on the wrong side of Broadway. Typically, you want to stay near the convention center.
There is a pretty good selection of hotels within a two-mile radius of the convention center. If you’re flush with cash, some highlights include The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, JW Marriott Hotel, The Ace Hotel, and The L.A. Hotel. While you are paying a premium by staying near E3, you will find everything you need within walking distance. There are plenty places to eat and play at L.A. Live.
If you’re on a more modest budget, you can choose a hotel or find an Airbnb in one of downtown’s surrounding environs. Some safe bets are Hollywood, Little Tokyo, and Miracle Mile. You’ll be a few miles out from the action, but you are still close enough to take a ride sharing service or bus there. Plus, you’ll be staying in neighborhoods where you can experience some of the other things L.A. has to offer.
Plan Your Days at E3 and Get There Early
Being that E3 is the premiere gaming convention, you best believe the convention halls are going to be packed with other people who want to experience all the new games as well. The lines last year were incredibly long and I didn’t get a chance to experience some of the highlights like the Resident Evil 7 haunted house Capcom set up or the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild demo. That was when the event was mostly industry only. I can’t imagine what the lines are going to look like this year.
To ensure that you get to play the games you really want, it is crucial that you set a day or two dedicated to going and waiting in line at the booths that have the game you really want to play. The organizers of E3 post the layout of the booths in advance (NeoGaf user Rösti already posted it here), so use these floor plans to organize where you are going to go first.
Going early before the convention doors open will be also be key to playing the demos you want, on the day you want. Many attendees line up an hour or two before the show floor opens. Keep that alarm clock handy and be ready to wake up early.
It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to pick up your badge before the opening day of E3. Many people will be picking up their badge the first day, and you will again be waiting in line just to get in the door. Many a lines await you inside the convention halls, why not get one of them out of the way?
Dress for the Occasion
This one will vary depending on what you are there for. I know, I know, we are all there for the games. But you have to consider all the different people from the industry who will be there. You might be playing the demo for Red Dead Redemption 2 when a photographer covering the event will snap a couple of photos to feature for their coverage.
Some of you will be going there hoping to network and meet people who work in the industry you dream about. Be sure to dress the part. Most of the time, its the very devs who worked on the game who will be running the demos for their companies booth.
If you’re looking to work in gaming media, E3 has many of your favorite outlets covering the show. You will see plenty of them interviewing those very same devs who are running the booths. Most of these people will be happy to say hi and snap a pic with you, just please be respectful of their time and remember that they are at E3 working.
No matter who you are though, be sure to wear comfy shoes. The show floor is massive, and there are many peripheral events happening across town that will have you walking all day and night.
Talk to People
You never know who you might run into. When you are roaming the halls of E3, it is unbelievable how many of your gaming heroes and icons are just walking the halls.
Last year, I got to meet two of my favorite gaming journalists who I have watched since their stints on G4 (R.I.P.) and influenced me to do what I do. And wouldn’t you guess it, they were more than happy to take a moment and talk to me about their first E3 experiences.
Here is Nerdist’s very own Jessica Chobot and her father talking about their respective first time at E3:
And here is another G4 Alumni and all around gaming guru, Adam Sessler, remembering his first time:
If it is your first E3, it can be intimidating to see so many of your heroes in person, but don’t get overwhelmed. As I mentioned earlier, many of the are very nice and would be happy to talk to you.
E3 2017 is taking place in Los Angeles from June 14–16.
Special thank you to Jessica Chobot and Adam Sessler for taking the time out of their busy schedules for an interview.
