UK Gaming Expo Scene Crumbles As Another Event Disappears

As a seasoned gamer with years of attending gaming events under my belt, it’s truly disheartening to witness the slow demise of the UK’s vibrant gaming scene. From the bustling halls of EGX to the innovative showcases at WASD London, these events were more than just gaming spectacles; they were sanctuaries where gamers could connect, discover new titles, and share our passion for games.

Over the past few years, in-person gaming events in the United Kingdom have been diminishing at a steady pace. After the challenges posed by COVID-19, these gatherings managed to maintain a good level of variety that kept gamers nationwide engaged. Events such as EGX, Insomnia, WASD, and several smaller ones dotted around the country provided entertainment for enthusiasts.

Back in the early part of this year, Insomnia, my favorite gaming event, vanished following a wave of layoffs at its corporate parent. After months of buzz and guesswork, it’s now official: WASD London, which made its debut in 2022, has been scrapped from the calendar permanently. Sadly, it seems the organizer is heading for liquidation.

To Nothing

Every October, EGX typically takes place, as does the annual MCM, the country’s largest comic convention. Some speculated that combining these two events might aid their sustainability. Despite a good attendance, the longevity of EGX is uncertain too.

This year, the Insomnia Gaming Festival, marking its 25th anniversary, was scheduled to occur in September. However, despite the anticipated event dates arriving, there was no announcement made.

Currently, the organizer of WASD London has filed for liquidation. The company’s co-founder expressed regret over the condition of the gaming scene.

Due to rising expenses and decreased interest in available space, hosting events has become financially unsustainable for us.

For some time, WASD London had been establishing itself as a pioneering event within the city. It catered to both prominent game titles and independent developers, providing a platform for underfunded or unknown games to gain visibility, and offering gamers an opportunity to experience the future blockbusters.

In the thrilling world of gaming, I’ve been incredibly lucky to get my hands on some hot titles before anyone else – like Dead Island 2 and Lords of the Fallen – at past WASD events. At its prime, WASD London stood tall as one of the U.K.’s finest industry gatherings.

On a BBC post, an enthusiast of independent games voiced their worries regarding the long-term viability of such events.

With larger game corporations hosting their own digital gatherings, it makes little sense for them to invest time, funds, and resources on attending physical events instead.

In a short while, only Gamescom, which is quite substantial and currently the largest gaming event globally, will remain near the UK.

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