The gaming industry has exploded in the last 20 years. While it was once viewed as a niche hobby, it is now embraced by millions of people of all ages across the world.
Part of its popularity is due to the introduction of various technologies, such as mobile gaming and virtual reality. The industry’s growth has also led to an expansion of superb conferences, which can be found across many corners of North America.
If you’re an avid gamer and want to play demos before their release or meet with likeminded people, here are the video game conferences that are worth the road trip:
BlizzCon
If you could spend many an hour playing World of Warcraft, Starcraft, Hearthstone, or Diablo, look no further than BlizzCon. Launched in 2015 by Blizzard Entertainment, it is easily the biggest and best gaming event in Anaheim, California.
In addition to offering the latest news and demos from the likes of WoW, you also could catch a performance by a world-famous band or artist, with past acts including Metallica, Muse, and Linkin Park.
There are often three pass options to choose from:
- BlizzCon Pass ($230)
- BlizzCon Portal Pass ($550)
- BlizzCon Benefit Dinner Pass ($750)
While the above options might seem expensive, they can provide unique gaming experiences you will remember forever. Plus, the conference organizers will need to pay a substantial fee to host the event, as they will need to hire a venue and might need to fund entertainment, onsite security, and even fleet charging to power large electric fleets and cars.
Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)
The Electronic Entertainment Expo, also known to many as E3, is hosted in Los Angeles and has grown in both size and popularity since it was launched in 1995. A reported 60,000 gamers attend the annual event, which attracts some of the most recognizable companies in the world, such as Nintendo, Blizzard, and Sony.
The event is typically held every June at the Los Angeles Convention Centre, and the biggest names in gaming tend to reveal their latest games and products at the conference. It is one conference video game fans are bound to have missed this year, as E3 2020 was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Penny Arcade Expo
The Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) is easily one of the biggest and best gaming events in both America and Australia. Attendees can expect something new each year, but there tends to be a focus on arcade, tabletop, and independent games.
There are four conventions held every year in:
- Texas (January)
- Boston (March)
- Seattle (August)
- Melbourne (October)
When you buy tickets to the event, you can expect to mix with likeminded gamers from across the globe, and you will also have an opportunity to meet some recognizable people from the gaming industry.
So, if you are looking for a video game convention that’s worth the road trip, you would be smart to buy tickets to the above events.
