With PAX under way some of the years best industry events are set to wrap up for 2012. With the last big event for the gaming industry coming in at the fifth spot on the list. We take a look at what exactly makes these events so breath taking. The gaming industry has all sorts of events however the ones that are listed are made for the entire gaming industry. In which every major developer is in attendance as well as some of gamings AAA titles. Just don’t expect events like Blizzcon, Quakecon, or even COD XP to be on the list. As stated earlier these events are for every game not just a company creating a con for their title. Lets start off the list with a notable mention.
Notable Mention – Gamescom
Gamescom seems to be picking up steam across the pond as the big event in Europe. Seeing as some of todays best publishers also come from fortress Europe such as: Ubisoft and Eidos before Square Enix acquired them and more! The event is open to the public and see’s more than over 275,000 visitors go through its halls. The venue Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany. This event might fare higher on the list however seeing as it has only seen 3 incarnations you soon realize no big announcements for the industry have been named at Gamescom. Did we mention that Microsoft didn’t attend?
5. Tokyo Game Show
One day an attendee will yell out… GOODDDDZZZILLLLAAAA
First held in 1996 this event is held exclusively in Japan. Chiba, Japan to be exact in the venue Makuhari Messe. This show has a main focus to emphasize on the Japanese market of gaming, yet international developers are welcomed. This show used to be so big that its was held twice a year! Coming to a halt in 2002 the show is now only held annually. Most of what you will see at TGS are developers like Capcom, Sony and Sqaure Enix. Nintendo was on the list of huge developers at the show, when they are big announcements are made and when they aren’t well don’t expect to see any Nintendo titles on the show floor!
4. GDC
Show me your engine and I will show you mine!
The Game Developers Conference is one of the most unusual events in the industry. It see’s all of the developers come together and boast about what they are making. Well isn’t that every conference? Yes it is, until you realize that GDC is about developers talking to developers about the kinds of technology and techniques that they use to one another. Epic games is known for show casing the Unreal Engine at the event. Which also happens to be one of the most common engines that developers use! Once the developers are finished copying notes they are now able to apply a new technique or tech to the game they are developing. It is a rub my back and I will rub your feet kind of thing. This event helps the gaming industry strive to become better every year!
3. PAX
Don’t forget to bring your 8 sided dice!
PAX or the Penny Arcade Expo is a celebration of all game culture. The show brings attention to console games, computer games as well as table top games. The show has been slowly building steam since 2004 and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Which is why 2 versions of PAX are held every year starting in 2010. PAX East which is the new show for the Penny Arcade will be making Boston its home until 2023. PAX Prime which is the title of original expo is located on the west coast in Seattle, Washington. Another Smaller incarnation called PAX Dev is held before PAX Prime where developers meet up and speak about their exclusive trade before the event. That is a lot of PAX!
2. Comic Con
“I’ve spent my entire life doing nothing but collecting comic books…” Comic Book Guy (The Simpsons)
Comic Con is one of the funniest events of the year. The event brings everything entertainment to its hall and is a service to the fans. While Video games may not be the central focus here. It is the fact that gaming brings an entire community to the con that makes this event second best. With Cosplay everywhere it is safe to say half the day spent will be taking pictures with some of the coolest costumes in gaming. With demos of video games held in bars open to the general public as well as a Nintendo lounge, Microsoft lounge and a free arcade it is safe to see why gamers would love to go to this event. Even video game comic book announcements are made at the event with Dead Pool taking center stage this year. Just don’t expect to see a ton of new, as this event usually highlights some of the best things the industry has to offer to fans. With exclusive figurines, collectables and more it is easy to see why Comic Con tops the 2nd spot on our list.
1. E3
Father of the SNES, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo DS, Dreamcast, the biggest gaming franchises and more! That is a lot of baby momma’s!
This is easily the BIGGEST event for a gamer every year. Though only press, developers and employees of the event are allowed inside gamers watch eagerly as they check numerous websites and TV channels about the big announcements made every year at E3. The event starts off with dazzling press conferences put on by Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. Not to be outdone the big 3rd party developers also get in the mix such as EA , Ubisoft and others. While the event showcases almost every game to come out for each system in the future it is no wonder why this event is the biggest event in the industry. With after parties, pre parties and even live demos of some of todays biggest gaming titles. It seems that E3 will continue to be the flagship of the industry well on into the future. If you don’t know what E3 stands for then… your not a hardcore gamer PERIOD!
