First Time at UK Games Expo? Here’s What We Wish We Knew Before Going

There is something wonderfully chaotic about walking into the UK Games Expo for the very first time and seeing it in all its wonder. The halls are buzzing with chatter, dice rolling, people carrying stacks of games that have outgrown their backpacks and excited groups joining in friendly entertainment around demo tables trying to squeeze in “just one more turn”.

We have been attending the UK Games Expo for nearly 10 years now as it is one of the gaming highlights of our year. Every single year it still feels a little magical stepping through those doors and discovering a host of new games. Over the years we have wandered the halls discovering hidden gems, stumbled into demos that became all time favourites and met some genuinely brilliant people through the hobby.

This year is especially exciting for us because for the first time ever we are attending as traders rather than attendees. So with this on our mind we thought we write this article to help those who may be attending for the first time and even if you have been before and want to make the most of the weekend, these are the tips we always come back to year after year.

Start With the Map Before You Start With the Shopping

One of the biggest mistakes we made in our first few trips to UK Games Expo was wandering the halls aimlessly just letting whatever caught our eye draw us in. The best thing we learnt after the first couple of visits is to plan ahead. It is incredibly easy to lose half a day wandering in delighted confusion like a meeple caught in a hurricane.

Before the event each year, we always spend a little time checking the exhibitor list and show map marking the stands of interest to us. Not only does this help us work out which publishers and stores we will want to visit at the show, but it also helps us spot games that may only have limited demo slots that you need to book or games with limited availability during the weekend.

Many publishers preview brand new titles at the show and some games sell out surprisingly quickly which is worth being aware of. I know for the first few times we went, we missed out on seeing some of the new titles we could have seen due to their popularity. We also love searching exhibitors online beforehand to see what they are bringing along because it helps build excitement before the event even begins.

Having a shortlist does not mean removing spontaneity from the weekend at all. It is actually quite the opposite. It gives you a solid starting point while still leaving plenty of room for unexpected discoveries hiding around every corner.

Spend Your First Day Exploring

If you are attending the show for multiple days it can be tempting to immediately start buying games the second you walk into the halls in the worry they will be gone later that day. We have found our best Expo weekends happen when we take a moment to slow down and explore what is on offer first.

Our usual routine when we are at the show for multiple days is to spend the first day wandering through the halls and getting a feel for what is there. If a game catches our attention, I keep my pen to hand to make a note of the stand location or circle it on the map to revisit it later.

This approach has saved us from countless impulse purchases over the years as we can then talk about the games in the evening over dinner. It has also helped us discover games we might otherwise have missed completely.

UK Games Expo is enormous and there is always far more to see than you first expect. One moment you are heading toward a publisher you planned to visit and the next you are watching an incredibly animated demo involving pirates on planks, fast action card play or a dragon the size of a dinner tray .

Giving yourself time to properly explore makes the whole experience feel less rushed and much more enjoyable.

Demos Are One of the Best Parts of the Entire Show

If there is one thing we always encourage people to do at the UK Games Expo, it is to play as many demos as possible. It is the best way to experience a game in our opinion.

The demo areas are genuinely one of our favourite parts of the event. Between the huge publisher stands, dedicated demo zones from the likes of Asmodee and smaller indie creators showcasing their newest projects, there are opportunities all across the show to sit down and try something new.

There is something special about learning a game directly from the people who created it or from passionate volunteers who clearly love the hobby. You get to ask questions, discover little design details only the designers will know and figure out whether a game is really right for your group before committing all important shelf space for the game at home.

For anyone trying to get more involved in tabletop gaming or looking for ways to meet new gaming groups, demos are also one of the easiest conversation starters imaginable. Everyone is learning together, laughing through their mistakes and figuring things out as a team.

That shared experience breaks the ice surprisingly quickly.

Late Night Gaming Is Where Some of the Best Memories Happen

While the main halls are incredible during the day, some of our favourite UK Games Expo memories actually happened long after they closed.

The late night gaming areas are absolutely worth experiencing at least once during the weekend. There is a huge game library available, meaning you can try titles you have always been curious about without needing to buy them first. We often use the evening sessions to try older games we missed over the years or finally sit down with something we spotted earlier in the day.

The atmosphere feels completely different at night too. The crowds calm down a little, people settle into longer games and the conversations flow much more naturally allowing you to catch up with familiar faces or make new friends. In our opinion it is one of the easiest places at the Expo to meet fellow tabletop gamers and connect with people who share your interests.

