E3 2016 is shaping up to be a strange year indeed as much of what we have come to know and love from the show has been cancelled.
Amidst a mass exodus of major exhibitors from the show floor - including EA, Activision, Disney, and Wargaming - Nintendo has also confirmed it's doing the bare minimum as there will be no NX: only Zelda will be shown.
In an attempt to stem the tide, the Electronics Software Association is sponsoring E3 Live!, an epic fan fest along the lines of PAX, free to the public, where players will have a chance to get hands-on the upcoming holiday blockbusters and enjoy live music, dance competitions and exclusive swag.
Other fun fan fests taking place not requiring an E3 badge include EA Play, Sonic Revolution, Xbox FanFest and the PC Gaming Show. This all begs the question, who is going to be on the show floor? Huge opportunities abound for indies and VR.
All change
For the party scene, sadly the legendary Hotel Figueroa is closed for renovations which means there will be no "Meet me at the Fig Pool" - a beloved afterhours pasttime for industry insiders.
That said, UploadVR is making an exciting E3 debut with a Tuesday night game showcase and party, The MIX will be back with its super popular indie showcase, Twitch is expected to have a rager, and Rey Gutierrez will be spinning his EDM Murder Palace productions.
Below is a list of the not to miss hot spots. Many thanks to the crowdsourced Facebook E3 Party List for keeping a vigilant watch. We'll be adding more as parties are announced so check back frequently and if you find one to add, tweet it to me @contentnow
SUNDAY 12 JUNE
- What: Sonic Revolution 2016 Fan Fest
When: Sunday, June 12, 10-6pm
Where: LAX Holiday Inn Century Ballroom, 9901 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
How:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sonic-revolution-2016-a-sonic-the-hedgehog-fan-convention-tickets-19746548458
Cost: $4.99-$19.99
More Info: Panels, cosplay, trivia contests, artist alley, special guest meet and greets
- What: EA Presser
When: Sunday, June 12, 1-2:30pm
Where: TBA
How: Press invite
Cost: FREE
More Info: EA is trying something different this year moving up its presser by a day and to kick off festivities with its debut 3 day fanfest EA Play.
- What: E3 Bethesda Showcase + BE3 Plus
When: Sunday, June 12, 5/5:30-6:30pm arrival, 7pm Presser, 9pm Afterparty
Where: LA Hangar, 2627 Medford Street, Los Angeles, CA 90034
How: By invitation only
Cost: FREE
More Info: Bethesda put on quite a show last year for their debut presser which was packed with stunning announcements and killer swag including coveted POPS that were being sold on eBay for hundreds of dollars following the show.
MONDAY 13 JUNE
- What: Xbox Presser
When: Monday, June 13, 8:45-9:30am arrival
Where: Galen Center, 3400 S Figueroa, Los Angeles, CA 90007
How:http://www.xbox.com/en-US/e3 (Watch live on SpikeTV, IGN)
Cost: FREE
More Info: This adrenaline-charged presser is a thrilling ride from start to finish and a must watch if you’re not in attendance. The audience is packed with the who’s who in gaming except everyone is hungover and in desperate need of coffee. Buses roundtrip from JW Marriott and other LA Live hotels.
- What: Xbox Fan Fest
When: Monday, June 13 - Wednesday, June 15
Where: TBA
How:http://www.xbox.com/en-US/e3/fanfest
Cost: FREE
More Info: Play exclusives and holiday blockbusters with head devs and win amazing game swag.
- What: PC Gaming Show
When: Monday, June 13, 11/12-3pm
Where: Ace Hotel Theatre , 929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015
How:http://www.pcgamingshow.com
Cost: FREE
More Info: Hosted by Future’s venerable PC Gamer, this show attracts leading PC game reviewers and PC gaming fans to check out the most anticipated PC and VR games of the year.
- What: Ubisoft Presser
When: Monday, June 13, 12:30pm pre-show/1pm show
Where: Orpheum Theater, 842 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
How: Press invite
Cost: FREE
More Info: Hosted by Archer’s Aisha Tyler, earlier time slot this year with bus pickup for the Sony presser.
