E3 thrilled fans, but everyone agrees: The show must change

The Entertainment Software Association, the industry group that operates the influential Electronic Entertainment Expo tradeshow in Los Angeles each June, sold E3 tickets to the public for the first time this year. And it was easy to spot the rookie attendees — not just because they wore bright yellow badges, but also because many looked lost and gloomy.

In many ways, E3 2017 wasn’t all that different from the 2016 show. Microsoft moved from the west hall to the south hall, but most other booths were in the same place and used the same layouts that they’ve always had. This year’s show also had about the same amount of food options, security, and other services compared to past E3 events. The only real noticeable difference: 15,000 public attendees wandering the halls and looking for something to do.