Sure thing, let’s dive into this chaotic recap of my recent dive into the UK Games Expo 2025. First off, imagine me, your average game-loving nerd, stepping out of my usual digital bubble… into an ocean of physical gaming. Yeah, I know — insane leap. You can picture the scene: NEC in Birmingham, bustling like a hive with enthusiasts showing off board game magic. Did I expect to find so much? Not really. But here we are.
So, it starts at some cracking big venue at the beginning of June — mark that, my friends! Anyway, people and stalls everywhere. Like the gaming tables swallowed the video game expo scene and kinda spat out a board game paradise. Merch was everywhere, tempting me to part with my cash faster than a cheetah on skates. And believe me, resisting the urge to buy out the place? Near impossible. My wallet and I barely survived the weekend. A warning from the wise: budget better than I did.
But what about the people? Ah, see, they gather at NEC, then migrate to a Hilton down the road. Me included. Saturday, I caught live shows — think comedians, chaos, and laughs flying around. Seriously, if you’ve seen Knightmare on TV, picture that but live and a little more bonkers. It’s one of those “you had to be there” kinda deals. Ever laugh until your sides hurt? Yeah. That.
Oh, and gaming halls! So, post-laugh-fest, beers in hand, we nosedived into open-gaming at the Hilton. Imagine strangers connecting over dice rolls and game turns. Lovely, really. But why doesn’t every town have this? A free community service with board games — someone make that happen, please. Need to work on the global game library movement, folks.
Sunday came… rapid fire through NEC again. Eight hundred stalls? Felt like a labyrinth with board games instead of Minotaurs. Anyone else feels like there’s never enough time to do it all? Or grab that epic dice set calling your name? Ah, and meeting the creators — authors and artists spilling magic with pens and paints. Pretty cool, actually.
Heads up! If any part of you thinks, “Hey, I need to be at this expo,” well, prep for a mad rush. Tickets float out around Christmas and hotel rooms? Poof! They’re gone. Plan early.
So, do I recommend it? Heck yes! Two days just isn’t enough, guys. This gig is like… the best friend date you didn’t know you needed. Dig into your geek side, mingle, and have a ridiculous amount of fun. And for those a billion miles away? Keep watch! This might pop up closer than you think.
Until then, stay weird and game on!
