E3 2012

[Sectoid]

First off, I am was not sure where to put this thread so forgive me oh forum Gods if I got it wrong.

This will probably be a long thread, so sit back with a cool Coors 16oz-er and read on.

I have always wanted to be in the video game industry. Back in the Commodore 64 days, I used to program my own games they were mostly horrid crap like a choose your own adventure based on the Tom Hanks Dragnet movie (I am not joking).
Once I got to college, I studied Computer Science from 1993-1996 until I got incredibly ill and had to drop out. Also there was a woman involved that screwed me up (I was also to blame.) We wound up living together and getting married and because I had to support her as well as myself over the next 10 years, I had various customer service jobs and finally went into Packaging Engineering. The marriage ended back in 2005 and I met a new girl who has been very supportive in most things I do aside from video games. She pushed me and I finally went back to school and studied Finance because it was the quickest degree I could get based on my previous transcript that was still a BS. I like finance, read the Financial Times and follow the stock market. Much to my girlfriend's shagrin, I still have a passion for the gaming industry and write for a gaming podcast website GameNTalk.com. She sees the hobby as a complete waste of time and thinks it makes me angry. Truth being it does make me a little angry because I don't have enough time to play video games, work and deal with her stuff. I also spend time studying the business side of the industry, talk to folks like Kevin Dent and follow the IGDA.
Aside from the people I pester on Twitter, I've never had an IN to the industry. Especially since my programming skills are nil at the moment because I haven't done anything harder than HTML in ages. Through a series of events, some involving mistaken identity, I have gotten invited to Michael Pachter's industry party at E3. This, in my eyes, is a golden networking opportunity. She thinks it is a pipe dream and a waste of money.
Here lies the crux of the entire issue. I have some money to travel out there and lodge myself, but I don't think I can afford to pay for a pass for the convention. I have contacted whoever I can think of that might be able to get me either an industry pass or media pass and have gotten a bunch of "maybes". Also, my relationship has been a bit rocky since she told me (during the holidays) that she doesn't see us staying together as anything other than friends. I accepted this because I feel like I don't have a choice. I am living in her house (well it her parents own it) and have too many other monthly expenses to afford to live elsewhere. One of those expenses being a car for her. We made a sort of deal about it that I don't pay rent, but pay for her car instead. That is all fine, but I feel trapped. Also during the holidays I was recovering from hernia surgery. OK, I am getting completely off topic.
My questions and reason for this post (aside from venting) is; Do I go? Is anyone else going?

Yeah, I know I have a bunch of issues here not involving any sort of trip, but I feel I need to get away for a while.

[dbt1949]

Commuting from Mars must be hell.

[Sectoid]

Commuting from Mars must be hell.

NJ, Mars, what's the difference, really?

[Vorret]

Wish I could go to E3.

You sound passionate about it, can "kinda" afford it and it's something that can affect your future... you'll regret not going.

[geezer]

Since she basically told you she doesn't want to be with you, tell her you're done paying for her car, move the hell out, put down the cash for E3 and follow your dreams. Don't let inertia make you regret the next ten years like you're regretting the last ten you spend not doing what you love.

[GreenGoo]

I was told there would be cake?

It's hard not to see things as Geezer sees them. I'm not exactly a man of action these days, so this is more of a do as I say not as I do sort of thing, but something along what Geezer suggests would be the best approach, given the limited info we have so far.

I also have a problem with paying for something that is an asset (even if it's a depreciating one) that she gets to keep while you get free lodging. There is no real difference from your perspective, but for her, she gets something tangible at the end (a car). It's a better deal for her than it is for you, since you're out the cash either way, and she's not actually paying your rent, so it's a double bonus for her. She's basically getting a car while her parents cover your housing expenses.

I wouldn't normally resent it, especially if I loved the person I might even suggest it, since it really makes little difference for me, and it's a benefit for her, but given the situation, her being critical of my interests and kicking me to the curb emotionally, I'd start to resent it. Big time.

[noxiousdog]

Since she basically told you she doesn't want to be with you, tell her you're done paying for her car, move the hell out, put down the cash for E3 and follow your dreams. Don't let inertia make you regret the next ten years like you're regretting the last ten you spend not doing what you love.

