Well guys, it’s official! I’m going to be present for E3 2012 this year!
For those of you guys who don’t know the story, E3 is an extremely special event for me. Not only is it the biggest videogames convention in the world, but it’s also an exclusive convention. E3 tickets are limited exclusively to people within the electronic entertainment industry. While I’d love to say that I’ll become an official member of the press in the future, right now it’s almost impossible that I’ll become a eligible for E3′s exclusive crowd for at least a year of building my resume and networking. Luckily, this year that won’t matter.
I decided to take the only opportunity that would make my dream a reality this year, and I entered a contest at GameSpot for a chance to win a ticket to E3. The contest was fairly open ended: make a creative video explaining why you deserve to get a free trip to E3. I decided to use every ounce of my creative talent in me to create what I thought would entertain the judges the most: I made a layered rap song explaining my desire to go. It was a little zany, but I figured you’d have to be to stand out. About nearly a month of anticipation as the contest was continually delayed, I finally received the email of my dreams: “You are the Potential Grand Prize Winner”. As soon as I figured out that “Potential” just meant that I had to fill out some paperwork to claim my prize, I proceeded to go crazy. Is this real life? Did I really just get my only chance to be at E3 this year?
I’m not particularly one to believe in specific destiny, but I really feel that this opportunity is one that I am extremely fortunate and thankful to have. If there was any sign that I deserve to give this videogames journalism thing my best shot: this is it. E3 is by far the biggest networking opportunity on the entire planet for me to experience, and I cannot wait to go. Beyond that, things are going to be straight-up fun. I’ll get to see and preview new games and systems for the first time they’re available to the public. I’ll get to meet hoards of people that are as crazy and passionate about games as I am. I simply cannot wait for this amazing opportunity that I’ve been blessed with, and I’ll do my best to make sure that GameSpot and Chevy picked the right guy to go. Expect to see more coverage than ever here come early June this year! I even heard a rumor that I might be able to work with the GameSpot team through the late hours of the night at the convention, even getting a chance to post some official stuff for the site there!
I’ll keep you guys updated as things get closer to the actual event, but I just want to thank you guys for all of your support so far. Words cannot describe how enthusiastic I am for my future in game journalism.
-Josh
