Last week, there was a quiet tweet from actress Zelda Williams, daughter of actor-director Robin Williams, that read: "Who's going to E3? I'll be doing something extra special there. More details soon!"
Hopefully, she'll be throwing a party.
The common lament is this year's party list is anemic with most of the biggest party producers OPP, "at other people's parties."
Like a hangover from last year's massive show, many of the gaming brethren are kicking up their dogs and roadtripping to LA, some with no place to sleep and no plans other than to arrive.
For the meticulously scheduled, this might sound insane.
But E3 is just that type of show. If all you do is walk around LA Live and hang out at the Fig pool, you're going to run into everyone you know and serendipity will take over.
And in doing so, it's helpful to have a handy party guide. So here it is, by popular request, with all the drinks, bites and beats you can handle at E3.
Join the search for the E3 Party of Show by tweeting your pics and party tips to @contentnow.
Cheers!
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
What: GAME OVER
When: Saturday, June 7, 6:30-10pm
Where: Giant Robot, 2062 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90025
How: https://www.facebook.com/events/722720771105132/
Cost: FREE
More Info: Destructoid, Meat Bun & AngryBananas.com team up for game night in the gallery. Play indie games while sampling great art.
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
What: ASTRO E3 PRE-PARTY
When: Sunday, June 8, 9pm-1am
Where: The Line Hotel Lobby Bar, 3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles 90010
How: http://www.knowfun.com
Cost: FREE
More Info: Mix it up with ASTRO GAMING in the lobby bar with drink specials and the sounds of DJ Vashtie and Troublemaker.
MONDAY, JUNE 9
What: THE E3 PRESSERS
When: Monday, June 9
Where:
- 9:30am PT Xbox, Galen Center, 3400 South Figueroa, 90007
- 12pm PT, EA, Shrine Auditorium, 665 West Jefferson Blvd 90007
- 3pm PT, Ubisoft, Orpheum Theater, 842 S Broadway, 90014
- 6pm PT, Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, 3939 S Figueroa, 90037
How: By invitation only
Cost: FREE
More Info: From early morning to late night, the global gaming press along with industry VIPs will be hustling from one theatre to the next to enjoy the spectacle of the E3 Pressers. By the time 4pm rolls around, they're wrecked and ready for Sony's pre-press conference reception with food trucks and libations. View it live on Spike TV, online at media sites like IGN, and in over 40 theaters showing the PlayStation E3 Experience.
What: THE UPLAY LOUNGE
When: Monday, June 9 (repeats daily through June 12)
Where: The Standard LA, 550 S Flower, Los Angeles 90071
How: http://uplaylounge.ubi.com/uplay-lounge/register/
Cost: FREE
More Info: Ubisoft's Uplay members are treated to a lush lounge of games, goodies and special guests. Enter to win a pass.
What: CAA MACHINIMA PARTY
When: Monday, June 9, 8pm- LATE
Where: undisclosed
How: By invitation only
Cost: FREE
More Info: Hollywood A-listers mix it up with the gaming elite.
What: FUTURE CREW PRESENTED BY DEVOLVER DIGITAL
When: Monday, June 9, 9pm-4am
Where: The Well, 1006 S Olive Street, Los Angeles 90015
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/future-crew-presented-by-devolver-digital-tickets-11832542453
Cost: $15-20
More Info: The party animals at UNWINNABLE are throwing a fundraiser to benefit LA Game Space, and they're showcasing games from Devolver Digital (Hotline Miami 2 perhaps?!?!?!), DJ sets by Daedelus, Chrome Canyon, Arcane Kids, with rapper Doseone, visuals by Sam Newell, Johnny Woods, and Daniel Rehn, and food by Starry Kitchen. Yesssssssssss.
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
What: ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT EXPO
When: Tuesday, June 10, 12-6pm (continues Wednesday, June 11 10-6pm, Thursday June 12 10-5pm)
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S Figueroa, Los Angeles 90015
How: http://www.e3expo.com/attendee/2141/attendee-registration
Cost: FREE to those that work in the trade and pre-registered
More Info: Nearly 200 exhibitors will be dazzling showgoers with their first gameplay, stunning cinematics, and show floor antics.
What: SUPER SMASH BROS. INVITATIONAL
When: Tuesday, June 10, 2:30pm doors open, 4pm tournament begins
Where: Nokia Theatre, 777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles 90015
How: 9:30am wristband distribution, first-come first-served
Cost: FREE
More Info: Nintendo kicks off Tuesday with its online presser at 9am PT and WiiU Super Smash Bros. tournament.
What: BIG INDIE PITCH with ZQGAME, GREE & SAMSUNG US
When: Tuesday, June 10, 5-8pm
Where: Bottle Rock, 1050 S Flower, Los Angeles 90015
How: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/big-indie-pitch-at-e3-with-zqgame-gree-samsung-us-tickets-11633456983
Cost: FREE, business card required for entry
More Info: Droves of indie devs from around the world meet up with leading mobile game journos to pitch their games for coverage and prizes. Roster of media includes Rob Hearn, Pocket Gamer, Rob Rich, 148apps, Peter Willington, AppSpy, Matt Diener, PG.biz, Rob LeFebvre, Cult of Mac, Sarah Cornwell, Appbackr, and Trevor Sheridan, Apple'N'Apps. Beer, food and stellar networking. Spectators welcome.
