Seems like E3 is a party bend rather a professional industry event.

#1 should also extend to any public establishment. Please do not wear lame "gamer culture" shirts in public!

Suddenly reconsidering my TGS wardrobe. Are long dead franchises OK? My Makaimura T-shirt is bad ass.

Oh, come on, what's wrong with wearing the occasional game-related shirt?  There are plenty of other music, movies, TV, and pop culture-referencing shirts out there that I'm sure you'd deem acceptable.

1. Who cares what a person wears as long as it is not outside the industry standard? Think about what music press wears. How is this any different? The developers set the trend, the press follows.

2. Agreed. If this is the focus on why to be there and it hinders a person's ability to be fair and unbiased, then that is a problem.

3. Another, who cares? This is a widely accepted practice. When you are at a landmark event or place sometimes it is nice to have a picture. If this becomes the person's focus then that is a problem.

4. Agreed. That is gross but sometimes people are not allowed to wear antiperspirants for religious reasons.

5. I am on the fence with this one. They should not act like fans but they are. Sometimes it is hard to contain emotion when something really exciting happens. The press conferences are done in a way to excite people. Emotion is hard to contain all the time.

6. "I don't like to wait. Oh no there is a crowd watching something I don't think is important!  WHAAAA!" This happens. Get over it. It is the freaking WORLD CUP! Go around.

7. That was uncalled for and someone should have said something to the Superfan.

I have a complaint about how "journalists" and writers keep complaining about trivial problems with E3. Would it be better if there was no E3. Do you know why it is good for E3 to be as huge as it is? Because they would hold more of their big releases spread out though other events in other countries. This would make your job MUCH harder to do.

The difference is an EA developer wearing an EA shirt serves multiple purposes: One, it makes 'em easier to identify so you know who to talk to about certain products. Second, they're promoting themselves and their product at a trade show. When a neutral member of the press shares that personal advertising with someone selling something, it doesn't look good.

There's rarely "going around" when small areas are wall-to-wall packed with unmoving people. And I'm not saying "Oh no, they're in my way" as much as I'm saying "Why are they stopped to watch TV when they're here to do work?" Although the whole "making me late for meetings" thing is something I hate as a result, too.

No, it wouldn't be better if E3 didn't exist. That was never something anyone considered when saying anything bad about E3. E3 is huge, and awesome, yes. But it has problems, and that problem is people doing a poor job of doing what they're there to do. You're misconstruing the point. I'm not here saying "Woe is me, E3 was awful." It wasn't. Some of the press were.

I'm also not saying you shouldn't wear what you want. But keep in mind that it looks tacky to wear shirts with Microsoft branding all over them while attending Nintendo's or Sony's booths, y'know?

Kudo Tsunoda and J Allerd have looked like they were bordering on homelessness onstage at E3.

http://29.media.tumblr.com/zosiKdiAgog8xhz2ZpC1Zx0uo1_500.png

Great points, Mitchy! 

A member of the media shouldn't wear a game-related shirt while working as a member of the press because it delivers this message: "I endorse this product." This is especially improper if the media member is wearing a shirt from a product of a company he's covering. It's like wearing a Yankees jersey in the press box at Yankees Stadium. Just because the people in the industry look like slobs doesn't mean its press should as well. Wear a collar. It won't hurt you. And it'll keep you looking professional. 

And speaking of sports, we had a saying: "No cheering in the press box." We had exceptions: We clapped for the national anthem, when someone walked off the field after an injury, and so on. I couldn't believe the knuckleheads who screamed when companies announced games at their press conferences or went wild in the background for G4 broadcasts. Have a little self-respect. I clapped when the show choir sang during Konami's press conference and Karaoke Revolution: Glee announcement, but I clapped because they were high school kids making a performance. Otherwise, I sat on my hands.  

And speaking of self-respect -- I spent only a few hours on the show floor Wednesday, and I was embarrassed by how some media members were opening asking for stuff. One guy at the 2K booth came up while I was making an appointment for Civ 5 and asked, "Whatcha got?" I'd never heard of the media outlet that I read on his press badge. I just shook my head. 

You nailed it, Jason. I applauded when people came onto and exited the stage because they're doing a presentation. Welcome and goodbye, y'know? Thanks for showing us. That kind of expression is totally normal. "Hell frakkiing yeah, I love this franchise" kinds of celebrations don't make any sense at all. When someone *performs* like the choir, again, totally fine.

