Videogames and geek culture are at an all-time high, as a result there seems to be a convention every few weeks nowadays. Enter GameStop Expo which is the annual management meetings for the GameStop Corporation held in Las Vegas. However the convention is open to the public on the last day in order to give video game fans a chance to experience the upcoming games that are coming soon.
This is where GameStop convention really shines. The convention is smaller than E3 or PAX, but sizable enough to provide patrons with an opportunity to play upcoming games, without having to wait hours to do so. For instance, I only attended one day at E3 this year and did not have the time to wait in line for hours in order to play Star Wars Battlefront or Halo 5. However at GameStop Expo, I was able to play both by waiting in line for half an hour or less. This is the biggest plus of GameStop Expo. Accessibility to the players and fans who pay to enter. Over the course of the day I got to play, Star Wars Battle Front, Halo 5, Uncharted Collection, Assassins Creed Syndicate, Star Fox Zero, Mario Maker, Guitar Hero Live, Rainbow Six Siege, The Division and Homefront: the Revolution. Not to mention enter several raffles. The thing is, I had time to spare. I found myself just hanging around the last 2 hours of the day or so, going back to play things that I had already tried at other conventions or just watching the Kinda Funny live stream from the expo.
That was what made GameStop Expo my favorite convention of the year so far, the accessibility. Plus, while I didn’t win any of those raffles I mentioned, companies were giving away great stuff, such as copies of the collectors editions of games and the upcoming Star Wars themed PS4 or Glazier Blue Vita to name a few.
GameStop’s mantra is “Power to the Players” and it is safe to stay that GameStop Expo lives up to that mantra. The show is accessible to the players and fans alike. For those who want to be granted with a swag bag, food in the VIP lounge as well as access to the show floor an hour and a half early, they can pay a bit more to gain VIP status to the show. Also, GameStop was sure to highlight their recent acquisition of online store Think Geek by providing a store which sold all kinds of collectable swag. The only thing I would like to see expand for next year’s show is by having more developer panels. Still, it was a fun and entertaining show. I would recommend it to any gamer who can make to Las Vegas next year.
