E3 2023 Is Cancelled – Here’s Where You Can Travel To Get Your Gamer Fix

With the cancellation of E3 2023 because as Kyle Marsden-Kish, Global VP of Gaming ReedPop put it, the normally much anticipated convention, “…simply did not garner the sustained interest necessary to execute it in a way that would showcase the size, strength, and impact of our industry.” it seems as though gaming enthusiasts might be left with a void in terms of events to look forward to. However, there are still plenty of other gamer conventions to attend that provide an equally thrilling and informative experience. Here are the top five gamer conventions to attend in 2023:

1. PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) – PAX held annually in Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia, and San Antonio, is one of the largest gaming conventions in the world. Started in 2004, PAX has steadily grown in popularity over the years, with the number of attendees reaching over 70,000 in 2019.

Pros:

• Community: At PAX, you’ll find a strong community of gamers who share your passion for video games.
• New game releases: PAX is often where publishers showcase their latest game releases, so you’ll get a chance to play games before they’re even released.
• Exclusive swag and merchandise: PAX offers exclusive merchandise and swag that you can’t find anywhere else, making it a must-attend for collectors.

Cons:

• High costs: Attending PAX can be expensive, with costs for travel, accommodations, and tickets adding up quickly.
• Limited availability: Tickets for PAX sell out fast, so you may not be able to attend even if you want to.
• Exhausting: PAX is a four-day event, and it can be tiring to spend hours on your feet, in lines, and in crowds.

2. Gamescom is one of the world’s largest gaming events and has been held annually in Cologne, Germany, since 2009. It is an event that brings together gamers, developers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts from all over the world.

Pros:

• Experience: A chance to test out the latest gaming technology, such as virtual reality and augmented reality.
• Workshops: Attending Gamescom can be an excellent learning experience, with workshops and seminars on game development, design, and career opportunities.
• Social – The chance to meet and connect with other gamers from all over the world.

Cons:

• Language: Language barriers may be an issue for non-German speakers, as most of the event and presentations are in German.
• Access: Limited availability of accommodation and high prices during the event.
• Weather: As the event is held in August, the weather can be hot and humid, which can be uncomfortable for some attendees.

3. Tokyo Game Show – The Tokyo Game Show is considered one of the most exciting gaming events in the world, attracting gaming enthusiasts from across the globe. It’s a must-visit for gamers looking to experience the latest and greatest from the Japanese gaming sector.

Pros:

• Cosplay: The Tokyo Game Show is famous for its cosplay culture. You can dress up as your favorite game character and take part in various cosplay events.
• Exclusive merchandise: The show offers exclusive merchandise that is not available anywhere else, such as limited edition games, toys, and accessories.
• Gaming tournaments: The Tokyo Game Show has plenty of gaming tournaments for different genres, and you can participate or watch the action.

Cons:

• Language: As the show is in Japan, there might be some language barrier issues for non-Japanese speakers.
• Expensive: It can be costly to travel to Tokyo and attend the event. The show entrance price can also be expensive.
• Long Lines: Be prepared to wait in long lines. Arranging meetings beforehand will help reduce waiting and take the most advantage of attendance.

4. Comic-Con International – Comic-Con International in San Diego, is a massive convention that attracts people from all walks of life. It’s not just about comics- gaming enthusiasts will find a lot to love at Comic-Con.

Pros:

• Meet your favorite celebrities and creators. Comic Con is the best platform to meet your favorite actors, directors, and creators. You can take their autograph, click a picture with them, and attend their panels.
• Participate in exclusive activities. Comic Con is the place to showcase the latest and upcoming games, movies, and TV shows where you can participate in exclusive activities like photo ops, special screenings, VR experiences, and much more.
• Shop for unique merchandise. The exhibition hall of Comic Con is filled with unique merchandise that you may not find elsewhere.

Cons:

• Expensive tickets. Comic Con is not a cheap event, and the tickets can be pretty expensive. It’s important to plan your budget and decide how much you can spend before you purchase the tickets.
• Long lines. Be prepared to wait in long lines for everything from panels to food. There will be a lot of waiting around at Comic Con, so be sure to bring plenty of snacks and water.
• Accommodation. San Diego hotels can be expensive and often booked months in advance for Comic Con, so if you’re planning to attend, make sure you book your accommodation early.

5. Twitch Con – Located in Las Vegas, Nevada Twitch Con is an annual event that brings together Twitch streamers, fans, and industry professionals. This event is the perfect opportunity for avid fans of video gaming, media, art, and streaming to meet their favorite online entertainers and enjoy a range of activities. Here are some of the pros and cons of attending Twitch Con.

Pros:

• Meet and Greet – Twitch Con provides an opportunity for fans to meet and engage with their favorite streamers, socialize, and learn about updates from the industry.
• Networking – Twitch Con brings together various industry professionals including Twitch staff, gaming companies, and marketing teams. This event can help you connect with fellow live streamers, game developers, advertisers, and various industry leaders.
• Content – The event includes panel discussions, workshops, and Q&A sessions where attendees can learn about new strategies, insights, and techniques for broadcasting their content.
• Product News – Video game makers typically use Twitch Con to debut new games or release trailers or sneak peeks. Attending Twitch Con will keep you up-to-date on the latest advancements concerning your favorite software and hardware products.

Cons:

• Crowds – It can be overwhelming to deal with a crowd of excited, passionate people.
• Time – Twitch Con can consume significant amounts of time and provides little opportunity for other activities.
• Schedule – The schedule of events is pre-planned, so attendees may not be able to attend all of the panels or events, depending on their availability.

To sum up, there are still plenty of conventions to experience outside of E3. Each offers its own unique blend of experiences and challenges. Gamers and gaming fans alike should choose which is best suited to their interests, budget, and location, so they can fully enjoy their convention experience.