I'll note on your anecdote, too, that every guilty party in these instances came from an unrecognizable GameWebsiteZonePortal.net outlet. Not that being a freelancer qualifies me to say what we should or shouldn't do, but the bigger outlets know this stuff, and as far as I've seen, they don't do anything silly. They wear their own shirts. They take notes instead of standing and clapping. They get things done.

1. Completely agree with and have followed that rule for all the events I attend. Even at more casual events like PAX, if you're working treat your job with respect, PR people will remember you more for dressing well and being the opposite of the gamer stereotype than being head-to-toe in an APB shirt.

2. Again, completely agree; in fact, the only 'free stuff' I got were the shirts they left during closed-door videos. For me, they typically only offer the larger sizes so I'm out of luck with my Medium or Small requirements so I actually end up giving my stuff away or just leaving it there.

3. Yes and No. If the "booth babe" is there giving a demostration, then yes, you should let them do their job. Unfortunately 90% of the costumed babes are there merely to get their photos taken and to show off the product. I would recommend first asking the girl politely to take their picture rather than shoving a camera in their face. They will never say no and it at least shows you have some manners. At the same time, if you're Press, do you even have time to take that many photos?!

4. Again, can't agree more. PAX is the worst with this...of all the companies that give out free stuff (looking at you NOS), why doesn't AXE, Old Spice or any other fragrance company give away shower gels and other fragrances? People like free stuff, so give them something that we all benefit from.

5. On the fence with this one. You should clap because someone put an effort into the preceedings and they should be given credit but don't whistle and scream like a girl at a Justin Bieber concert. Show your support but it should definitely be subdued and comments, regardless of positive or negative should be kept yourself until later. You do have remember that not everyone at Press Conferences are Press so those cheers might be another developer or a developer's friend who is giving out their support.

6. Only 1 game per day was actually shown (the 11:30 PST match) and the World Cup isn't just any ordinary sporting event. If the Stanley Cup Playoffs were on for you, you would appreciate that. In fact, the game they showed the most was RSA v MEX from last week, so one was really paying attention. Thursday was the biggest as both Ubisoft and Slang (Lucha Libre) were showing the games on their TVs as it was France v Mexico. Also, a lot of foreign press were there, so they were happy for the opportunity to watch even for a moment. Lastly, FIFA 11 was there, just behind closed doors and the WC 2010 demo was at that booth (it was at the side)

8. Again, can't agree more and thankfully that never happened at any of the meetings I had. It's the same for up-and-coming journalists who see another writer they look up to. Don't stop them to get a photo or to chat; they are twice as busy as you are and don't have time to chat. If you are doing fan-boy stuff, then you're clearly not there to report on the game so wait until the end and get your stuff signed then.

Another one that I would add would be for Journalists to be a bit more tidy and respectful in the Media room. Yes, it was nice that the ESA gave you a free box lunch but could you at least pick up your stuff afterwards and throw it out, don't leave it on the floor. Also, keep your chatter to a minimum, not everyone has to hear your opinions on a game or your view that Kirby on the Wii looks 'gay'.

In the end, it's all about maturity and unfortunately, the young Gaming Press are still way too young to realize this.

Again, I realize that there are more folks attending than the press. I am specifically referring to the press people I saw. If you're an artist at Insomniac, by all means, do a backflip when the Dead Space 2 demo ends. If you're covering the event, maybe don't. :)

I'm aware FIFA was present, but I'm referring only to the clogged up hallway outside west hall. Even if it were the Stanley Cup, or the Super Bowl, that's now why you're there. It's like going to a film screener as a movie critic and reading a book instead. It doesn't make any sense.

Totally with you on the courtesy thing, Marko. I heard similarly derogatory comments from dudes watching the MS presser when Kinectimals came on screen.

You affirmed fears that I had, but I'm not particularly surprised. Probably my favorite E3 related read. Good job! 

I give you extra kudos for not naming names.

I was going to take umbridge with #1 until Mitchell pointed out how you could be showing bias towards one particular company.  I've never been to any sort of game show, but I would liken it to somebody interviewing Rajon Rondo after Game 7 of the NBA Finals wearing a Kobe Bryant jersey.  Fair or not, bias is an accusation that will always be thrown at journalists covering all types of media, and wearing something that could easily be viewed as promoting one brand or company over another is foolish at best.

