Recap: Fanfinity at UK Games Expo 2025
Another incredible year at UKGE. It just keeps getting bigger and better each time we attend.
Let’s take a look back on the weekend.
Overview
Growing year in year out, UK Games Expo is the biggest board game convention for the UK board gaming scene, and one of the largest in the world. Total gate attendance rose by 10% from last year, with over 72,000 people attending over the three day expo. Unique attendance was up almost by 7%: an incredible 42,000 different people visited UKGE. While these numbers are a way off the vast attendance of Essel Spiel, the largest gaming trade show in the world, it is exciting to see the passion of this industry continue to thrive.
Fanfinity attended UKGE with our partners Ravensburger, as well as Dragon Shield and Beckett Grading. Across the three day convention we were able to see enthusiasts, publishers, and creators, all converging to celebrate the world of gaming. The Ravensburger stand was full, bursting with excited players looking for demos, while our stand with Beckett was offering take-back submissions at the show, making it easier than ever to get your cards graded by the world-class experts!
Ravensburger at UKGE
One of the highlights of our presence at UK Games Expo was the prerelease of Disney Lorcana’s Reign of Jafar, now released everywhere since June 6th. At the Ravensburger stand, we had dedicated tables demonstrating the trading card game, as well as highlighting the Gateway product to new players, and showing off the new Illumineer’s Quest: Jafar’s Heist to excited fans. Over the course of the weekend, we delivered hundreds of demos; singing songs, sending Glimmers on quests, and overthrowing Jafar!
As well as the Disney Lorcana TCG, the Ravensburger stand was bustling with demonstrations of their extensive board game selection, such as the new Horrified Dungeons & Dragons, Gloomies and Disney Villainous: Unstoppable! These games, as well as early access to the upcoming Disney Lorcana set, Reign of Jafar, could be purchased from the retail section where you’d get an exclusive promo. Anyone who partook in a Disney Lorcana TCG demo with our incredible team would also receive an exclusive Pluto Tried and True promo.
Dragon Shield and Beckett
On the other side of the hall, we assisted Dragon Shield and Beckett with their stand, giving card game enthusiasts an opportunity to get valuable cards graded on site to take away with them the very same day! Dragon Shield provided a wide range of accessories for both card games and role playing games; including sleeves, binders and role player companions.
Exploring the Expo
UK Games Expo offers a unique opportunity with halls full of publishers and exhibitors demonstrating a variety of new and exciting games, as well as old favourites. Asmodee’s presence was seen throughout each hall; demonstrating games such as Star Wars: Unlimited, The Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship, and Star Wars: Battle of Hoth.
Board Game Experts from All About Games Consulting were enticing the public over to get involved with games from their publishing partners, such as A Gentle Rain, Molly’s House and Kinfires. With the trade hall increasing 30% over last year, providing space for almost 100 new exhibitors, UKGE has something for everyone. Another favourite of the convention for many was Gwent. Hachette headlined their stand with previews of the card game, adapted from the Witcher: 3 mini-game. This was a must try for anyone at the convention, with a tournament of pods in hall 4 on Sunday, in which the winner was able to purchase the game 3 months early!
Attending UKGE is always an unforgettable experience each year. Collaborating with Ravensburger, Dragon Shield and Beckett, Fanfinity have spread out across the halls with more opportunities to empower gaming culture in the UK. We’re already looking forward to the 20th UK Games Expo taking place next year on May 29th – 31st.
To all of you who joined us at our stands, THANK YOU. We loved interacting with you and hope you had fun at our stands, maybe got a quick demo, or even found a new game you love!
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