After 2 years of virtual expos and reduced capacity due to Covid, UK Games Expo is back at full force for 2022. Covering 35,000sqm and featuring over 450 exhibitors, as well as a whole raft of live entertainment, having so much to see and do can be a bit daunting, so where do you begin?
We’ve put together a handy guide for this year’s expo to help you on your way.
What is UK Games Expo?
UK Games Expo runs 3-5 June 2022, at the NEC, Birmingham. With over 450 exhibitors on the list, it has everything from tabletop RPGs, board games and card games, to components, accessories and miniatures. For more hardcore fans, there’s also plenty of cosplayers from your favourite games and movies as well as plenty of gaming tournaments and live entertainment.
How much does it cost?
There are lots of ticket options for this year’s expo. Single-Day Adult tickets are £18, while Young Adults are just £12. If you’re thinking of going for more than one day though, it’s worth checking out the Weekend Single Adult (£34) and Weekend Family (£90) tickets. Or why not go the whole hog and get a three-day ticket (£46).
To beat the queues, grab your tickets online here.
What time does it open and close?
UK Games Expo runs for three days with various opening and closing times, so it’s worthwhile keeping an eye on your watch.
Friday
NEC Exhibitor Hall – 9am till 6pm
Gaming and Tournament Halls – 8am till midnight.
NEC Board Game Library – 9am – 10pm
Hilton Hotel Gaming – 9am till midnight
Saturday
NEC Exhibitor Hall – 9am till 6pm
Gaming and Tournament Halls – 8am till midnight
NEC Board Game Library – 9am – 10pm
Hilton Hotel Gaming – 9am till midnight
Sunday
NEC Exhibitor Hall – 9am till 4pm
Gaming and Tournament Halls – 8am till 6pm
NEC Board Game Library – 9am – 4pm
Hilton Hotel Gaming – 9am till 6pm
What’s the parking like?
There’s ample parking at the NEC, however it can get a bit pricey. My best piece of advice is to book ahead, particularly if you’re coming for more than one day as the savings are ridiculous.
If you want to pay on the day, you can’t pay in the car park itself anymore, you have to use the machines outside of the halls or pay online.
Is UKGE child friendly?
Yes – UK Games Expo is completely family-friendly and has been since it first started. As the expo can get quite busy, particularly on the Saturday, there is a Family Zone that has been designed to allow families, particularly those with young children, to spend quality time together, playing a range of family games.
Demonstrators will be on hand to teach you how to play the games and there’s even a Creative Zone to allow the kids to write their own stories or even have a go at designing and making their own games.
Is it worth planning ahead?
Oh yes! There are over 450 exhibitors at this year’s expo – that’s a lot of board games and a lot of walking. The whole experience can be knackering, so take plenty to drink with you and make sure to wear comfy shoes.
As with any expo, there are queues, but actually, these tend to only be for the Bring and Buy and some of the seminars. Saturday is often a lot busier than Friday and Sunday and the mornings and evenings can be much quieter as well. If there’s a brand new game you’re looking to test out, try and aim for these times if you can.
With so many shiny new games at your fingertips, consider your budget very carefully. Most of the stalls take card, but it’s worth taking some cash into the halls as well. Cash machines can be found throughout the NEC.
You can pick up a free show guide (with map) on the day or you can be really organised and download a PDF here.
How do you find the stand that you want?
With so many exhibitors and stands to get through, finding the one that you really want could be a challenge – not at UK Games Expo though. Exhibitors don’t just get given a random number – oh no no no. The organisers have meticulously planned out every stand, giving each one a unique code that tells you what hall and aisle they are in. Not only that, the system also tells you how many metres the stand is away from the front of the hall!
What’s the food like?
With all that walking, you’re bound to build up an appetite. There’s plenty to get those tastebuds flowing though. As well as the usual venues located throughout the NEC, including the Food Court in Hall 3 and various cafes and bars out in the Piazza, UKGE’s Chow Street also returns this year.
This year’s line-up includes; Franks Fine Pizza, Meat Shack Burgers, Fat Snags Hotdogs, Street Soulvaki, Jabberwocky Toasted Sandwiches, Habenero Mexican, Canoodle Pan Asian and Victoria Creperie.
Food will be available in and around the NEC Halls between 8.00am and 11:30pm.
For more information about UK Games Expo, to purchase tickets and to see a full list of exhibitors, head to www.ukgamesexpo.co.uk