I really enjoyed this piece. While I may not agree with every point 100%, you do make a good case for them all. Every year when E3 happens I get really surprised at how many in the press act like it is just a party and not like they are there to do a job. I do love hearing about the human element of E3, and not just the big, money wasting extravagance. Thanks!

Got to say I completely agree with you there Mitchell, and with the points Jason made also.You go to these events as a member of the press, to do a job and do it professionally.Act professional.

Number 5 just goes too far!

I realize that you aren't at E3 to watch sports but it's the damn world cup. Being at a Gaming Event doesn't put your love for your team on hold. 

And number 6. Don't you think it would make someone...especially the person standing on stage happy that people were excited about the trailer. Who cares if they let out a whistle. 

 

As far as the rest go, i agree for the most part except  on number one i don't think it's terrible to wear a video game shirt unless it was swag that was given out that weekend. 

I think you need to learn the expression "Is that the hill you want to die on?"  It would be better for your sanity and health if you were able to let 90 percent of the things said above slide.

I totally agree that you shouldn't turn your passion for sports off when you're working, but the fact of the matter is... you are working. I don't think it would be appropriate for someone on a business trip to ignore the reason they're there to take a seat at a pub on the way to catch the NBA finals.

One more point. . . do your favorite video game media sources get the job done? Meaning, are you well informed of the upcoming games and hardware that are coming out after E3? If so, who cares if they spent an hour watching the world cup, cheering a press event, getting pictures with booth babes, or wearing a game related t-shirt? If they want to work and god-forbid have a little fun, more power to them. It's not like it's a casket convention or something.

@Jason:  Regarding #6:  It's funny you mention the cheering in the press box, as I was reading the article I was reminded of something similar I did on my first day working media relations for the Atlanta Braves years ago.  My boss was showing me around during the game and we stopped at the press box for a while.  The right fielder picked up a base hit and threw for home plate.  He managed to throw out the runner heading for home for a phenomenal play.  As the catcher caught it (being a lifelong Braves fan) I got caught up and said: "YEAH!".  The press box turned around and glared at me as one.  Lesson learned.  As a professional journalist any type of overt enthusiasm for a particular brand undermines your objectivity.

1.  Agreed. You wouldn't see a sports writer wearing a team jersey at any interview or any sporting event. It automatically injects 'bias' to people you're writing about.

2. True story: I was waiting in line for the Kinect with a friend (which took the 2 hours because Microsoft had to stop and let random media members get camera shots).  There was guy yelling out for free t-shirts and my friend goes 'And they wonder why they don't take us seriously'. Game journalists do represents 'the gamers' to some extent, just like music writers represents concert goers, and sports writers represents the fans in the seats. And considering that game journalists get free review copies and gifts anyway, a t-shirt means nothing to have to bother other people for.

3. On the fence. I've personally felt bad for many of the booth babes because they have to interact with many men who act like they've never seen a woman before. While I don't think many writers should pose with them, it's a modeling gig to most of these girls and exposure is currency for them. The more they're seen, the more gigs they can acquire.

4. I don't care where you from, wash your ass should be a golden rule for leaving and mingling with other people.

5. What people do on their break time is their business. However...it is too easy to get trapped into places at E3 because people decided to just stop moving to look at something.

6. That's gonna be a tough one because many journalists are fans first. I believe people who write about games do so because they genuinely love video games. And without reaction, it's hard to believe any writer who's not moved by anything. I'm pretty sure some music writers do applaud at music concerts.

7. Sad, sad stuff.

Now, a lot of people don't see the big deal because the press gets to go to E3 after all.  And for free! But the in exchange for free access to the biggest show, they have to write, retrieve videos, do interviews, get screenshots, and do it in a timely manner because they're competing with each other to show the same info. It's work they're doing, not partying and reporting back the good times.

As far E3 going away, it did to some extent and it was replaced by PAX, Gamescom, and TGS. The more events to cover, the better because it forces game journalists to actually travel, attend, and write about events, as opposed to creating a lame blog just for the E3 access because I'm sure that never happens, right?

All excellent points.  Personally, I was showering at least twice a day.

Yeah seeing all the "journalists" running around with advertisements plastered all over their bodies was...um...let's say, frustrating.  I feel bad for accepting one free thing.  But it was out of necessity at the time and karma got me back for it when I left it, and all my written notes, behind at the convention center. <_<

Can't say I agree with the applause one.  Certainly the hollering and going crazy but...just clapping?  I think that's just common courtesy.  This company just showed you something that a lot of people -- some of whom are probably there -- spent a lot of time working on.  Why isn't that worthy of acknowledgement?

