What are Video Game Events?
Video game events are a gathering that people who are passionate about industry as a whole. Every knows about E3 (short for Electronic Entertainment Expo) which ran from 1995 to 2021. E3 was the biggest gaming event in Los Angeles and there were a lot of game developers like Nintendo, Sega, Bethesda and EA along with many more. This event shows off the latest games, hardware and upcoming attractions during the event. Also, there is panel discussion and hand-on experience with demos. There is cosplaying and media coverage of the event from IGN, Polygon, GameSpot and many more gaming publications. I also wanted to go to E3 but sadly, it’s very expensive and I don’t forget about the flight to LA. Normally, I watch it on the internet or G4 TV network went there was no internet.
During E3, there would be announcements from Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft (big 3 gaming giants). But during the COV-19 Pandemic in 2021, everything has changed for the worst. E3 announced they will be during virtual conferences due to COV-19. Participants started to decrease, and gamers speculated that it was not the same as physical events. Electronic Entertainment Expo has shut down and I was saddened by this decision but what can they do. Will it be another gaming expo that will replace them? There are such as PAX East which are located in US and Australia. What about GamesCon which is little similar to E3, which is located in Germany. Don’t forget about TwitchCon which revolves around streaming platform Twitch.
More Video Game Events
We have events based on video games and developers like QuakeCon, Super Smash Con and Blizzcon. DreamHack is another event based on Esports and many more. For indie game developers, Indie Game Jam and Summer Game Fest. There are award shows like The Game Awards which is a spiritual successor of Spike Video Game Awards. The Game Awards recognize talent and achievements of game developers along with people behind the scenes. Geoff Keighley graces us with his presents to give us amazing Award show without any interruption from a guy who wants GTA 6. Celebrities make appearance in The Game Awards like Christopher Judge, Jordan Peele, Nicholas Cage and many more. TGA allows content creator/streamers to co-stream by signing up in Google form.
There are some online events like Nintendo Direct, Xbox Developers Direct and State of Play. These are online-only events due to post E3 era. I have to say that last Nintendo Direct September 2025 celebrated Super Mario Bros 40th Anniversary and announced Virtua Boy Classic. Anyways moving more into Esports, there are events like EVO (Evolution Championship Series) which revolves around fighting games and most popular event out there. League of Legends World Championship which is based on Riot Games game with same name. Many other esports competitions like NBA 2K, Counter Strike, Call of Duty League and more. Esports athletes train to become the best of the best and folks stated that “it’s not a real sport”. I already talk about that in another post.
Gaming in Washington DC that I Know
Well, I have been to Magfest which is the biggest gaming event in DMV area for the first time. Badges were cost around $100 or more, also during winter time as well. When I say, it’s one of the best gaming events I have ever seen to. It was gaming heaven for me, they have retro and present video games along with live band. Esports tournaments and special guest like SonicFox and Angry Video Game Nerd. I have a great experience and saw a lot of amazing cosplayers and play video games. Sadly, in 2024 I couldn’t attend due to one of my family members being in the hospital. Hopefully, I get to partake 2026 but I am undecided because of financial issues. Anywho, I have been to Metfest 2024, which is a gaming program for college students who want to get into industry.
I don’t know if they had Metfest 2025, but I went to a similar event called TheKickBack. TheKickBack is an event about gaming industry with live performances, food and panel discussions. They also have Esports events and many more with that game from. I have enjoyed myself at both events but didn’t network like I suppose to due to my introvert nature. Aside from that, before Pandemic, I went to Red Bull Esports event, and it was my first experience being at such a place. It was a same place Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington DC. They have Street Fighter 5, Guilty Gear XRD and I am guessing Tekken 5 at the event. Sadly, Red Bull was on tour and probably not coming back to DC anytime soon.
Closing
That’s all I remember going but there are anime conventions that have gaming events as well. I have to shoutout Plus Ultra Entertainment and The Capital Underground esports group for hosting gaming events too. If you ever find video game events near you, there are websites like Eventbrite. I just found out about meetup called DC Gaming Group as well but there might be others on the website. For food and drink, you got Dave & Busters which I haven’t been there since my birthday. Beat the Bomb is basely interactive video game with your friends and family. I love going to video game events to share my passion with others and try latest games that developers have to offer. Gaming is passion and it really changes my life.
Hopefully, If I budget my money right, I will take a trip out of town and go to these events. What are your thoughts on video game events, and have you been to them? I felt that Washington DC does offer many gaming events unlike other states. DC is more grounded, and we don’t see a whole lot of them but handful. I just want to end it right there, thanks for reading my blogpost and tune into the next one.
