Interview with Jeff Smith Substance.tv
 

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How long has your group rented the space across the
street from the Los Angeles Convention Center during
E3? Why not a E3 booth?

This will be the 4th year in a row to do the Lot at E3 in LA. Back
when we were Gathering of Developers (then GodGames) we didn't believe in
spending the millions it took to get a good show floor presence, plus the good
spots in then good halls were 'grand fathered', according to how long you had
been an exhibitor. We decided to have a little more fun, in a more relaxed
environment, and just so happened to inquire about the parking lot.
The rest is history. Little talked about fact: The very first year of
Gathering's existence came in 1998 at E3 in Atlanta. We did have show
floor space that year. Of course that is when Max Payne was just a
technology demo, in the back room. ;-)

In prior years, I have never been able to get through
the gate. Exactly what happens on the lot?

Well, what didn't happen on the lot is a better question. ;-) Each
year, more 'entertainment' was added. The staple of the lot tends to be the
bar tent, but more importantly, there were 12 or so RVs that each contained
one of the games we were publishing. The developers were very happy to
come out to give scheduled interviews to press and buyers, in a dark, quiet RV.
We had a jumotron, that developers would give live demos on stage and be
projected to the big screen, we had dancers, 20+ Catholic
Schoolgirls/booth babes, free food, t-shirt freebies, and live music/bands. It was the
purest mix of business and pleasure at E3, that's for damn sure.
Gaming is supposed to be about fun, and that is just what we did. Have fun and
let folks have fun.


Are passes required to get on the lot this year?

Yes. An E3 show pass will get you in, as long as you have a valid id
showing you are over 18. Now, the SoF2 'Duel in the Dome' tourney is
open to not only E3 show-goers, but to ANY LA gamers that want to take their
turn, qualifying. So, anyone in LA that feels they can put the smack
down on other gamers, come on. Just register at the gate. 18 and up only
for that too.

Do you have a couple of photos from last year?

I have lots of photos. I will send in a separate email.

AMD will be on the lot this year - who else will be
there?

AMD, Best Buy, Matrox, Alienware, GameSpy, Viewsonic, Klipsch, BAWLS,
CyberPower and SubstanceTV.

What activities are planned for this year?

http://www.substance.tv/e3


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Will the debauchery be toned down this year? If so,
why?

Yes, there won't be any pole dancers or scantily clad girl 'all the
time'. In the years of past, if fit the GodGames image to have sheer insanity
going on, all day, every day. With what we are doing this year, we don't
need those 'cheaper' thrills, as we will be impressing folks with all the
tech we have in one place, and educating those about SubstanceTV, that might
not know who or what we are yet. There will be some surprises, no doubt.
The Friday night party www.substance.tv/e3/ss will prove to have ALL the
debauchery you will need though. That is going to be a
party/concert/rave/throw-down.

Describe the dome. What will be inside?

44' Geodesic dome, with a booming sound system and video projections
all inside. We like to say 'dripping visuals'. By entering the dome, it
is an experience similar to walking into your TV. You become part of the
atmosphere, as the sound and visuals are all encompassing and all
around you. The dome will house SubstanceTV and Matrox demos during the day,
along with the SoF2 tourney qualifying stations, and be the location for the
final rounds and match on Friday afternoon. The party on Friday (24th)
night, called Summer Substance, will also take place in and around the dome.

Whatssss up with the party Friday AFTER E3? Who can
get in?

http://www.substance.tv/e3/ss

What will Substance TV be showcasing at E3 2002 on the
lot?

We will be showcasing SubstanceTV. ;-) We will be shooting demos and
interviews for upcoming DVD issues as well. For the most part, we are
there to show off our DVD videomagaaine, called SubstanceTV. Period. Oh
yea, we will be showing SubstanceTV on a DVD player, PC (w/DVD drive) Xbox and
PS2, as we play on all those models of hardware. (Macs too, but...)

What will the Substance TV file crews be focused on at
the show? Can you share their E3 2002 appointment
schedule? When will the E3 2002 DVD be available? What
equipment will be used at the show to acquire digital
content?

