E3 2006 Awards

NCSoft was busy showing off Auto Assault, Aion, Exteel, Tabula Rasa, Dungeon Runners and much more. The line-up of new and newly released titles was impressive, as is the portfolio they're putting together, but that was not why they won best booth. Simply put, the had everything besides a bar (that we could find).

Their open design in the center-back of the South Hall was right next door to SEGA and across the road from Blizzard. Yet, the distinctive drums of Mutaytor rang throughout the hall. So much so, that NCSoft received a $5,000 fine for their noise levels during Mutaytor's finale. Despite a rant and threats that they wont come back, they should call it money well spent.

That's not what sealed their booth though. The games were fun, Mutaytor was great and fire tricks are always good. No, what won it for them was the way their staff handled media, fans and developers alike. This was the one booth where any guy off the street could walk in and shake hands with a real developer. Richard Garriott was often spotted browsing the floor, talking to people at demo stations.

Some other companies roped off their internal areas to ensure that media and business demonstrations could be done in peace. This is effective, but not all that much fun for the average attendee. NCSoft instead put down some extra dime for large meeting rooms in the Concourse Hall. That's where they met the press. It paid off.

Most surprising was that NCSoft put on a great show with minimal use of half-naked women. Good job and good show, NC!

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The following booths also deserved consideration.

EVE Online, CCP Games Demo stations, private meeting rooms and a slick modern feel, this booth was a great example of what a company can do with a smaller space. Located in the West Hall, the highlight was a roof-top bar.