If you ask pretty much everyone, the 2008 edition of the invite-only E3 Media and Business Summit was a huge letdown. Many people have been wondering for years why the owners of E3, the Entertainment Software Association, don't make the show open to the public like the Tokyo Game Show does.

Well, Kotaku is reporting through unnamed sources that a proposal for a public E3 has now been put forward to the ESA's board for consideration. Of course, even if this is true it sounds like such an idea is in the very early stages and could be vetoed for another fomat. However if it goes though that would likely be the last we will hear of the E for All Expo (both E3 and E for All are organized by IDG World Expo). A public E3 could also affect both exhibitor and attendee interest in Penny Arcade Expo which has surged in attendance and importance in the game industry following the switch to an invite only E3 in 2006.

Update: Big Download contacted the ESA for comment and received this response from its senior VP Rich Taylor: "As we do every year, the ESA solicits feedback and direction from exhibitors and attendees on how best to adapt and evolve the E3 Media & Business Summit to ensure it meets their needs. Each element of the Summit is opened for discussion and that process is ongoing to execute a productive and efficient experience. Regarding today's published reports, the ESA does not comment on rumors and speculation and will make an announcement about the details and logistics of the 2009 E3 Media & Business Summit at the appropriate time."