E3 Attendance Up, 2012 Dates Announced

E3 organizers the Entertainment Software Association revealed that this year's conference saw 46,800 attendees, slightly more than 2010's 45,600 -- it also revealed planned dates for 2012's event. Despite the increased attendance, that number is dramatically lower than the record 70,000 people it hosted in 2005, before the ESA stepped up its efforts to make the show more of a game industry-only conference. Over 200 exhibitors brought their wares to E3 this year, and more than 120 retail companies from 18 countries participated in the show's VIP Retailer program. International participation grew, as representatives from over 106 countries showed up, compared to 90 in 2010. The trade group also confirmed that E3 will return to the Los Angeles Convention Center next year on June 5-7. It notes that the 2011 expo contributed around $25 million in revenue to Los Angeles, too. "This year’s E3 propelled video games to the pinnacle of the entertainment world," says ESA CEO and president Michael D. Gallagher. "The industry’s innovation, creativity, and excitement combined to show the world the ultimate entertainment experience." Gallagher adds, “The positive news generated by the event reached all parts of the world, and we are looking forward to building on this great momentum in 2012.”