But the ESA won't commit to a solid "yes" or "no" answer. In a statement to Edge on Wednesday, ESA's SVP for communications and research Rich Taylor said, "...Regarding today's published reports, the ESA does not comment on rumors and speculation and will make an announcement about the details and logistics of the 2009 E3 Media & Business Summit at the appropriate time."
Taylor added that the ESA annually solicits feedback from both exhibitors and attendees regarding the show, which became a lower-key business and media-focused event in 2007, following several years of huge attention-grabbing booths and general hubbub.
He elaborated, "Each element of the Summit is opened for discussion and that process is ongoing to execute a productive and efficient experience."
Among the critics of the most recent July event are EA CEO John Riccitiello, Ubisoft North America president Laurent Detoc, Spore creator Will Wright, and others who questioned the validity of E3 in its current form.
This has led some companies to consider holding independent events instead. Riccitiello said in July, “Either we need to go back to the old E3, or we'll have to have our own private events."
Major player Activision Blizzard opted not to participate in E3 2008, instead holding its own event during the same week in July. The company also left E3 organizer ESA earlier this year.