Finally, we may just have a glimmer of hope for the gaming convention scene in the UK. I’ve just returned to Cornwall after visiting Dreamhack in Birmingham as a Creator. Admittedly, I knew nothing about this event before attending, as traditionally the roots of the experience lie in the hands of Sweden, America and other countries around the world. However, gaming conventions over here are dead as a dodo, and I’m desperate to feel that excitement of a proper convention again. With this being the first outing for Dreamhack in the UK, I’ll let you know my thoughts on the whole event.
Those who know me and have read my recent articles have probably seen my criticism surrounding Eurogamer EGX. Reedpop took over the event in 2019, and since then, it’s been left to die slowly. After the last few years tacked onto the back of MCM Comic-Con and restricted to a tiny area of one convention hall, it’s been a wasted trip for many. Sadly, other great events such as EGX Rezzed and WASD have been laid to rest. Part of me questions whether it’s due to cost, logistics and silly developers and publishers totally removing themselves from the scene. Or is it still the wrath of COVID ultimately destroying the entire convention scene?
What Is DreamHack?
Dreamhack has been around since 1994 and has celebrated competition, community, play and everything gaming throughout its years. Starting as a LAN party amongst friends in a basement, it has evolved into one of the largest gaming events in the world. Trying its hand for the first time in the UK, this could pave the way for a gaming event that should hopefully be cemented into an annual event here. If you’re into the eSports scene, you won’t find a better event. That said, there is plenty of other shenanigans going on, such as meeting creators, gaming celebs, getting hands-on with games and competing for prizes.
Competitive Gaming At Its Best
The competitive side of Dreamhack Birmingham brought some incredible energy to the weekend. With a packed arena, roaring crowds and a consistent stream of high-stakes matches across several games, the atmosphere was electric. Established teams from around the world were there for the ultimate prize of winning, but also to defend their reputations. Even if eSports isn’t your scene, it was impossible not to be consumed by the intensity and adrenaline. Standing and watching Call of Duty with a huge crowd was just awesome. Next time, I’d love to be part of the actual crowd for a day. Whilst you could go and watch with several bars and seating areas outside of the actual arena, being close to the action is the place to be. This, however, did require a separate wristband.
Freebies Galore
Gaming events used to be renowned for presenting you with a bag full of goodies to come home with. Almost immediately after entering and watching the fun at the Dreamhack Stage, the crowd was showered with freebies thrown into the crowd. T-shirts, keyrings, mouse mats and more. I managed to grab a pair of thumbsticks for the Playstation 5. As an energy drink consumer, I love it when events provide them for free. Red Bull and Monster Energy were both there, handing out free drinks. Perfect to bring up the energy levels at an event that has a buzzing atmosphere. Scan Computers and Cyberpower both had chances to enter giveaways and also win prizes. The main sponsor, Samsung, was dishing out free coffees and also the opportunity to win the Samsung S26 Ultra if you performed well in PUBG Mobile.
Gaming Royalty Present Across The Entire Weekend
Even though I’m a 40-year-old bloke now, I’ve got a lot of respect for some of the YouTube royalty out there. Across the weekend, people had the opportunity to meet three of the Sidemen, Simon, Josh and TBJZL on the Saturday. On Friday Angryginge made an appearance amongst the BOV Boys, which also included Heinz and Jakey.
Understandably, there was limited capacity to take part in free meet and greets. I applied for both and was unsuccessful in securing the chance to queue for a selfie and an autograph. To have them at this event, though, is huge, and they did partake in some on-stage gaming. So you still had time to see them in the flesh if you really wanted to. There were also opportunities to meet your favourite creators and eSports players. It’s a brilliant event to link up with people.
An Opportunity To Become The Biggest In The UK
For a first event in the UK, DreamHack nailed it. I do feel that they could go into their second event bigger and better, though. This really was a creator’s and eSports followers’ dream, but for those of us who just want to play some games, it was a little lacking. Whilst there was an area for indie titles to be shown off, it was a very small section with a handful of games. If this were a larger section that was on the same scale as the Rezzed section at EGX, it would be extremely popular and easily would add an entire day’s gaming.
Personally, I’d love to see some of the big publishers and developers turn up with upcoming and new games to play. There are currently no conventions in the UK that focus on getting hands-on with what’s coming up. Gamescom appears to be the only event in Europe now where you can try and test games ahead of time. DreamHack has a huge opportunity to become the biggest gaming event here in the UK, and if it can dip its toes into other territories, it could reel in thousands more people.
Final Thoughts
DreamHack was a really enjoyable experience, with an incredible atmosphere throughout the event. If eSports is your jam, then you won’t find a better experience anywhere. It’s the first time I’ve been amongst a really competitive scene, and hearing the roar of the crowds is truly electrifying. Cosplay is also a very prominent part of the event, with plenty of impressive outfits on show throughout. What I adored about this event was that there was always something going on. Whether it’s playing freeplay games on high-end PC’s or entering a Fortnite tournament with your mate, there’s plenty to be getting on with if you just want to blend in.
I’m hoping that Dreamhack is here to stay; the gaming convention scene must start to blossom again. Whilst this event is renowned for its focus on eSports, I really feel it has a chance to do more in the UK. We don’t have the luxury of the PAX events or Gamescom, and now EGX is practically dead and buried, so we need a bit more. If Dreamhack could bring along a feast of new/unreleased games to get hands on with and a larger indie game presence, this would drive the EGX veterans right into your doors. If eSports, Cosplay or networking with creators/gaming companies isn’t your scene in gaming, then there ultimately isn’t much for you at Dreamhack in the UK currently. That said, I would for sure go again just to soak in the atmosphere, because I haven’t felt this exciting vibe at any other event since probably 2018-19.
Since writing this article, it has been revealed that DreamHack will be returning in 2027 on April 2-4 to the NEC Birmingham, fantastic news!
I’d like to thank DreamHack & Xbox UK for the Creator Invite to cover the event