THQ to Show Off Holiday Offerings at Video Expo

THQ Inc. previews its new holiday game offerings at the E For All video game show taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Organizers expect a crowd of up to 20,000 to attend over the four days starting Oct. 18. Agoura Hills-based THQ will show off “WWE: Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008” and “de Blob,” an original game developed by the company. Also ready for viewing will be games based on Nickelodeon television programs and Disney Pixar films. Unlike the annual E3 video gaming show limited to industry members, analysts and the press, E For All is open to the hardcore and casual gamer. “It represents a unique opportunity to show games off to consumers and let them get their hands on the games,” said Liz Pieri, vice president of communications for THQ. Nintendo and Electronic Arts are among the big-name companies participating in the show. THQ is the only Valley game publisher represented. Sales of computer and video game software hit $7.4 billion in 2006, according to the Entertainment Software Association. The appeal of video games is that they offer something for everyone and great entertainment value for the money, said Carolyn Rauch, vice president of event development for IDG World Expo, the organizer of the show. “You can play for hours and hours as opposed to going to the movies for two hours,” Rauch said. “They are very immersive and very deep.” Some exhibitors will use the show to debut their new games but no new game systems are being introduced. Last year saw the release of PlayStation 3 and the wireless Wii system from Nintendo. While open to the public, E For All will not reach the heights of sensory overload of the 2006 version of E3 that drew some 60,000 people to the convention center with its million-dollar booths, loud rock music and scantily-clad “booth babes” enticing attendees to look at new games. The new show will be scaled down but still allow for fun. “It is not about big gigantic booths and flashing lights,” Rauch said. “It’s really about having games available that people can get their hands on and test drive at their leisure.”