E3 2012: E3 could abandon LA for 2013 event

The Entertainment Software Association has threatened to abandon Los Angeles for next year’s E3 if its concerns regarding ongoing construction of the LA Convention Centre are not addressed.

A warning was issued by the ESA last year when it hesitated in renewing its Convention Center contract beyond 2012 due to concerns about upcoming changes to the venue.

"We’re still in discussions with the city of Los Angeles but we have a number of issues that still need to be resolved," ESA president Michael Gallagher told LA Times. If we can’t resolve them, we are preparing to go elsewhere.

"We need assurances on things like square footage, the quality of the space, the ease of loading and unloading equipment, signage throughout the convention center for marketing and sponsorships.

"We love being in Los Angeles, but we also have a show to put on."

San Francisco, New York, Chicago and New Orleans have all been named as possible candidates for E3 2013.

E3 has been held in LA for 16 of the 18 years it has been in operation.