- What: Sony Presser
When: Monday, June 13, 6pm show/livestream
Where: Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA
How: Press invite
Cost: FREE
More Info: Smaller more intimate venue this year in the beautiful moroccan palace of the Shrine Auditorium
- What: Angel Launch
When: Monday, June 13, 6pm-8pm
Where: Santa Monica TBA
How:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speed-networking-mixer-tickets-23947033221
Cost: Free
- What: IGDA E3 Party
When: Monday, June 13, 7-10pm
Where: Button Mash, 1391 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90026
How:https://www.facebook.com/events/1744867305794486/
Cost: FREE
More info: Sponsored by Xbox, bspot and Laeyers Rock host snacks, drinks and games!
- What: Alienware NVIDIA E3 Party
When: Monday, June 13, 8-11pm
Where: 3D Live Studio, 651 Clover, Los Angeles CA
How: https://e3alienwareparty.splashthat.com
Cost: FREE
More Info: Game demos, tacos, ice cream sammies, jello shots, cocktails, DJ bselecta
- What: Legend of Zelda Symphony of the Goddesses
When: Monday, June 13, 8pm
Where: Dolby Theater, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood CA 90028
How:http://zelda-symphony.com/pages/schedule
Cost: $27.20 - $87.50
More Info: The majestic score of Zelda, considered one of the best concerts in its class
- What: FACEIT & Monster Cat AFK E3 Party
When: Monday, June 13, 8:30pm-Late
Where: ExhangeLA, 618 S Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
How: https://www.monstercat.com/E3/
Cost: Free to E3 badgeholders
More Info: OMG KREWELLA!!!
TUESDAY 14 JUNE
- What: E3 Show Floor
When: Tuesday, June 14, 12-6pm
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center
How:https://www.e3expo.com
Cost: Free for industry professionals
More Info: Exhibitors include Epic/UE4, Unity, Oculus, Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo
What: Doritos Mix Arcade
When: Tuesday, June 14
Where: Staples Center, LA Live
How: via LA Times
Cost: FREE to E3 and E3 Live badgeholders
More info: Steve Aoki, Wiz Khalifa, Big Boi, Empire of the Sun, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Zane Lowe, Peanut Butter Wolf, Mix Master Mike, DJ Hapa, Induce and the Bold Orchestra
- What: E3 Live!
When: Tuesday, June 14, 5-10pm
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center
How:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/e3-live-la-live-registration-25554350751
Cost: Free
More Info: Live music, dance competitions, game demos, meet and greets, exclusive swag
- What: E3 Mobile App Developer Mixer
When: Tuesday, June 14, 6-8pm
Where: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
How:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/e3-networking-mixer-for-mobile-app-publishers-developers-tickets-25135882100
Cost: Free
- What: AMD Partner Party
When: Tuesday, June 14, 6-10pm
Where: Katsuya LA Live, 800 W Olympic, Los Angeles, CA 90015
How: https://www.eiseverywhere.com/esurvey/index.php
Cost: Free
- What: GungHo Let It Die Party
When: Tuesday, June 14, 7pm-Midnight
Where: Conga Room LA Live, Los Angeles CA
How: http://letitdiethegame.com/register
Cost: FREE
More Info: Concert featuring The Hellcat Saints, Chester Bennington, Akira Yamaoka, Bill Burr
- What: Pokemon Symphonic Evolutions
When: Tuesday, June 14, 7/8pm
Where: Microsoft Theater, 777 Chick Hearn Ct, Hollywood CA 90015
How:http://www.pokemonsymphony.com
Cost: $49.95-$95.95
More Info: Pi-KA-CHUUUUUUUU
- What: Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Party
When: Tuesday, June 14, 8pm
Where: Restless Studios, 414 West Pico Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90015
How: https://deusexmankinddive3party.splashthat.com/
Cost: FREE
- What: UploadVR E3 2016 Party
When: Tuesday, June 14, 8-10pm VIP, 10pm-1am guests
Where: ExchangeLA, 618 S Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
How:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uploadvr-party-at-e3-2016-tickets-24050535800
Cost: $35-$200
More Info: Get hands on the most anticipated VR games of 2016
- What: Twitch E3 Party
When: Tuesday, June 14, 9pm
Where: Belasco, 1050 South Hill, Los Angeles, CA 90015
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/twitch-e3-party-tickets-25935008308
Cost: Free
More Info: Arrive early, always hits capacity. Cash bar for general admission.
- What: 8th Annual GGP
When: Tuesday, June 14, 9-11pm
Where: Redline DTLA, 131 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
How:https://www.facebook.com/events/201171370268150/
Cost: Free
More Info: Gordon Bellamy’s big shindig! Cocktails and revelry!