I think geezer is right.

I am not a relationship counselor, but I can't imagine having a significant other that thinks your passion is foolish.

[Exodor]

Since she basically told you she doesn't want to be with you, tell her you're done paying for her car, move the hell out, put down the cash for E3 and follow your dreams. Don't let inertia make you regret the next ten years like you're regretting the last ten you spend not doing what you love.

Listen to this man.

Life is short. Do you want to spend your days with someone who doesn't love you and stands in the way of your dreams?

[Sectoid]

Since she basically told you she doesn't want to be with you, tell her you're done paying for her car, move the hell out, put down the cash for E3 and follow your dreams. Don't let inertia make you regret the next ten years like you're regretting the last ten you spend not doing what you love.

Listen to this man.

Life is short. Do you want to spend your days with someone who doesn't love you and stands in the way of your dreams?

The reason I am conflicted is mostly due to a comfort issue and the fact that I have no where to go. She has been very good for me in a friend capacity and getting me to do things I would have not otherwise done, such as getting my bachelor's. I would need to save up some money (which is very difficult in the position I am in) and get a place to move to. Also I am looking at changing careers at the same time. For someone in my mid-thirties, this is a frightening prospect. I have become accustomed to a specific lifestyle and given that I live in NJ (one of the highest costs of living in the country) finding a job that supports my current expenses, while still being an entry-level position (in a different industry) is hard.
I know I am just putting up roadblocks and I should just dive in with both feet, I just don't want to wind up burnt out and broke with no place to live in a strange part of the country.

[silverjon]

If she doesn't want to be with you, then you might as well pursue the gaming track as far as you reasonably can. She has no grounds at all on which to be critical if she's no longer your partner. Fairness of their viewpoint aside, a domestic partner has leeway to express opinions about what you do that an ex or a landlord does not.

[D.A.Lewis]

Just go. You don't want to be kicking yourself years from now about a lost opportunity. Especially one that tailors into what you have been doing for most of your adult life

If the relationship can't stand up AFTER you come back, well it wasn't that solid of a relationship anyways.

NOTE:
A few years back I had s similar issue with my wife. I wanted to go to Canada to visit some relatives. It was basically a genealogy trip and while wifey sorta disapproved we agreed to get a dog after I came back. I have never regretted the decision to go and I'm allergic to dogs. BTW, the dog is great and I luv him.

[Sectoid]

Still trying to get a pass to the convention. My industry contacts (the very few I have) have come up dry. Also, HOLY HELL hotels are expensive in the area during E3. $158/night at a Ramada?! Seriously?!

[Vorret]

sleep in a tent... it's in LA you'll be fine.

[naednek]

sleep in a tent... it's in LA you'll be fine.

or find the local occupy movement.

[Jaymon]

You should be able to get hotels cheaper than that. i did a quick Search for hotels near the LA Convention center, and found some within just a couple miles that were low as $58 a night. Sure its a crappy 2.5 star, but you want cheap, you get cheap.
If you want to know how the heck did you find that, send me PM and I will show you.

[Kraken]

Every time I click this thread it still lacks booth babes.

[Sectoid]

I am going to E3! I just got my confirmation email of my Registration. Thanks to a friend at Capcom. I'm only going for the 5th and 6th, however to coincide with the schedule of the friend I am going out there with. I'm excited!

Does anyone have any suggestions of stuff I can do in Burbank on Monday 6/4? The friend I am traveling with will be in meetings all day, so I'll have nothing to do.

[Daehawk]

You'll be happier in the long run for going. Enjoy the trip, the tech and games, and the booth babes.

[Sectoid]

It's Official! I am going to E3!


Got my badge in the mail over the weekend. Travel plans are set and accommodations have been made.

[Enough]

Awesome, congrats! Be sure to update us with how it goes, will be interesting to read what your impressions are.

[Remus West]

Take pictures so you can fix this:

Every time I click this thread it still lacks booth babes.

Have a great time. I'd love the chance to check that out someday but since I'm not and have no intention of going into the industry it would simply be a whim trip and thus nont likely to happen.

[Daehawk]

this will be one of those life time memories. Enjoy it bud.