Gaming conventions give me a real buzz. There is nothing better than being in an atmosphere where everyone is embracing the joy of video games. EGX 2022 returns to London Excel for another year to show off the latest and greatest in the games and tech industry. After a lacklustre showing in 2021 due to the unfortunate aftermath of COVID-19, we should have a little more meat on the bones when it comes to the 2022 show.
This year’s show is from 22-25 September 2022 with a feast of games to play, shows to see and influencers to meet. If you’re into your triple-A titles or love the casual drive of indie titles. There is something for everyone this time around. If you want to see the entire list of games on offer you can see them HERE, there are simply too many to list in this article. Here I’ll go through some of the highlights that we should look out for at the show!
Where Can I Buy Tickets? How Much Is It?
I am a veteran when it comes to EGX, having been religiously for the past nine occasions, so I will break it down nice and simple. If you want to do all four days from the doors opening on Thursday 22nd September 2022 at 10 am till the end of play at 6 pm on Sunday 25th September 2022 then you can opt for a weekend ticket for £75. This will gain you early access each morning with a goodie bag to take with you. Early access tickets are currently sold out for all days apart from Thursday and Sunday, but they retail at £28 per day. Standard day tickets will cost £26, this however won’t gain you access until 11 am, an hour after early entrants. If you want to swing by for the afternoon from 2 pm onwards, it’ll cost you £15. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
What Facilities Are At London Excel? Can I Dump My Bags?
As someone who travels 300+ miles to EGX every year, I always like to come prepared. Most will already have hotels booked and travel arrangements lined out. But what facilities are at the Excel you may be wondering? I’ll cover the basics as it is a venue that is very well equipped and laid out, if you visited EGX at the NEC in Birmingham there is less walking involved to get to the convention hall.
Cloakroom facilities are available and have been historically free of charge on the past few occasions I have been here. You’ll be able to leave your luggage and any personal items here safely. There are various charging points for mobile devices throughout the venue with even the coffee shops on the concourse offering somewhere to give your phone some juice in the morning or throughout the day. Food outlets are aplenty inside the main convention, outside there are plenty of places to eat such as noodle bars, pizzerias and even the world-famous Subway. Prepare to empty your wallet though, prices are quite steep but isn’t everything these days?
Stop Waffling On! Tell Me What’s At The Show!
If you have never been to EGX then you’ll be pleasantly surprised if you’re someone who is hugely into video games. There are several sections throughout the venue that will cater to your needs. Rezzed consumes a large portion and is by far my favourite part of the show, this is where all of the indie developers and publishers gather to showcase what they have been working on. Into eSports? They have tournaments going on all weekend long and some you can even sign up and participate in. Whether you love Xbox, Sony, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, VR or even the all-new Steam Deck, you’ll find areas to keep you entertained.
Street Fighter 6 – First Play In The UK
Fighting fans will rejoice as it is the first opportunity in the UK to get hands-on with the highly anticipated Street Fighter 6.
Wo Long Fallen Dynasty
Whilst there has been a gameplay demo of Wo Long Fallen Dynasty temporarily available across certain platforms recently, those who didn’t get to play it will have another chance at EGX 2022.
Call Of Duty Modern Warfare II
To coincide with the release of the BETA across Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Playstation 4|5 and Windows PC this weekend, Modern Warfare II will be playable. Commencing at 6pm on Thursday 22nd September 2022 through the close of play on Sunday 25th September 2022, you will have the opportunity to queue for a game or two.
Celebrate 25 Years Of Goldeneye
I’m gutted to be missing this as I won’t be there on this day but on Saturday 24th September 2022 there will be an ultimate tournament and exclusive panel with industry leaders who worked on the original Goldeneye game. Make sure you keep your eyes on the EGX theatre and stay tuned.
First UK Play Of Sonic Frontiers
SEGA will be attending the show giving everyone the chance to explore the very first open-world Sonic the Hedgehog game.
44% More Titles At EGX Rezzed Compared to 2021
Believe me when I say that you can spend an entire day in this area as there is always so much to see and explore when it comes to indie titles. There are far too many games here this time around for me to list. But what I can guarantee is that you’ll come home from this event with a familiarity of what is coming in future and you’ll pluck out some gems that you will want to buy. If you get lucky you may be thrown some free merchandise from certain teams.
A Feast Of Live Panels!
If you’re looking for some downtime from being on your feet for hours or you simply show an interest in something specific, then you may want to check out some of the live panels. Hear people’s perspectives of how they broke into the game industry, and how they manage and create content amongst a whole range of other topics such as Virtual Reality or even Football Manager orientated talk. The full list and timings of the weekend shows are listed HERE, all are included within your ticket and shown in the EGX theatre with no booking required.
Meet Creators, Influencers & More
Across the weekend you’ll be able to meet a plethora of developers, publishers, career teams and more. Not only this you’ll be able to meet famous creators, voice actors and important individuals who have helped progress the gaming industry massively.
Retro Games FTW
EGX always brings history along with them. Play and experience every single console ever created from Pong in the 70s to today. A cascade of pinball machines with unlimited play is also available for you to enjoy with complete freedom. This section will also be available after hours between 6-10pm.
Stay After Hours
When the show floor closes at 6pm, you’ll be able to enjoy certain portions of the event. Whether its relaxing in the retro zone or playing some tabletop titles or even enjoying some of the live events, there is still fun to be had until 10pm.
Love Tabletop Games, EGX Has Your Back!
For those who love board games and titles such as Magic The Gathering, there is a huge area dedicated to sitting with your mates and picking something to sit down and play to give your eyes a rest from the screens.
Cosplay Is Life
Some people absolutely love Cosplay! It isn’t for me personally, but you are encouraged to go dressed as anything you desire as long as appropriate. There will be Cosplay panels, events and competitions throughout the weekend with judging panels.
Get Intel On A Career In Gaming
Always thought about getting into the gaming industry from a development or design angle and are not quite sure what path you want to take or just need some friendly advice? There is a range of University stands and veterans of the industry ready to answer any question you may have. At 37 years of age, I have taken the journalistic and social media route as a hobby so the University track is beyond me now. But those young and hungry enough should go and speak to these intelligent guys and gals. I’ve had conversations with lecturers who now teach and have worked on some of the biggest games in past decades gone by!
Final Thoughts
Some may be reading this who attended in 2021 and wondering what this year will hold. Last year was hugely lacking with large spaces in the venue and no new games to show apart from various indies. Last years event was clouded with the wrath of COVID-19 and exhibitors with big publishing and PR teams were not in a position to take their teams into that environment. 2022 isn’t crammed full with triple-A content unfortunately and I believe this is due to large teams not having sufficient time to cater for gameplay demos. This is due to big projects being delayed into 2023 and all manpower going into delivering finished products.
That said though, there appears to be a ton of content on offer this time around with many more indies and sections available that were absent last year. Many of us will just be happy to get to a buzzing convention with no restrictions in place. If you’re there this year and happen to see me, I’ll be there on Thursday and some of Friday along with a few others from the Complete Xbox crew. Come and say hi and most importantly, have a fantastic EGX!