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Oh boy. So, apparently, I don’t just live in my gaming cave—surprise! I do venture out. Yep, this time it was for the UK Games Expo 2025. I mean, why not go where board game magic happens? It’s chaos in cardboard form, or something like that.
Picture it: the NEC, Birmingham, buzzing with people who, like me, kinda lose their minds over dice and strategy. You see stuff not even out yet. Seriously, it’s like peeking into the future, and then you can buy all the quirky game accessories. I managed not to max out my credit card, but barely! Note to self: you need cash, lots of it. When you go, that is.
Anyway, my weekend’s a blur of games, merch, and… more games? I landed at the Buy, Sell, Swap tent. I know, treasure hunting! Got three bags of goodies. No idea how that happened. If there’s a way to buy happiness, it’s probably through old board games.
Fast forward to Saturday—I totally switch gears, no more NEC. Hilton Hotel’s live shows grabbed me instead. Comedians battling it out, Knightmare Live (hello, nostalgia!). Anyone else remember it? Probably just me. It was the retro FMV style, pre-media-takeover, 80s cheesy kinda thing. It’s like stepping into a time machine, but with more laughs this time around.
So, drinks? Yes. Games? Of course. The Hilton’s game halls let you dive right into new finds. Anyone can join, no game required. Why can’t every city be like that? Like a free gaming library dream come true.
And then Sunday arrived—back at the NEC, wandering through stalls, catching flashes of genius board game creations. It’s staggering, honestly. Eight hundred companies, give or take. You can play stuff on the spot (which probably distracted me way too much).
If you’re into this scene, booking tickets early is a no-brainer. Hotels fill up faster than you can say “roll the dice!” A tip? Scan for the best deals, don’t snooze on this.
In short? The Expo—it’s like nerd paradise. Two days wasn’t enough, note to self: go for all three next time. If you’re outside the UK, hunt down something similar. These expos pop up like mushrooms everywhere. And hey, if quirky, chaotic board game fun is your kind of jam, dive right in. Why wouldn’t you?
