Disappointed by E3 2008? Well, I was too. However, it seems that Comic-Con has picked up where E3 left off and given gamers more of what they wanted. More on this after the jump.

Comic-Con: Picking Up Where E3 Left-off
Friday, July 25, 2008 – by Ryan Lodata, Executive Editor

Comic-Con 2008 the E3 Replacement?

Comic-Con has several things going for it that may appeal to video game publishers, developers, and consumers. First of all, it is massive and open to the public. Second, it already has some of the largest companies within the industry showing its games to the public. Finally, it doesn't require any sort of membership in any form.

By having their products showcased directly to the public, companies give the very people who spend their hard earned money and time the ability to formulate their own opinion. Not to mention, it is the public that dictates where the media will present its coverage. If these companies are able to sway enough of the attendees in their favor, they could see the opinion of a game beginning to shift in the eyes of the public. Wouldn't you rather play a game than hear about it? If you did play a game, wouldn't you be more inclined to post about it on the Internet? I know a lot of you would.

Let's also not forget that there are over 15 game developers and publishers showing their wares at the show. Activision Blizzard, Telltale Games, GameTap, EA, and THQ are just some of the developers that have showcases at Comic-Con. In that list alone, we have many of the heaviest hitting companies within the industry and some of them didn't even make a large showing at E3.

Let's also not forget that you no longer have to deal with the Electronic Software Association. The ESA for those of you who don't know, is the overlord of E3. They have the right to fine companies that fall outside of particular boundaries that they set. This may bring back memories from E3 2006 where NCSoft was nailed with a $5,000 fine for a noise complaint or fining them for having booth babes.

In the end, both parties win. No longer do consumers simply have to read about a video game, instead they get the chance to see it for themselves and formulate their own opinions. They will now be able to get the hands-on access that they need and deserve for spending all their hard earned cash and time on the products these companies produce. Not to mention that companies can now skip out on their membership with the ESA and avoid the fines that could get thrown at them.

Well, who wins this fight? You do, Mr. Gamer.