What: E3 MOBILE MIXER with CHARTBOOST & FIKSU
When: Tuesday, June 10, 5-8pm
Where: Katsuya, 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles 90015
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/e3-mobile-mixer-tickets-11730418999
Cost: By invitation only
What: LEGENDS OF HEROES XIII LAUNCH PARTY
When: Tuesday, June 10, 5-8:30pm
Where: The Honeycut, 819 S Flower, alley entrance, Los Angeles
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/epic-e3-event-the-legend-of-heroes-xiii-launch-party-tickets-11373393125
Cost: FREE
More Info: Win a trip to Hong Kong for the 7/24-29 Heroes XIII World Tournament. Enjoy open bar, taco bites and beats by DJ Morse Code and check out the game.
What: PACHTER PARTY
When: Tuesday, June 10, 5-9pm
Where: undisclosed
How: By invitation only
Cost: FREE
More Info: Legendary analyst, Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities throws this super swanky soiree for the who's who in gaming.
What: 8BITLA FREE E3 PARTY
When: Tuesday, June 10, 6-10:30pm
Where: Eighty Two Bar, 707 E 4th Place, Los Angeles 90013
How: https://www.facebook.com/events/684309498301195
Cost: FREE, no badge required
More Info: Chiptunes, drinks and classic arcade and pinball games. Performing are Chibi-Tech, Space Boyfriend, Wizwars, Space Town Savior, Timon Marmex, Meishi Smile, and DJ Sysop. 21y+
What: FUTURE OF GAMING
When: Tuesday, June 10, 7-11pm
Where: Iam8bit, 2147 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles 90026
How: https://www.facebook.com/events/526267940811104/
Cost: FREE, no badge required
More Info: Industry luminaries and renowned artists conceptualize the future of videogames featuring theories by Nolan Bushnell, Kim Swift, Seth Killian, Seamus Blackley, Ted Price, Warren Spector, Jesse Shell, David Smith, Keiji Inafune, Kellee Santiago, Lorne Lanning, Meggan Scavio and Tim Schafer. All ages.
What: THE MIX 5 LA
When: Tuesday, June 10, 7-11pm
Where: Ten Ten Wilshire, 1010 Wilshire, Los Angeles 90017
How: http://www.mediaindieexchange.com/
Cost: FREE
More Info: Indie devs demo over 18 fresh, unreleased games. Sponsored by IGN, GungHo, Midnight City, Mad Catz, Intel, GBR, Verus/Evil, Ripstone, and Fridays.
What: UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE VIDEO GAME SHOW
When: Tuesday, June 10, 7pm-LATE
Where: UCB LA, 5919 Franklin, Los Angeles 90028
How: http://losangeles.ucbtheatre.com/shows/view/3907
Cost: $5 door
More Info: Hilarious UCB comedy troupe featuring Thomas Middleditch and Mike Still presents a conversation about consoles, save files and Joust. Prizes for best cosplay!!!
What: POCKET GAMER MOBILE MIXER @ E3 with ZQGAME & EVERYPLAY
When: Tuesday, June 10, 8:30-Midnight
Where: Bottle Rock, 1050 S Flower, Los Angeles 90015
How: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pocket-gamer-mobile-mixer-at-e3-la-zqgame-everyplay-tickets-11655071633
Cost: FREE
More Info: Pocket Gamer editor Peter Willington moderates a panel of ZQGame, Everyplay and Paradox amidst beer and food.
What: GAY GAMING PROFESSIONALS SIXTH ANNUAL E3 PARTY
When: Tuesday, June 10, 9-Midnight
Where: Revolver Bar, 8851 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood 90069
How: https://www.facebook.com/groups/6628203394
Cost: FREE
More Info: IGDA's Gordon Bellamy and friends hosts this annual shindig that welcomes all. Now celebrating its sixth year of partying!
What: TWITCH BOOTIE MASHUP E3 PARTY
When: Tuesday, June 10, 9:30pm-2am
Where: Exchange LA, 618 S Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/twitch-bootie-mashup-party-e3-featuring-djs-ad-tickets-11786671251
Cost: FREE
More Info: Get ready to boogie at the party of the century as Twitch takes over one of LA's hottest clubs, Exchange LA. Featuring DJ's A+D who will be blowing up the dance floor amidst open bars and tasty treats til dawn.