You should probably take your own advice and try not being so "rigid and cranky".  You can't let one or two bad experiences dictate your expectations for the rest of them.

I don't know that you should feel bad for accepting free things. After all, companies do bring the stuff there to share with you. Yes, it's promotional, which is why I don't want to wear it on the floor the next day. But I received a really nice Alienware pullover -- that they were ONLY giving to the press, apparently -- that I'll use in the fall when the weather gets sour. But you won't see me wearing it to Razer's private meeting room. I think that makes you look awful, and like Jason said, like you're endorsing a competing product.

I'd take number 7 even further. Whether it's going to delay a meeting or not - don't ask your interview subject for an autograph. How are they supposed to take you seriously when they know you worship them? It's just bad form. This was always a pet peeve of mine back in the day.

Yeah, it's great to show off all the cool games you got signed on your weblog...but it's just not very professional.

Edit: Oh... the dudes who tried to start a standing ovation after learning they were being sent a new Xbox Slim at the end of the presser were pretty pathetic, too.

That was so god damn embarrassing it made me sick. I thought about trying to squeeze that into this bit, but I feel like Microsoft is equally at fault for the way they presented the "You all get a FREE Xbox!" thing. It's despicable that those gents tried to get a standing ovation started, I totally agree. That they tried to celebrate broadcasted *bribery* is just astonishingly depressing. 

@Kenneth 6. "That's gonna be a tough one because many journalists are fans first. I believe people who write about games do so because they genuinely love video games. And without reaction, it's hard to believe any writer who's not moved by anything. I'm pretty sure some music writers do applaud at music concerts."

No, it's not tough. It's called being a professional. Sportswriters can do it -- and, yes, many, if not all, are fans of sports -- but they can do it. Just be a pro. Sit on your hands. And outlets should encourage their staffs to do so.

Bill Simmons', one of my favorite sports journalist, doesn't sit on his hands or is afraid to show his bias. If anything, sports journalists should be more like game journalists. They are covering sports, sports are fun, or at least they should be.  I really don't want video game journalists to become a bunch of joyless cynics who are afraid to admit that they had a good time.

Couldn't agree more. This was my first E3, and I noticed some stark differences between that show and CES:

1) The Dress Code-- As you mention, the typical E3 attendee runs around in a grungy gamer shirt, and you'll occassionally see a polo or collared shirt. Meanwhile, shorts and flip flops were common. Not only is this unprofessional, but said gamer shirt eliminates any pretense of objectivity. On the flip side, CES is a far-more professional, business-oriented atmosphere. Attendees go business/casual-business, and a collared shirt and khakis are the unofficial minimum requirements. Suits and ties are common. It would be considered a faux pas of the highest order to go to Microsoft's keynote wearing a "Windows Rox" shirt.

2) Demographics-- This one probably comes with the territory, but CES sports a much older crowd. Whereas the typical E3 attendee looks like they're just there to mess around and play games, the CES crowd is more business oriented. And I daresay more CES attendees have seen a woman (and been "intimate" with one). Again, E3 partially brings this on itself with its party atmosphere, but there's far fewer booth babes at CES, and rightfully so. You're there on business, not to try in vain to pick up a chick way out of your league.

3)  Bias-- Yes, there were some fanboy cheers when Microsoft showed the Halo trailer at this year's CES. But by and large, you don't see the same whooping and hollaring as you do at E3. As the author mentions, gaming journalists are in the business they love, but there's something to be said for objectivity and being non-biased. The post E3 coverage of the 3DS from most publications reads like an ad. Hell, they're doing themselves a disservice. Why would companies spend as much on paid advertising when they get 100% free advertising from fanboy journalists? I'm surprised Steve Jobs hasn't figured this one out.

4) Free shit-- E3 has a lot more swag than CES (though I'm told CES had more in the past). Let's be frank here, though: unless you got invited to Microsoft's press event (and thus, got a free X-Box), the free shit--t-shirts, stickers, pens, online codes--is not that great. It's certainly not worth acting like drunken frat boys and sex-crazed adolescents just to get a low-quality Rockband tee. Before E3, I read a number of "Survival Guides" urging attendees to run around grabbing as much free shit as they can before they do anything else. Really, people?? Really? There's something about free shit that makes people lose their minds, but at E3, it's out of control.

