Hewitt said that they have discussed the new E3 format with new and former E3 members but would not comment on how many have endorsed the deal (although the CEOs of Electronic Arts and Ubisoft have endorsed the new E3 in the official press release). A number of ESA members left the organization this year, including Activision and Vivendi Games (now merged as Activision Blizzard), LucasArts and id Software. As far as how much room the new E3 will take up in the LA Convention Center, Hewitt would only say that they are expecting to use more than one of the halls in the venue. It's likely that a return to a larger E3 will also give the ESA more revenue and allow them to lower their membership fees.

E3 exhibitors have the final word on how much money they will spend on their E3 2009 exhibit hall space, according to Hewitt and that also applies to their use of booth babes. Many have wondered if a return to a large E3 will also mean a return of the many LA models that were used for eye candy at many of the E3 booths in the past. Hewitt told us, "On background, there were always guidelines to ensure that what the models wore were tasteful and appropriate. In addition to other elements of the event, like decibel levels, etc., we monitor this type of thing to ensure the event isn't drawn down by needless distractions. If companies decide to have models, then similar guidelines will be in place."

IDG World Expo also runs the consumer game show E For All Expo which was formed after E3 was cut down to an invite only event. The first two editions of the show (in 2007 and this year) have underwhemed in terms of game industry participation and ticket sales; only 15,000 people attended this year's event. Big Download contacted IDG World Expo to find out if E3 2009's larger presence will affect E For All in 2009. As of the posting of this article we have yet to receive a response.

Finally, what about Penny Arcade Expo, the fan-driven event that has exploded in attendance since E3's cut-down in size? 58,500 people attended this year's show this past August, which is close to what E3 use to hold. Big Download sent emails to their reps for comment but as of now we have yet to receive a response.