We will run (3) film crews who will be all over. Inside E3, in the lot
and around LA. No schedule to share as we live by the seat of our pants.
We will have our latest and greatest issue of SubstanceTV, Issue 02.4
at the show. The next issue isn't slated to release until early July, and
until we get back and look at all the footage, I can't promise you what from E3
will be on that issue.

What are you talking to G4 TV about?

Some sort of content sharing, but nothing has progressed, because lame
ass Jim Downs at G4 won't ever answer his phone. ;-)

Will Substance TV be doing webcasts or updates during
the show on their web site?

No. Our site is not content driven, well not our public site. Unless
UnCeneTV partners with us, we will not have streaming content.

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Photo: Jeff Smith VP, PR & Marketing is on the left. E3 2001.

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[L=Interact Accessories]http://www.interactaccessories.com[/L] showcased their PSOne portable screen, Mobile Monitor, at E3 2001. An included AC adapter provides power from a standard outlet, while the included car adapter will power the screen and PS one from a standard car lighter outlet.

MAD CATZ PERIPHERAL highlights 4 E3
 

23 new accessories will be unveiled at the show

Lynx Wireless Controllers XBox/PS2
The Lynx wireless controllers require batteries whereas the 900MHz wireless controller for PlayStation 2 uses a recharging cradle.

The Lynx wireless controllers feature fully analog pressure-sensitive
action buttons and D-pad, dual analog joysticks, and rubberized grips to
increase comfort. Programmable macro capabilities for complex moves will be
featured in the Lynx wireless for Xbox. Both Lynx wireless controllers feature
two play modes for total control in any game (analog and digital) and
built-in dual vibration motors for a more pronounced, realistic gaming
experience.


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For PlayStation 2

Beat Pad - This digital controller for dance and action games features
four-way directional control and 10 high-performance action pads. The
Beat Pad works with all dance games including Konami’s Dance Dance
Revolution and THQ’s Britney Dance Beat. It’s also compatible with PlayStation and
PlayStation One dance games.

Universal Steering Wheel and Pedals for All Platforms

The Universal MC2 Racing Wheel, also making its debut at E3, works with
PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube consoles, and is the most realistic
racing wheel on the market.

For Game Boy Advance

TV Tuner - By inserting the TV Tuner into the game slot, the Game Boy
Advance can be used for both playing games and watching television.

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E3 2002. South Hall. First Pix. Security kicked me out of the lobby for taking pixs.
New Rules?
I was also told the e-mail kiosks in the west hall are off limits until tomorrow.
Banner: Microsoft Games.

Xbox press conference shuttle in 30 minutes.

I hope this is not a new rule. It would suck to not be able to take photos.

Xbox Press Conference Pixs
 

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Hundreds of journalists waited outside the Orpheum Theatre for the kick off E3 2002 event.

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It seemed like everyone had a trubo charged digital camera . This is the Sony F707 with a large fish eye.

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One of the many ushers.


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The big berries were a big hit with the white clad ushers.


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Great eats. The white chocolate strawberries were a hit.

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There were two fire marshals at the press conference. The city of LA employees about 112 fire marshals. I was told to remove my bag from the aisle moments before the show began.

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Popcorn was servered while we waited for the multimedia presentation.


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Blink - a new Xbox title was one of several fall games showcased on the big screen with a booming bass sound system.

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XBox Live was introduced to the crowd.

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Microsoft is defining the future of digital entertainment. They are going to spend 2 billion dollars over the next five years redefing video gaming.

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The ushers "freaked" as the dj's scratched out pulsing vibes.

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Dancers.

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The dance scene got hot after most of the press disappeared into their rooms to bang out a story from the press conference.

NOTE: The press conference will be streamed over the Microsoft web site by the end of the week.

I talked with Ryan Vance, Segment Producer TechTV, about their coverage this year. Last year, they broadcast 8 hours a day. This year TechTV will air 30 minutes a day. When pressed for the reason why the minimal coverage, Ryan stated that it was due to lay offs at the channel. Hmmmmm. Over 20 individuals are registered as working journalists for TechTV this year.