PLAY Expo, the North’s biggest videogames event, will return to Manchester for its seventh year next month.
Taking place in a new, bigger venue, PLAY Expo will be held at Manchester Central Exhibition Centre on May 4 and 5. And will welcome more than 25,000 videogamers through its doors for two days of gaming brilliance.
[Feature image: nlpinball]
The event will feature 1,000 free-to-play gaming screens with a huge range of games from retro favourites like Pac-Man and Mario right the way up to current blockbusters like Fortnite
and Minecraft. The show also celebrates all elements of the gaming industry with a host of cosplayers, tournaments, industry guests and even careers advice for those looking to work in the
world of gaming.
On the Expo stages, guests will find talks from gaming celebrities, cosplay displays and tournaments for gamers of all skill levels. As well as immersive live experiences, including John Robertson’s
critically acclaimed ‘The Dark Room’ and ‘Knightmare Live’, the celebrated stage adaptation of the
80s-90s cult TV show Knightmare.
Twitch channel ‘Streamers Connected’ will also be broadcasting live from the show across both days,
bringing viewers at home the best content, interviews and action from the North’s biggest gaming
event.
The event will also provide visitors with career advice and support with a host of exhibitors giving insights into how to get started with a job in the gaming industry.
Andy Brown, Managing Director of Replay Events said:
“We’re really excited to be bringing PLAY Expo back to Manchester at an even bigger arena. The perfect day out for gamers old and young, this event provides a unique opportunity to get hands-on with the best computer games past and present. And with our new home at Manchester Central, it’s even easier to get to and make a great it a day out.”
Industry trade body UKIE, will be hosting ’30 Years Of Play’ at this year’s show. Inviting visitors to
remember the British games that have shaped the industry over the last 30 years, including a retro
gaming championship featuring classic British games from years gone by.
There will also be eSports championships taking place throughout the weekend with big cash prizes
up for grabs for those competitive gamers looking to be crowned king of the North.
George Osborn, Campaign Manager, 30 Years of Play said:
“We’re excited to be partnering up with PLAY Expo for its retro gaming championship. The video games sector has always been defined by a close relationship between players and developers. The retro gaming championship offers a brilliant opportunity to do just that, while also celebrating some of the best of British videogames from the past 30 years.”