Cavin-SmithPerhaps in an effort to appeal to more female convention-goers (yeah right), or the more likely possibility of attempting to "professionalize" and "sanitize" the industry event, the powers that be have added a new rule to the exhibitor's handbook this year. It explicity states:
"Material, including live models, conduct that is sexually explicit and/or sexually provocative, including but not limited to nudity, partial nudity and bathing suit bottoms, are prohibited on the Show floor, all common areas, and at any access points to the Show. ESA, in its sole discretion, will determine whether material is acceptable."
The gaming industry has had a rough year contending with yet another political zeitgeist surrounding sexual content in various titles and, although Jack Thompson continues to flounder about despite his bandwagon long since having blown its last tire, the ESA's new mandate may be a preemptive strike against any re-emergence of controversy in 2006.
Whether or not the new rule will stay in the handbook for ensuing E3s is currently unknown, but there is some worry within the industry that it may not only restrict booth models. Certain types of games may be targetted, as well, and that kind of censorship could hurt the convention in the future.