5) Food--E3 is just as much to blame for this one as the media. At CES, there was an orderly line for dispensing the box lunches. At E3, there was a gigantic mob surrounding the table, and was they started giving out the food, there was a stampede. And I saw plenty of people grabbing 2, 3, even 4 boxes. I realize some, or many of them may have been for friends, but an equal number may have been grabbing a second lunch. What are they, F***** Hobbits?? Lunch was supposed to start at 12:00. One day, I arrived at 12:06 and it was all gone. Is it any wonder they ran out so quickly??

I love the game industry, and would love to work for a gaming publication. But I won't be going to E3 again--not anytime soon, anyway. If I want to chill with a bunch of unwashed fanboys supping at their creators' tit, I'll go to a Star Trek convention.

@Jason. Being emotional doesn't necessarily have to be equated to being unprofessional. If you're moved by something, go with it. Especially if the emotion is honest. Being a pro can be done by all but it won't make anyone better writers or journalists.

@Kenneth "Being emotional doesn't necessarily have to be equated to being unprofessional. If you're moved by something, go with it. Especially if the emotion is honest. Being a pro can be done by all but it won't make anyone better writers or journalists."

No, when you're working journalist, it is unprofessional to allow your emotions to gain control. It hurts your ability to look at something critically. You can feel excited and happy inside; don't clap, jump, cheer, etc. when you're covering something. 

Read more: How Not to be a Gamz Jarnalist, E3 2010 Edition http://www.bitmob.com/articles/how-not-to-be-a-gamz-jarnalist-e3-2010-edition#ixzz0ro2Q0W4Q

@David I think Bill Simmons is the exception. I'm a fan of his as well, and he's said numerous times that his goal is to cover sports from the fans' perspective, which is why he tries to avoid special treatment and meeting sports superstars (although obviously that has been changing with his podcast). But again, I think he is one of the few. I think it would get annoying or old if every sports writer took this perspective.

With regard to games press, Mitch makes a lot of great points. In fact, these points should all be common sense when it comes to being a journalist -- or those who strive to be journalists.

Mitchy and Greg,

I noticed the standing ovation fiasco via gamespot video, and it seem to be a few Latino gentleman trying yo rile up the crowd. But the camera only zoom in them, was there than just a few that stood on their feet and clapped?

Point 4 should be adhered to by everyone, all the time. Point 1, too (just my opinion. I'm sure some people love them some gaming shirts).

I totally agree with 2, 3, and 7. They make all game enthusiasts look like children, not just the press.

6 is a tricky one. Professionals shouldn't be whooping, probably, but no applause at all? Surely clapping is fine. And isn't that what developers are expecting? Verbal cue, lights dim, logo for cherished game series appears onscreen, applause. It's all part of the 'show', isn't it?

Edit: @JasonWilson Actually, you clarify point 6 pretty well. It's hard not to agree when you put it like that. 

Ah, hang on. I never said "no clapping at all." I said "yahoo" is a bit much, and we also acknowledged that we should applaud presentations, people and performances. I'm referring to sizzle reels. It's advertising that gets applause, and it's embarrassing.

@David: Yes, Bill Simmons displays his team loyalties loud and proud. However, if you followed him during the NBA Finals where he was live blogging throughout the games, you'll know how many times he mentioned how hard it was to not stand up and cheer since he was sitting among the press covering the game and cheering from that section would have been wildly inappropriate.

I think in general Simmons can get away with being an open Boston fan since I believe he fits the role of the commentator/op ed type of writer.  People come to him for his specific take on things.  He's not there to report the facts without any bias, quite the opposite: in a way, his role at ESPN is to better served WITH his bias.

Those covering an event like E3 should be unbiased since they're trying to report on games to the general public, which is relying on their coverage to learn about a game since they can't be at the expo themselves.

@Marc Boatman. Bill Simmons is a commentator -- he's paid for his opinions, just as, say, PBS's The News Hours pays Mark Shield and David Brooks for their opinions on the left/right spectrum when it comes to politics. Yet you won't see Shields or Brooks cheering for their side during election night coverage. 

@Jason Yet, you'll find regularly political commentators that are rah-rah. Maybe not jumping and cheering in the moment but their entire purpose is the be the liberal or conservative slant.

