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Alright, so picture this. A board game expo. Yeah, I know, sounds nerdy, right? But bear with me. So I’m this massive geek—like, I wear it like a badge of honor. But I’ve got a life outside video games too, promise. Anyway, recently I landed at this UK Games Expo 2025. Largest one out there, they say. Had to see for myself what all the fuss was about. And, oh boy, it was something.
First off, NEC in Birmingham, jam-packed in June. Sorta like video game expos but with way more tables and dice. People flaunting new games, a bit of a sneak peek, if you will. Imagine merch heaven; if you’ve got the cash to splurge, it’s the place. Seriously, I left without mortgaging my house, so that’s a win. If you’re planning to go, better loosen your purse strings. Like, for real.
The place is huge. Split between NEC and this Hilton hotel close by. Saturday at the Hilton, I caught live shows—funny ones, comedians duking it out—Werewolf Live and Blood on the Clocktower. Good stuff. And then, boom! Knightmare Live. If you know, you know. Old-school FMV, before its time. For you non-UK folks, hunt it down online. Totally dated but worth it if you’re into quirky stuff.
Got to the gaming halls in the Hilton later, beers flowing, games aplenty. Met folks from all walks, just gaming it out. Pretty heartwarming if you think about it. There’s even a library there of games. Who knew that was a thing? Should be everywhere if you ask me.
Sunday was a mad rush back to NEC. Talking over 800 companies out there. Stalls everywhere, gaming tables, accessories—a real feast for geeks. I mean, from fancy dice to full-on gaming tables. Authors, artists all out there too. Seriously, if this scene clicks with you, look into it—Christmas time tickets sell fast. And hotels, they fill up quicker than you can blink.
So yeah, if card games, board games, any games are your thing, you gotta check this out. Feels like a giant playground, really. I’ll definitely be doing the whole weekend bit next time ’cause two days? Rookie mistake. Now, for my pals outside the UK, hang in there—this event makes the rounds globally. Or something similar. Get on it, if this tickles your fancy.
