Whilst Game Stars Live and the trade-only EGN event held at Excel for the first time last week certainly won the backing of publishers, the media and the public - against the long-running expo held in Earl's Court - ELSPA head Roger Bennett has insisted that resolution between GSL organisers ELSPA and ECTS chiefs CMP must be reached so that gaming events aren't forced into in the future. Bennett believes that himself and the vocally-embittered CMP head Andy Lane must partner once again in order to ensure London's gaming star isn't eclipsed by the rising influence of Germany's Liepzig-based Games Convention.

"We can't have two events operating at the same time," Bennett commented. "It won't happen again, or we run the risk of losing the whole thing to Leipzig". Whilst Game Stars Live dominated the headlines with a superior line-up of companies, titles and attendees, the Developers Forum was reportedly something of a let-down, with those creating the games still favouring ECTS in order to discuss the of the industry. Clearly, division is hurting both ELSPA and CMP then, and a combined effort is hoped for in the future in order to create a stronger, singular show which can once again be the toast of the European games industry.

More on this as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge