As the digital age hurtles along and continues to evolve rapidly, gaming enthusiasts have enjoyed a significant technological shift in recent years. Although original video games have not lost their popularity, they have paved the way for online video games, which give players a more socially immersive experience.
Online video games might sound like they’d put a dampener on fanatical enthusiasm for video gaming events, but that is not the case. Despite the innovation of gaming accessories to enable direct player-to-player interaction without presenting a need even to leave the house, there is still a common desire to establish a 3D connection with other like-minded gamer geeks. Despite this, online gaming is on the rise, and during the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in the popularity of online slots.
What Happens at Gaming Events?
Gaming events can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the larger conventions’ scope and size. They provide an opportunity for gamers worldwide to come together to show off their skills and compete against other players. The exhibitions showcase various games and range from small community gatherings to massive international competitions.
In addition to offline video games, you will find a wealth of other games to try, including online gaming options, multiplayer formats, online slots US, and online slots UK. There truly is something for everyone.
You can try out new games if you’d like, participate in games you’ve already familiarised yourself with, or join tournaments to see if you can come out on top.
The Top London Gaming Conventions
ICE (International Casino Exhibition) London is one of the most significant gaming events in the world. The annual event boasts over 600 exhibitors from various fields and predominantly focuses on the gambling industry. The event includes conferences, seminars and gaming workshops and attracts many thousands of visitors from across the globe.
In addition, another annual gaming event called the London Games Festival focuses on interactive entertainment and video games. Many activities are on display, and players can have a sneak preview of video games before their release.
Gamers are also invited to dress up as their favourite video game characters and join a parade through the streets. This event welcomes children and is also a networking opportunity for industry professionals.
Gaming Events in Other Parts of the UK
MCM Comic Con is an annual convention and one of the world’s most prominent and influential gaming events. You can expect to see TV and movie celebrities, cosplay competitions, autograph signings, meet and greets, merchandise for sale, and industry experts. This event attracts a diverse audience, including fans of pop culture, comics, manga, anime, seasoned gamers, and diehard fans.
Birmingham Anime and Gaming Convention (BAGC) is another annual event focusing on anime, manga and gaming. It hosts guest speakers, workshops and gaming competitions, to name a few.
The Sci-Fi Scarborough Convention attracts those who enjoy science fiction, comic book culture and fantasy. Attendees are creative types such as artists, writers, actors, and the usual conventions. Gamers can attend afterparties to network with like-minded fans. The Scarborough Convention is a fantastic event to attend regardless of your interest and attracts plenty of curious people each year.
Here For Games Con: The Free Inclusive Charity Games Convention
The Herefordshire Board Gamers have put a slightly different spin on their gaming event. During the pandemic, they realised the importance of connecting with people for mental well-being. As well as offering a free, inclusive, charity games convention open to people from Hereford and Worcestershire, they also run an online event for people across the globe who may not be able to access or travel to conventions.
Here For Games Con offers 14 days of free charity gaming — both in-person and online — and 100% of the proceeds go to a local mental health charity, Herefordshire Mind. They also provide an extensive game library, giant games, role-playing games and much more!
Conclusion: The Future of Gaming Conventions
Hopefully, this little dive into gaming events has given you an idea of what to expect as a newbie or offered further insight as an established fan. You can find more information about the individual events online, including detailed advice on what to wear and bring to your first convention.
We’ve come a long way since the early days of Comic Con in the 1970s — both in terms of technological advancement and footfall — and there is no doubt its continued popularity as conventions expand around the world. It’s hard to imagine where the gaming industry will be in another 50 years, but there are plenty of enthusiasts to scale it further.
