UK Games Expo 2023

Not long back for my annual pilgrimage to Games Expo. This marked my 5th show and it was as much fun as always.

If you are a dyed in the wool historical miniatures gamer then this is not the show for you, its’s eighteen quid for a single day ticket and the number of historical stands is less than the fingers on one hand. Those recognisable names that do go, such as Annie at Bad Squido, Deep Cut Studios, Iron Gate Scenery and Black Scorpion, are aiming for the non historical community.

If your wargaming interests are across a broader spectrum then this is a bit of a must do. There is always a plethora of board games (well known and completely unknown), card games (collectable or otherwise), RPG’s, fantasy games, sci fi games, books, stands featuring kick starter products, an increasing number of 3D printed miniatures – mainly on the fantasy/sci fi genre but occasionally usable for historical skirmish games, plus scatter/clutter of various sorts and who doesn’t like a bit of scatter?

Where the show really wins, I think, is the many pick up games you can take part in for 20 mins to over an hour depending on the game, many are for the purpose of promoting a new product or upcoming kick starter but some are tried and trusted regulars. I played 4 different games today, one was a new Star Wars card game, another a sci fi miniatures game, a fantasy miniatures kick starter (really liked this) and a fantasy card game. There was plenty of other stuff but the the rest of the time I spent browsing the very large halls 1 & 2 which took quite some time!

The other thing that is very noticeable is the inclusivity and positive vibe. Yes it is big and corporate but at the hall level the overall vibe is positive, traders are pleased to be there and pleased to see you, fellow punters aren’t trying to elbow you out of the way and even at it’s most crowded you can still make your way round.