Game companies = E3's gatekeepers

Oh my. The Entertainment Software Association told GameSpot that while the ESA itself handled E3 attendance in the past, this time it the ESA's members that will be making the call as to who gets to go to gaming's biggest ball come July '07.

The story asks how one gets on "the list," and ESA major domo Doug Lowenstein said, "I'd go to ESA members and make your case." The ESA list includes the Big Three and practically every major game company there is.

I'm guessing "I'm with the band" isn't going to cut it. The amount of sucking up by bloggers and small fansites will reach hurricane force.