WEDNESDAY 15 JUNE
- What: Nintendo Treehouse
When: Wednesday, June 15, 9am
Where:http://www.nintendo.com
How: Press invite
Cost: Free
More Info: Zelda livestream
- What: E3 Show Floor
When: Wednesday, June 15, 10-6pm
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center
How:https://www.e3expo.com
Cost: Free for industry professionals
More Info: Exhibitors include Epic/UE4, Unity, Oculus, Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo
- What: Doritos Mix Arcade
When: Tuesday, June 14
Where: Staples Center, LA Live
How:via LA Times
Cost: FREE to E3 and E3 Live badgeholders
More info: Steve Aoki, Wiz Khalifa, Big Boi, Empire of the Sun, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Zane Lowe, Peanut Butter Wolf, Mix Master Mike, DJ Hapa, Induce and the Bold Orchestra
- What: E3 Live!
When: Wednesday, June 15, 12-10pm
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center
How:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/e3-live-la-live-registration-25554350751
Cost: Free
More Info: Live music, dance competitions, game demos, meet and greets, exclusive swag
- What: Forge E3 Jam
When: Wednesday, June 15, 7-10pm
Where: PWNshop, 1397 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90026
How:https://www.facebook.com/events/1731796983750398
Cost: FREE
More Info: VGM chiptunes
- What: The MIX
When: Wednesday, June 15, 7pm-11pm
Where: Target Terrace LA Live, 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
How:http://www.mediaindieexchange.com/event/e3-2016
Cost: Free
More Info: Epic indie showcase!
- What: WIGI E3 Party
When: Wednesday, June 15, 8pm-1am
Where: ExhangeLA, 618 S Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wigi-e3-party-2016-tickets-25932816753
Cost: Free
- What: Survios E3 Party
When: Wednesday, June 15, 8pm
Where: Survios HQ, 3249 South La Cienega, Los Angeles CA 90016
How: https://surviose3.splashthat.com
Cost: FREE
More Info: DJ Anton Tumas, drinks, food trucks, VR-o-rama housewarming
- What: IGN Turns 20 Party
When: Wednesday, June 15, 8pm
Where: The Reserve, 650 S Spring Street, Los Angeles CA
How:https://ignturns20.splashthat.com
Cost: FREE
More Info: Drinks and boogie
- What: HyperX CloudX Launch Party
When: Wednesday, June 15, 8pm-Midnight
Where: Continental Club, 116 W 4th, Los Angeles, CA 90013
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hyperx-cloudx-launch-party-2016-tickets-25746922739?
Cost: FREE
- Gamevil and Com2uS party in K-Town
When: Wednesday, June 15, 9pm - 2am
Where: Gaam Restaurant, 3465 West 6th St. #300, Los Angeles, CA 90020
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gamevil-x-com2us-e3-party-in-k-town-2-tickets-25803852016
Cost: FREE
More Info: Join us for a night of fun in the heart of K-Town at our second annual E3 Party! Eat, drink, and party the Korean way with fellow mobile gaming insiders! See you there!
THURSDAY 16 JUNE
- What: E3 Show Floor
When: Thursday, June 16, 10am-5pm
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center
How:https://www.e3expo.com
Cost: Free for industry professionals
More Info: Exhibitors include Epic/UE4, Unity, Oculus, Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo
- What: Doritos Mix Arcade
When: Tuesday, June 14
Where: Staples Center, LA Live
How:via LA Times
Cost: FREE to E3 and E3 Live badgeholders
More info: Steve Aoki, Wiz Khalifa, Big Boi, Empire of the Sun, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Zane Lowe, Peanut Butter Wolf, Mix Master Mike, DJ Hapa, Induce and the Bold Orchestra
- What: E3 Live!
When: Thursday, June 15, 12-10pm
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center
How:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/e3-live-la-live-registration-25554350751
Cost: Free
More Info: Live music, dance competitions, game demos, meet and greets, exclusive swag
- What: E3 Drink Up!
When: Thursday, June 16, 6-9pm
Where: LA Biergarten, 750 S Broadway, Los Angeles CA 90014
How: https://www.facebook.com/events/569735729873265/
Cost: FREE
More Info: Twitch's popular Game Dev Drink Up hosts an E3 decompression with the LA Chapter
- What: Warhorse Studios E3 community Party
When: Thursday, June 16, 8pm
Where: Casey's Irish Pub, 613 South Grand, Los Angeles 90017
How: https://www.facebook.com/events/493462674178234/
Cost: FREE
More Info: Drinks, beats, games
