by Playfuls Staff |
25th January 2006
The video game industry shows will never be the same. Or at least the E3, as the show’s officials have banned one of the greatest points of attraction, the swarms of sexy, semi-clad "booth babes" that in years past took the unveiling of new games and technology to titillating new levels.[more]
According to Reuters, the show's directors have always published a dress code which would disallow bikini-wear and similar attention-grabbing garb. According to the E3 handbook, "Material, including live models, conduct that is sexually explicit and/or sexually provocative, including but not limited to nudity, partial nudity and bathing suit bottoms, are prohibited on the show floor, all common areas, and at any access points to the show."
Of course, in practice the rule is hardly enforced. This year's handbook, however, mentions a $5,000 fine for violating the code.
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the organization behind E3, says it will issue a first verbal warning for conduct violations. An second offense will incur the $5,000 fine, to be paid immediately. Models will also have to switch to more modest dress before returning to the show floor.
"What's new in 2006 is an update and clarification of the enforcement policies; as we do from time to time, we have taken steps to ensure that exhibitors are familiar with the policy and how it will be enforced," Mary Dolaher, E3Expo show director, said in an e-mail.
She did not comment on the reasons for the change.
The video game industry has come under fire from federal and local politicians, who want to limit sales of violent and sexually explicit games to minors.
As we can see, this is really an enforcement of the US puritan policy of “If it’s cool and you like it, it should stop”. And it’s a bad policy, because it’s a well known fact that “booth babes” were one of the top attraction for the male audience at E3. Sorry, dudes, no skin this year.
