Originally Posted by Hevyduty
Playable public debut? Um, did this guy sleep through E3 or something? WTF?
Basically, Nintendo's just doing what all three companies are going to do for the new downsized E3 next year. And that is emphasize private demos for the press, with less emphasis on Joe Shmoe gamer.
Like it or not, having a booth swamped by 7000 fans lining up so that 15 people at a time can try out the Wii is not exactly efficient. In fact, it's a zoo.
Besides, it's funny how the write-up refers to Nintendo denying access to the "gaming masses," which in this case happens to be gamers within driving distance of Leipzig. Sorry to break it to you, but Nintendo thinks it can get more bang for its buck by spending more time showcasing the Wii to representatives of Gamespot, IGN, G4TV, etc., who can then get that coverage to the real gaming masses (i.e., millions of fans around the world), and not just to Gunter from Dusseldorf and his five friends.
All three companies will take this same approach next year at E3. Nintendo's just the first to implement it.