With gaming being a huge global industry, it is hardly a surprise that the United Kingdom is one of its biggest sectors.
According to data collected by comparison site uSwitch, almost 90% (88%) of young adults – those aged between 16-24 – regularly play video games, with 29% of those playing online against gamers from all over the world that they do not know. Children in the 7-18 age group make up the vast majority of UK gamers, with 68% of them owning their own game console device, with 77% of those in the age group having consistent access.
Adults have also enjoyed gaming, with this particularly noticeable across the iGaming industry. With players required to be over the age of 18 in the UK by law, it would seem that this type of gaming is extremely popular amongst the adult population. Statistics from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) have revealed that approximately 44% of the UK population continues to engage in gambling activities on a monthly basis.
This has led to a number of players to continually seek the best new casino sites in the UK where they are able to get more for their money. They are able to use sites that offer them the best collection of game titles, or they can obtain access to the biggest opportunities available.
With gaming across various niches so popular in the UK, with Manchester also being a hotspot for gaming, it is no surprise that the country is host to a number of the biggest events and conventions that take place on an annual basis, as well as those that are also held on a one-off basis. Navigating the calendar can be difficult, but we have provided all of the dates and information you need for the upcoming conventions below…
PLAY Expo Glasgow 2023
Held in Glasgow, Scotland, the PLAY Expo Glasgow 2023 is held between 17-18 June, and this year’s edition will be its fifth. It is the country’s favourite expo and it is hardly a surprise why. It provides visitors with everything that they could desire from the gaming world, with a number of features and interactivity available for everyone to get involved in.
For those that want to attend, it will be held at Braehead Arena, which is located on Kings Inch Road in Glasgow, G51 4BN.
Game Dev Heroes 2023 & Develop Brighton 2023
Across 11-13 July, Game Dev Heroes 2023 and Develop Brighton 2023 will be held in the south of England on the coast of Brighton. These conferences will be for those that like to celebrate the thankless task that developers have in producing many of our favourite titles without being recognised for their efforts by us as gamers. The unsung heroes of the gaming industry will finally be acknowledged, thus making it a featured event for all.
It will be held at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, on Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2FU, although it can be watched online.
W.A.S.D September 2023
Held in London between 14-16 September, W.A.S.D September 2023 is the ultimate gaming convention for those that can not get enough of the industry. It is ideal for those that want to play, study, or even develop their own games as their chosen career, thus making it a one-stop shop for all enthusiasts.
It is being held at The Truman Brewery, which is located at 91 Brick Lane in London. It is advisable to try and get tickets early as this event can be one that sells out very quickly.
Other conventions are held
It is important to keep an eye out on the gaming industry for the latest events and conventions, as there are always many regularly being scheduled throughout the year. Those mentioned are just some of the best to be taking place in the very near future.
