Spong.com has some disappointing gossip for those hoping to catch a glimpse of PS3 at E3 - it's going to be more elusive than one of those snow leopards featured in the BBC's current 'this is why you pay your TV license' ads. From the story:
"Over the last few weeks, SPOnG has heard from numerous sources within third-party publishers and at various developers, all of whom outlined that their product being readied for E3 would not be shown on Sony's stand. Furthermore, the availability of demo units to third-parties for inclusion in their own booths has not been outlined, leaving publishers and developers unsure as to what they will be able to show, even at this late stage."
It seems that, instead of wandering a showfloor crowded with demo units, eager next-gen gamers may be forced to queue for hours to gaze at - and perhaps momentarily caress - a small number of heavily guarded machines. But even while holding the great unwashed at arms length, Sony Computer Entertainment America could not stop itself from issuing a come-on. When Spong spoke to a SCEA representative, the site was told:
"We are expecting big queues to see the PlayStation 3 and so will be taking great care to manage the crowds in the best way possible. All press will certainly have no problems seeing everything we are showing. This year is going to be huge for us. Not just in terms of what we're showing, but in the major announcements we have planned."
Perhaps we will reach the Sony stand only to find a high-ranking official crouched in a corner, angrily grasping a single PS3 demo unit to his chest, like a three-year-old with a new ball, unwilling to share it with his siblings, yet desperate to show off.
