What a difference four years makes.

　　In 1994, the Interactive Digital Software Association was best known for establishing the Entertainment Software Ratings Board and its method of labeling video and computer game content.

　　And then, Douglas Lowenstein and the IDSA came up with the idea of E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

　　Before E3, there was no trade show dedicated to showcasing the upcoming titles of video and computer game makers. Comdex was as close as you came. But announced, E3 was once of those ideas that made you think, "Now why hadn't anyone thought of that before?"

　　It didn't take long for the idea to take off.

　　The first two E3s were held in Los Angeles. And by the time the show moved to Atlanta for E3 three last year, things had hit the big time. E3 the third took up the space of 35 football fields, where more than 1,500 titles were introduced.

　　More than 1,600 titles will be presented this year.

　　E3 has become the premier place for developers to premiere their titles-in-progress and about-to-be-released. And it is the place to start generating a buzz for the upcoming all-important Christmas season.

　　It's E3.

　　And it starts …bright and early Thursday morning.