Gaming expo dates to diarise

Expos are an important part of the gaming industry, offering developers and companies a chance to show their latest developments off to the press and public. From big gaming announcements and release trailers to discussion panels, the following expos have it all and are worth jotting down in your dairy:

Penny Arcade Expo (PAX)

The only expo on our list to have two separate events (because they’re special, or something) is the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX).

The first expo is PAX East, which ran from 6 to 8 April 2012 and took place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Centre in Boston.

It featured a mix of companies including game publisher Electronic Arts and indie developer Riot Games, as well as hardware companies such as Dell and Microsoft.

The expo had free play areas where members of the public could try their hand at the latest PC and consoles games, and ran tournaments for handheld devices such as the Nintendo DS.

PAX Prime is the second expo, which runs from 31 August to 2 September 2012. Passes for the show are already sold out, so if you were thinking of attending this year, too bad.

PAX Prime will feature panels on gaming topics, exhibitor booths for hardware and software companies, and gaming-focussed music concerts.

PAX East expo

Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)

Having just taken place from 5 to 7 June 2012, the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) is one of the most well-known gaming trade shows, despite not being open to the public.

Typically held in late May or early June at the Los Angeles Convention Centre, the event is spread over 5 different halls.

Publishers set up large, elaborate stands and bring in celebrities such as Tony Hawk and Vin Diesel to help promote the latest games.

A range of publishers launch teaser trailers for upcoming games in the weeks before E3, with full game reveals and demos on show at the event.

E3 expo

Gamescom

Europe’s contribution to the world of gaming expos, Gamescom ran from 17 to 21 August 2011, and regularly sees over 250,000 visitors.

Open to the public on days two and three, the event hosts big names in gaming such as Activision Blizzard, THQ, Sony, Bethesda and Electronic Arts to name just a few.

Hosted at the Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany, the event shows off games as well as gaming related hardware.

Gamescom expo

Tokyo Game Show (TGS)

Asian gamers can look forward to the Tokyo Game Show (TGS), which runs from 20 to 23 September 2012 and is held in the Makuhari Messe in Japan.

Open to the public on the second two days of the event, this show regularly hits over 200,000 visitors over the three days, and serves as a platform for game developers (particularly the Japanese ones) to show off their latest creations.

The event is organised by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA) and the Nikkei Business Publications, Inc.

Tokyo Games show expo

BlizzCon

In an attempt to be different and prove how big they are, Blizzard often hosts their own expo, known as BlizzCon.

The last BlizzCon took place on 21 and 22 October 2011, with the company explaining that they would be too busy rolling on the big piles of money Diablo 3 would rake in to host a 2012 convention for their loyal fans.

Held at the Anaheim Convention Centre in California, attendees cough up $175 for a pass to the event, as well as “swag bags” that include Blizzard merchandise.

Starcraft, World of Warcraft and Diablo dominate the show, with reveal trailers, interviews with developers and exhibition matches between professional gamers.