UK Games Expo 2025 – That Video Game Blog

Alright, so listen, I’ve got this whole world going on outside of video games. I know, shocking, right? But don’t roll your eyes just yet. I’m a proud nerd. But sometimes I drop the controller and wander into the real world. Recently, I went to this massive event. You know, just to mix things up. It was the UK Games Expo 2025. Yeah, not quite what you’d expect on a Saturday afternoon, right? Let’s dive in.

Picture this: Birmingham’s NEC, early June. The place is crawling with the brightest board game wizards showing us all their shiny new contraptions. It was like a sneak preview of the coolest stuff before it hits the shelves. Imagine it like a video game con, but with tables. Lots of tables. Oh, and merch? So much. You’d half expect to leave penniless. It’s a danger zone for the wallet. Trust me, bring cash if you want to keep up.

The event’s so huge, it spills into two sites. Start at the Buy, Sell, and Swap tent. Basically, a goblin’s cave of treasures (and a fair bit of trash). I scored a couple of solid finds—three bags full, to be exact. Could’ve lost myself in there, but there was more to see. Needed to keep moving, you know?

Saturday was split. I hopped over to the Hilton, where the chaos continued. Picture comedians going toe-to-toe in live shows like Werewolf Live. The nostalgia peaked with Knightmare Live. Anyone else remember that show? Probably not, unless you binge-watch obscure 80s content. It’s buried on the internet somewhere. A laugh-trip if you’re into that kind of time travel.

After the shows, I sunk into a cozy corner at the Hilton’s gaming hall, some new board game finds spread before me, beers in tow. The atmosphere? Electric. Strangers bonding over dice rolls and shared nerdiness. Plus, they had a library of games if you didn’t bring your own. Brilliant idea, right? City planners, take note.

Sunday? Back to the NEC. Anything but laidback. Seriously, the scale of it was absurd. So many companies, more than 800! It’s almost overwhelming. Every turn, something gleamed for attention. Playable games everywhere. And the stuff for sale? Everything from custom dice to full-blown gaming tables. You could even meet your favorite authors, if you’re into that artsy vibe.

A little heads-up—if you’re thinking of going next year, tickets are out around Christmas. Everything fills up fast. Like, blink-and-it’s-booked fast. Book early or end up miles away.

So, final thoughts? If board games are your jam, or if meeting other people who dig this stuff sounds like your scene, this is a must. Next year I’m not missing a second of it. Friday to Sunday, full immersion. And for those outside the UK, don’t lose heart. These events pop up everywhere. Who knows, there could be one right under your nose.

And there you go, my romp through the UK Games Expo. Whether or not it’s your thing, it’s an adventure. And who doesn’t love those?