2000s Video Game Launch Events: Remembering a Glitzy Era

Photo: Kotaku / John Sciulli / L. Cohen / WireImage (Getty Images) In the unique period between 9/11 and the rise of the Obama-era movie industry, the gaming market thrived in previously unimaginable ways. This was the time of Xbox and PlayStation, of extravagant launch parties with A-list celebrities where blue and green carpets replaced the customary red. It was a time where the gaming industry attempted to emulate Hollywood’s glamour and allure.
I recently stumbled upon a TikTok video capturing the historic moment that was the PlayStation 3 party held on October 8, 2006. The video showcased glamorous individuals, dressed in various satins and high-quality fabrics, their eyes accentuated with black liner. The atmosphere was lively as people posed for the camera, danced, and possibly engaged in party activities. “All the girls were there,” the TikToker noted, confident that the event would go down in history. Lindsay Lohan, just a month before her infamous paparazzi video where she referred to Paris Hilton as a “cunt”, was seen mingling with Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, who were not as prominent in the media as they are today.
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This wasn’t the only star-studded event of its kind. Nearly every launch party, whether for gaming consoles like the PS3 and Xbox 360 or for games like Halo: Reach and Gears of War, was graced by celebrities flaunting their athleticism, donning backpacks, or mingling with others. There were even instances of Paris Hilton dressing up as Master Chief. Whether they were there for pay or free drinks, every influential celebrity of that time made an appearance in the gaming industry scene.
Times have evolved significantly since then. The gaming industry is facing challenges in the midst of the pandemic, with a surge in unemployment as a visible consequence. The launches of Xbox Series X/S and PS5 didn’t garner the presence of Disney’s hottest stars on protected carpets. Nevertheless, the era when glamour and celebrities were synonymous with gaming events will be remembered. To pay tribute to that time, we have compiled a collection of some of the best looks from the aughts-era gaming events. Click here to relive the allure of that era.

Author: OpenAI