UK Games Expo 2012 - By Raven Ulyear

UK Games Expo 2012

(guest post by Raven Ulyear)

The Clarendon Suites and the Menzies Strathallan Hotel, Birmingham: 25^th – 27^th May

It’s time to polish your gun barrels and prep your armies – the UK Games Expo is back for its sixth year running– and it looks like it’s going to be bigger and better than ever!

If you’re looking to escape the humdrum of tax returns and car warranties and you have a weekend to spare, then head on over to The Clarendon Suites and the Menzies Strathallan Hotel for one of the biggest events of the UK Gaming calendar

“One of the great things about the expo is how large and small companies can both present their efforts to the gaming public” - Rhythmic Circus

There are a number of exciting events as well as the opportunity to showcase your skills on the battlefield in open games and tournaments – So grab your Expo ticket, plan your strategies and get practicing. With the announcement of Warhammer 40,000 6^th Edition, this could be your last big tournament under the old ruleset – so let’s make it a right royal send off!

Of course, it’s not just wargames and miniatures at the UK Games Expo – This event hosts all kinds of games, from board games and RPGs to card games and family games. There really is something for everyone, so it’s well worth dragging along a friend or two.

So what can you expect from the UK Games Expo this year? Here’s a quick look at the timetable, so you know exactly what not to miss.

Friday 25^th May

The Expo kicks off in the Menzies Strathallan Hotel with an open gaming day – a chance to play your old favourites or try out something new. There will be a number of open gaming rooms and roleplaying sessions to whet your appetite… and prepare you for the main events!

(Note: Friday is a Games Only day and the trade stalls will not be open)

Saturday 26^th and Sunday 27^th May

After a day of casual gaming, the main Expo begins. Over the past few years, the UK Games Expo has seen the launch of many an established game – including the UK launch of 4^th Edition D&D. From Saturday morning, the Trade Show will be open, so get on over to The Clarendon Suites to pick up some new miniatures and find out all about the latest releases.

But that’s not all.

With a schedule of over 100 individual RPG games, in 8 sessions, over 3 days, there’s a massive amount of gaming going on – way too much to detail here – so check out the full schedule at their website.

Most notably, there’s a 2 day War-machines Hordes UK Masters tournament as well as a Warhammer 40k event on Sunday. And if you fancy something a bit different, Steve Jackson Games’ incredible live action Living Munchkin will be running at hourly intervals. Definitely worth checking out.

And if you happen to be a regular GM, they’re still looking for volunteers to keep everything running – you can apply online here.

Don’t Miss…

Bring and Buy – Games Gazette are once again providing a bring and buy stall. Just turn up with your old games and miniatures, fill out a booking form, set your price and leave the items on sale. A great way to cash in those old armies that you rarely play.

Author Readings – Nick Marsh and Sarah Newton (as well as a number of other Sci-fi and Fantasy authors) will be reading from their latest novels over the course of the weekend. Think you’ve got a great idea for a book? Come along to the ‘Getting Published’ seminar to find out just how to go about it.

Expo Awards – Voted by the Expo visitors, the Expo Awards are given to the best games and games publishers around. With a number of categories including Best New Board Game, Best RPG and Best Miniatures Range, don’t miss the awards announcement on Sunday 27^th May.

If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, head on over to their website – This is one of the biggest games conventions in the UK and it’s definitely not to be missed.

Note: If you’re planning to join in with any of the scheduled events (especially the tournaments) you’ll have to register – places are limited and some games are already fully booked, so make sure you guarantee your place!