It’s the time of year again when the UK’s biggest gaming event is looming, and in just under a week, I’ll be there. EGX returns in 2024 at the Excel Centre in London with a bit of a twist. This time, Reedpop has decided to condense the event and merge it alongside MCM Comic-Con.
My first taste of EGX was nine years ago at the 2015 event, which was held at the NEC in Birmingham. Back then, I wasn’t even involved in the gaming industry. I was merely a fan of video games like everyone else. It had the wow factor in its first year after moving on from Earls Court. Big hits like Star Wars Battlefront, Halo 5, and miles more games were on show.
EGX Isn’t The Same Anymore
I have to be honest. I’m really lucky to have been invited with press passes to the event since 2017. But since COVID-19 came along and left a huge dent in everything, gaming conventions have felt the brunt. When the event re-opened in 2021 with strict guidelines and no big-hitting games in attendance, you kind of let the organisers off with that one.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it in 2023 due to some intense training with my day job and not being able to take time off to attend. But the last event I went to in 2022 was still nowhere near on par with the last impressive event in 2019. Xbox, Nintendo and PlayStation didn’t attend and triple-A showings were extremely thin on the ground with only SEGA showing up.
What Is The Deal With Gaming Conventions?
It begs the question as to why can’t EGX return to its former glory. Gamescom in Germany understandably has bigger budgets but they seem to knock it out of the park. But also America has completely lost E3 which was the biggest event in the world before Covid.
Whilst America still has PAX East & West, here in the UK we have a half-hearted gaming show with no one willing to turn up. Another huge gaming festival known as Insomnia has become extinct, an event that used to run twice a year, is gone forever.
Can Comic-Con Save EGX?
When the announcement came about that EGX would be merging with MCM Comic-Con I’ll admit I was far from pleased. But after further thought, I thought that the popularity of this blending with EGX may give it the leverage it really needs. Would more publishers and developers be willing to turn up with larger numbers and two different audiences?
As we draw closer to the event which at the time of writing is less than one week away. I have to say I’m concerned. Again there is a distinct lack of Triple-A titles announced. And looking at the show floor map, it doesn’t give me confidence that a whole weekend could be spent playing games. What is more frustrating for paying customers is that it’s much more expensive this year and one day shorter.
So What Has Been Announced?
If you’re hunting down triple-A games there isn’t much announced in that respect. After the disappointment of Assassins Creed Shadows being pulled from the event due to the game needing further time, this has seemingly been replaced with Star Wars Outlaws. There are a bunch of games being showcased from Bandai Namco such as Dragonball Sparking Zero. More recent titles such as Unknown 9 Awakening, Spongebob The Patrick Star Game and a small cluster of others are making an appearance. As usual, the fabulous EGX Rezzed area is there although when it comes to the Indies, only a small flurry has been shared on the socials.
If you’re looking forward to checking out the Comic-Con elements of the show, then expect a lot of creators when it comes to art design, comic sketching and celebrities in the TV series/movie space. The most recognisable that I have spotted from the roster showing over the weekend are Stanley Tucci and Ella Purnell. However, if you want photograph/autograph meet and greet opportunities then you’ll have to reserve your spot and pay the price. I’d imagine merchandise stands to be rife throughout the arena in comparison to a standard EGX event due to the Comic-Con crowds as well.
Events & Panels Appear Pretty Impressive
What I have noticed is that there are plenty of panels and live shows across the three days. Whether its hearing about your favourite or future upcoming games or TV shows, then there will be something worth plucking out for yourself. Personally, I am looking forward to going to panels with the Avowed development team and also Planet Coaster 2.
Final Thoughts
Whilst I do appear to come across as quite negative in this article, I want what is best for the show and its audience. I’d love to see the event back to the days when it was filled with so much to do and see. With gaming conventions though, you always make the best of what you have and it is still a good time and even better when you have friends surrounding you. If you’re planning on going to the event I’d love to say hello and if we don’t cross paths, I hope you enjoy the show!