Video game events: tell us what you love about them and why for $4

The feel good vibe and excitement of everyone being equal and not being judged for geeking out about a new game. Safety from non-gamers judging eyes!

With everything that’s going on in the gaming industry right now, and how little a lot of us are feeling valued or secure in our jobs, I think industry events remind those of us who work in the industry how incredibly powerful and capable we all are. It’s a chance to see what we’re all working on, the incredible feats being reached by some of us, and an opportunity to see the raw talent so many of us possess.

For gamers, it’s a chance to see all of the exciting games that are being worked on, and all the care that goes into them. It’s a reminder of the incredible skill that goes into something so enjoyable and so cherished by so many of us.

Industry events allow us all to connect, to remind ourselves of everything that’s amazing about working in games or being a passionate gamer, and remind us all how lucky we are.

On the gaming side, I always like them for the atmosphere. Sure trying out new games is always fun, but the newest and hottest titles often have lines so long that's it's just not worth it. It's the stuff in between where you can find some true gems, games you'd never think you like or maybe even never heard of. It's also everything in between, competitions to sign up for, freebies to reach out, etc. Plus, where there's games, there's usually also hardware as well, which is always more what I'm into, seeing the latest and greatest, trying your luck in giveaways, and so on. It's been sad to see events in the UK like EGX nose-dive in quality in all of those areas recently, and there's really no alternative right now, but oh well.

As a content creator as well, expos of course also mean content that can be made, so I always also like them for the potential in that, as well meeting new brands or companies to collaborate and start working with.

I haven't had the chance to attend a WASD con specifically, but over the past two decades, I’ve experienced a wide range of gaming conventions, from small gatherings of a few hundred to massive events with half a million attendees. What I love most about these shows is their evolution over time. They've grown to encompass not just games but a myriad of interests that bring people together – anime, TV shows, movies, cosplay, tabletop games, career opportunities, and shared knowledge. It's a vibrant celebration of our common passions.

One aspect of these conventions holds a special place in my heart: the retro zone. I'm not particularly into collecting retro consoles or games, and my own collection is modest, limited to a few old CDs. However, I've observed a unique kind of magic in these retro areas. I like to think of it as 'intergenerational bonding.' These zones offer a platform where the older generation can connect with the younger, peeling back the layers of time to reveal their youthful, game-loving selves.

Children often perceive their parents and grandparents as having always been adults, finding it hard to imagine them as young gamers. Photos, stories, or even videos can't fully bridge this gap in perception. Yet, the retro zones at these conventions create opportunities for older generations to share their memories and emotions through nostalgia. I've frequently seen people from different generations – parents, children, even grandparents – sitting together, eyes alight with excitement, as they recount stories or share long-forgotten gaming tricks.

This intergenerational bonding over shared gaming experiences is something I find truly priceless.

It used to be playing demos of unreleased games but nowadays I'm more interested in panels for the Q+A and creator discussions. Those unique interactions with creators and heroes that will stay with you for life over the demos that are completed in 10 minutes.

I also love going to the artist alley and seeing getting to interact with independent creators or the after parties.

I've only been to one major videogame event and that was the first RTX. Getting to meet a lot of onscreen talent I was constantly star struck