Some of the people we now regularly play games with started as random conversations across a demo table at Expo and other events across the UK.

Keep an Eye Out for Show Deals and Exclusives

The final thing we always recommend is keeping an eye out for special Expo offers.

Many retailers and publishers run exclusive deals during the weekend, whether that is discounted games, promotional items, limited editions or just early access releases. Some exhibitors even announce their offers ahead of time on social media, so it is worth following the stands you are most excited about before the event begins.

One thing we especially love seeing is stores offering click and collect at the show itself. Being able to pre-order games online and pick them up during the weekend makes the whole experience far easier, especially when you are already carrying enough board games to qualify as strength training. Your shoulders will be sure to thank you later.

Most Importantly, Enjoy the Experience

It sounds simple, but genuinely the most important thing at the UK Games Expo is to enjoy yourself.

You will not see absolutely everything. Nobody ever does.

You might miss a demo you wanted to try or discover a brilliant game five minutes before the halls close so you can’t try it there and then. That is all part of the experience. The joy of the UK Games Expo comes from exploring the hobby alongside thousands of other people who love tabletop gaming just as much as you do.

After nearly a decade of attending, that feeling is still what keeps us coming back every year.

So take your time, play something unexpected, talk to new people and embrace the wonderfully dice-filled chaos of it all. We hope to see you there.

UK Games Expo FAQ

Q. Is UK Games Expo worth attending for first timers?

A. Absolutely. UK Games Expo is one of the best places to experience the tabletop gaming hobby for the first time because there is such a wide mix of activities, demos, publishers and gaming spaces all under one roof. Even if you only know a handful of games before attending, there are plenty of opportunities to try new things and meet welcoming people throughout the weekend.

Q. What should I bring to UK Games Expo?

A. Comfortable shoes are probably the most important thing. You will do far more walking than you expect as it is easy to do 30 to 401 thousand steps in a day. We also recommend bringing a backpack, a reusable water bottle, a phone charger or power bank and a copy of the event map. If you plan on buying games, leaving a little extra space in your bag is always a smart idea.

Q. How many days do you need for UK Games Expo?

A. You can enjoy the show in a single day, but we personally find two or three days gives you a much more relaxed experience. The halls are huge and there is a lot to see between demos, shopping, tournaments, panels and open gaming areas. Spending multiple days lets you explore without feeling rushed.

Q. Are there board game demos at UK Games Expo?

A. Yes, and they are one of the best parts of the event. Many publishers and designers run live demos throughout the weekend, giving visitors the chance to try games before buying them. Some companies even showcase upcoming releases that are not widely available yet.

Q. Can you play games at UK Games Expo without buying them?

A. Definitely. Alongside the demo tables, the Expo also has large open gaming areas and a game library where attendees can borrow and play games during the event. Late night gaming is especially popular for trying games casually with friends or meeting new people in the hobby.

Q. Is UK Games Expo good for meeting new gaming groups?

A. It can be a fantastic place to meet fellow tabletop gamers. Demo tables, open gaming sessions and late night gaming naturally encourage conversation, especially because everyone is there to share their enthusiasm for games. Many attendees end up discovering new local gaming groups or making friendships through the weekend.

Q. Is UK Games Expo welcoming for women in tabletop gaming?

A. In our experience, UK Games Expo has become increasingly welcoming and diverse over the years. There are more women attending every year across all areas of the hobby including board games, trading card games, RPGs, miniature gaming and cosplay. The shared excitement around gaming makes it easier to connect with people who enjoy the same interests.

Q. When should you plan your UK Games Expo schedule?

A. We always recommend checking the exhibitor list and event map before arriving. Planning a few priority stands or demos ahead of time helps you make the most of the weekend while still leaving room for spontaneous discoveries.

Q. Are games cheaper at UK Games Expo?

A. Some exhibitors run exclusive convention discounts, bundle deals or early release offers during the show. While not every stand discounts products, it is worth keeping an eye out for special promotions and limited convention exclusives across the weekend.

Q. What is late night gaming at UK Games Expo?

A. Late night gaming is exactly what it sounds like: extended evening gaming sessions after the main halls close. Attendees can borrow games from the library, join open tables or play new purchases with friends. For many people, it becomes one of the most memorable parts of the entire weekend and is a highlight for many.

Q. What is the best way to prepare for UK Games Expo?

A. The best preparation is balancing planning with flexibility. Have a rough idea of the publishers, games or events you want to prioritise, but leave space in your schedule to explore. Some of the best moments at Expo happen completely unexpectedly.