Game On

It's the beginning of September which means the games industry gathers in London, checks out the Christmas blockbusters and scuttles off to the nearest bar. This year though, things are a bit more complicated. The traditional show - ECTS (European Computer Trade Show) – is still going ahead at Earls Court but has been usurped by the brash new EGN trade show/Game Stars Live consumer event in the Docklands. The latter has all the big names, save Sony, while ECTS is restricted to niche publishers and trade services. Both events started today and it is clear that Game Stars Live is the winner, despite the DLR to Custom House smelling worryingly like a teenage boy's bedroom. The variety of visitors is interesting. While the largest demographic is late teen to 20- something male there were enough females and older men to highlight the widening demographics of the industry. Plenty more on these events to follow in the next few days.