I've been looking around this industry for a while and we're going to have a talk about looking professional, I'm sorry, the only people that are going around with appearence of professionalism half the time are the people hawking their wares. So let's not get too caught up in appearences here. A cheerleader is a cheerleader whether you're making the questionable decision of wearing a Mircosoft t-shirt to a press event or doing a sale job of a game or product on the Mobcast rather than an analysis.

For the record that's not a poke at anyone on show itself or the show itself but a general observation of many an post-media event written piece, audio or video show.

Even by entertainment news standards, I'm not convinced many people in the games press are straight "news" people to begin with. Most that I've seen even if they do report straight news do commentary. And to the Bill Simmons point, much of why I can respect him goes to the tag line of a local Dallas ESPN Radio radio hosts' show, "Fair and Biased." The bias is openly presented and openly talks about struggling with it like in the case of trying not to stand up and cheer. There's an honesty there that's lacking in any jounrnalist that has the nerve to lie to you by telling you they are objective. There's never been an objective journalist in the history of journalism and they never will be. The very process of selecting that is newsworthy is a subjective process.

What ever great journalist has done, even in commentary is be fair. Present all sides whenever possible, even when taking a strong stance on an issue if hey are offering an opinion. That's professionalism in industry more than much of the superificial stuff we so often complain about. For the love of God, yes shower, make your appointments and don't harrass people. But while appearences do matter in some degree, whether you've earned your paycheck has a lot more to do with the substance of your content than being remotely concerned with whether or not someone completely unimportant and unessential to your being there takes issue with you having a human reaction to something presented to you or what the hell you're doing in your spare time.

Especially if they are another journalist. Because by their own standards, they should have been so busy actually doing their own jobs to be concerned with you.

Number 1 seemed like a no-brainer to me...and then I went to TGS. The Japanese attendants were wearing at least a shirt and tie, but I was astonished at how many people from overseas were wearing jeans and game T-shirts.

I decided before I went to TGS that I would wear business casual (because I look like a highschool kid in the stuff I lounge around at home in, never mind the fact that a T-shirt just didn't seem appropriate). But then when I arrived, I was one of the only girls in the press line, and one of the only people wearing decently nice clothes. Even though I didn't do anything wrong, it made me feel awkward and out of place because I was a lone nicely-dressed person in a sea of the casual and sloppy. Saw lots of Nintendo shirts, even though Nintendo wasn't even AT TGS last year. A few Sega shirts. Even a Final Fantasy shirt.

Some outlets had their own T-shirts, which is a bit better. I think the sites that get their own branded polo shirts look the most professional without too stuffy.



Definitely agree with the rest too. I think the point of number 6 isn't so much "Don't show any emotion and be objective and serious all the time," than "Have some restraint, self-control and calmness. Don't bellow like a whoo-drunk."

You can spot the people who are excited but controlled about it. They have this sparkle in their eyes, this quiet smile that just says "I'm having the time of my life right now and I just played/saw something really awesome." And then they politely hand over a business card or something. No fanboygasming.

Those people are very classy, and I'd love to be like that someday. (I imagine I looked less classy, more harried and overwhelmed.)

"And I daresay more CES attendees have seen a woman (and been "intimate" with one)."

@Jason L. Really? Is this assumption about people necessary? What makes you any better than them? 

@Tim I won't go into *why* I feel this to be true. If you've been to E3, it's rather obvious :-)

I don't think this makes me inherently better than them, but as the author points out, this engenders an attitude among the attendees whereby they see a booth babe and act as if they've never seen a woman before. Especially among journalists, this is embarrassing and unprofessional. Should a reporter covering the Dallas Cowboys be seen ogling the cheerleaders?

 @Gerren It does the industry as a whole a disservice for its media to be seen as uncouth, sloppy fanboys, which unfortunately was the impression I got at E3. The more endemic this becomes, the less gaming is seen as a legitimate artistic endeavor, and the more it's seen as a degenerate vice for kids. Why does this matter you ask? Why do so many people insist that gaming be seen as "art"? Because when gaming is seen as the red-headed stepchild, devoid of any artistic merit, it becomes subject to legislation that other entertainment mediums aren't--like the unconstitutional law under review in California (AB1179) that would make it illegal to sell "violent video games" (under their definition) to a minor. If gaming was seen as a legitimate pastime, BS legislation like this wouldn't stand a chance.

All of this ties back into the behavior of E3 attendees. Critics portray gamers as immature (and thus, prone to violent and sexual influences), and how do E3 attendees oblige them? By acting immature. It could be said that the companies themselves along with E3 encourages this behavior by turning the show into a party. But I feel it would be far better for the industry as a whole if its media showed a little more professionalism. 

