This year's shift towards a smaller, more professional show with more exclusive attendance was accompanied by a change in location, with the event taking place across numerous locations in Santa Monica instead of a centralized hub, as in previous years.

However, the show's return to its former holdings does not indicate the ESA will be loosening the strict invitation-only attendance policy on the event once known for its glamorous excess.

"The Summit is first and foremost about getting business done," the ESA told Gamasutra. "The intent of this show is to be a business-to-business opportunity and it isnÂ’t centered or focused on general consumers."