What: BETHESDA's E3 BASH
When: Tuesday, June 10
Where: The Colony, 1743 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles 90028
How: By invitation only
Cost: FREE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11
What: SUNSET OVERDRIVE EVENT hosted by MAJOR NELSON
When: Wednesday, June 11, 6-9pm
Where: Microsoft Store @ Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles 90015
How: http://majornelson.com/2014/05/30/heres-how-to-join-xbox-at-e3-2014/
Cost: RSVP not required, donation requested
More Info: Join Insomniac Games and Major Nelson as they invite you to go hands on with the upcoming Xbox One exclusive Sunset Overdrive. Ice cold Overcharge Delirium XT awaits!
What: IGDA NETWORKING EVENT
When: Wednesday, June 11, 6-9pm
Where: Figueroa Hotel - Tangier Room, 939 S Figueroa, Los Angeles 90015
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/igda-networking-event-at-e3-2014-tickets-11768360483
Cost: RSVP not required, donation requested
More Info: Sponsored by Microsoft Studios, XboxOne, and Tripwire Interactive, this annual get together welcomes IGDA members to get to know each other in a chill environment over snacks and drinks.
What: REDBOX PRESENTS THE DEEP SILVER E3 PARTY
When: Wednesday, June 11, 6-10pm
Where: The Conga Room, 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles 90015
How: http://www.deepsilverparty.com
Cost: FREE
More Info: One of the party favorites of E3 2013, Deep Silver returns with Redbox for another awesome night at the ultralush Conga Room. Come for the food, drinks, and super fun crowd, but don't leave without that swag bag.
What: WIKIPAD & ONLIVE E3 PARTY
When: Wednesday, June 11, 6:30-9:30pm
Where: Elevate Lounge, 811 Wilshire Blvd, 21st Floor, Los Angeles 90017
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/wikipad-onlive-e3-party-tickets-8636019567
Cost: FREE
More Info: Premium open bar, Takami Sushi and DJ SHY spinning the turntables.
What: E3 DIGITAL DRINKS
When: Wednesday, June 11, 7-9pm
Where: Continental Club, 116 W 4th, Los Angeles 90013
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/digital-la-e3-digital-drinks-continental-club-tickets-11600203521
Cost: FREE w E3 badge, $10 guests
More Info: Drink specials at the new Downtown LA hotspot with Digital LA.
What: ACTIVISION E3 MIXER
When: Wednesday, June 11, 7-10pm
Where: undisclosed
How: By invitation only
Cost: FREE
What: SCOPELY E3 OPEN BAR
When: Wednesday, June 11, 7-10pm
Where: Katsuya, 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles 90015
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/scopely-e3-open-bar-and-hors-doeuvres-tickets-11654971333
Cost: By invitation only
More Info: Open bar and hors d'oeuvres with this top mobile game publisher
What: VRLA E3 Mixer & Roof Party
When: Wednesday, June 11, 7-10pm
Where: Ace Hotel, Segovia Hall, 2nd Floor, 929 S Broadway, Los Angeles 90015
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/vrla-e3-mixer-tickets-11846586459
Cost: FREE
More Info: Discover VR games you won't find on the show floor and bump it to DJ Chrome Canyon. First 100 drinks are FREE. Sponsored by PlayStation, Omni, Sixense, Doovr, Vrelia, Tactical Haptics, Trinity, and Gameface Labs.
What: POCKET GAMER PARTY with GAMEVIL & CHUKONG
When: Wednesday, June 11, 7-11pm
Where: Belasco Theater Ballroom, 1050 S Hill, Los Angeles 90015
How: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pg-party-with-gamevil-chukong-technologies-tickets-11655009447?aff=eorg
Cost: FREE, business cards required for entry
More Info: Aloha! Pocket Gamer transports you to tropical Hawaii with themed photo booths, and a DJ for the luau. Enjoy drinks, bites and beats as you mix it up with friends old and new.
What: WIGI WONDERLAND BREAKING THE LOOKING GLASS CEILING
When: Wednesday, June 11, 7-Midnight
Where: Belasco Theater, 1050 S Hill, Los Angeles 90015
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wigi-6th-annual-e3-party-tickets-11861438883
Cost: FREE
More Info: Live acts and tons of fun await. Toggle back and forth between the Pocket Gamer party and WIGI, the Belasco is housing both!
What: UBISOFT's BIG E3 PARTY
When: Wednesday, June 11, 8pm-2am
Where: Club Lure, 1439 Ivar Avenue, Los Angeles 90028
How: By invitation only
Cost: FREE
What: OMNIA's #LEVELUPE3 AFTER PARTY
When: Wednesday, June 11, 8pm-2am
Where: Suede Bar & Lounge, 404 S Figueroa, Los Angeles 90071
How: http://omniae3.eventbrite.com
Cost: FREE
More Info: DJ, drinks and food. Promises to be a red carpet rager!
What: PLAY CONNECTED E3 PARTY
When: Wednesday, June 11, 10p,-2am
Where: Undisclosed
How: By invitation only
Cost: FREE
More Info: The party to end all parties! Over the top fun as Play Connected returns with another amazing E3 party featuring Nexon, Wargaming, Valve and Riot, sponsored by Twitch and Incomm, with performances by Madeon and DJ Rhiannon.