Mitch I couldn't agree with you more.  This was my first E3 covering an event and you wouldn't believe how many people in the media suite asked me why I was just wearing a polo shirt or a button-up.  Additionally some of the people I got into conversations with asked what I'd gotten for free for the day and when I said nothing they looked at me as if I'd let down the unwritten code of game journos hunting for loot.  I was there to see the games, and see the games I did.  My favorite was probably the 17-year-old kid that somehow had a media pass and used the c-word in a closed door screening of Mortal Kombat with a Warner Bros. female senior manager sitting in the back.  The dev was as kind but upfront with the guy as he could be but you could tell he was scared to death of what his boss was going to say.

From what I saw it just looks like it was much easier to get in and many of these students and young writers hoping to make it big haven't yet had their tact training.  And by all means leave the booth babes alone!

@Jason Wilson: Not sure why you were responding to me since it looks like we have the same opinion, but right on :)

@Jason I hate to break it to you, but people's issues with this industry run a lot deeper than whether or not someone from some games publication isn't wearing a suit or whether not someone took five minutes in between session to watch to check to score for a sporting event. Again, appearences matter to some extent, but the stuff you're complaining about doesn't get fixed at E3, by people not getting excited over something they are generally excited about.

Truth is, people don't think think of video games in the light you and many of the rest of us for reasons completely different than gamers have issues with other gamers. For starters, the categorization of video games as games put them people's minds in a place away from traditional artist endeavors. It's a new media, and like many a new media, it's going through it's early phases of being looked at as passing fad and low-class hobby. Learn something from history: this is new, video games are special and the next thing that comes along will suffer the same growing pains. The issues with politicians start to disappear once people in positions of power truly understand it and the industry is firmly entrenched with it's own group of lobbyists and bedfellows with government figures just like every other industry.

And for the records, a lot of the stuff the industry puts out and heavily to the general public -particularly how it does - doesn't help itself. Sorry, but when most of average person that doesn't follow the industry and way too many a gamer and games journalist assumes knows they know sees exercise games, kid's games, sports games and slew of games with people getting punched out, slashed or shot, (and every so often Mario), it's time to stop pointing to finger at everyone for seeing what they see.

Oh yeah, and you also for the most part never change the people intent on scapegoating any and every societal ill. Sorry, but certain people with agenda don't care about your opinion or anyone else's whether you're dressed to give a speech in the Rose Garden or fresh from streaking down the dormroom parking lot. People intent on scapegoating and oversimplifying a problem to the simpliest and easiet pariah rather than think about things in full context rarely actually to know understand the full truth or fix the real problems.

Not that I've run across that in this industry....

I LOVE this list!

These are all good points -- this was my 10th E3.  As a seasoned media journos I wanna be able to gain access to PR contacts and see games I'm covering.  I appreciate that E3 allows like 50k people to come and the excitement is fun but I almost wish that one of the days was reserved for 'real press doing real coverage'.  This is also my complaint with the San Diego Comic-Con.  Times have changed and everyone can whip together a graphic, biz card and blog in a matter of minutes and fool people into thinking they're some legit media outlet -- it's up to PR firms to spend more time weeding out the enthusiasts from the serious journos.

Also - if anyone with influence is reading this -- please tell the LACC to boost the AC in the South Hall -- I was so uncomfortable running around with my gear in there -- going to West was almost like taking a vacation :)

-Rob

I can happily report that I did none of these things....

Okay... I DID watch the World Cup a bit....

Fantastic list, and something I wish far more people would adhere to. I'll admit I'm a bit of a crusader (always wanting to change the world), but I do think games writing can be far more than it is, and following these guidelines would be a good first step in that.

@David You ask "...are you well informed of the upcoming games and hardware that are coming out after E3?" That's a good question, and I wonder how you judge whether a given site has done a good job informing its readership of what they saw. When I hear people in press conferences cheering and clapping, I wonder whether they're also taking the time to take notes. I also saw a lot of previews which said little more than "This game is freakin' awesome," which doesn't inform me of anything except the writer's emotional reaction. I can't say for sure that the people who didn't follow Mitchell's guidelines did a poor job, but I'm less inclined to trust them than someone who did.

Seriously everyone, thank you so much for all the support, comments and feedback.