The Game Expo Melbourne 2023

The Game Expo's first convention was an exciting yet relaxed experience that left attendees buzzing with enthusiasm. Despite its smaller size, every aspect of the event was carefully considered, from the delicious Cadbury chocolate on entry to the cleverly designed layout that made navigating the floor a breeze.

What made the convention truly stand out was its unique blend of traditional "comic con" features and the latest LAN and esports offerings. It was a refreshing change to see the organizers embrace the wider gaming community and provide a diverse range of experiences that catered to everyone's tastes.

The cosplayers at The Game Expo truly came out in full force, dazzling attendees with their intricate and creative costumes. It was refreshing to have a calmer event to kick off the 2023 con season in Melbourne, allowing for cosplayers, photographers and creators to reconnect without being overwhelmed by crowds or noise.

As we walked around the convention, we couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the early days of the Animanga conventions, where the focus was on building a tight-knit community rather than on the size of the event. It was a refreshing change from the larger and more impersonal conventions that have become the norm in recent years.

However, we couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment at the smaller size of the artist alley. While it was present, we would have loved to see a larger offering of local artists, creators and exhibitors. We feel this would have added to the overall experience, particularly for weekend pass holders. The potential for TGX was evident in every aspect of the event. We could see the potential for incredible growth and development to take the convention to that next level and offer even more exciting experiences, not just in the traditional con space but also within their esports offering.

Despite this minor issue, we left the convention feeling energized and excited about what the future holds for The Game Expo brand as well as for the 2023 con season overall. We can't wait to see how they will grow and evolve in the years to come and deliver even more opportunities for the wider gaming community.

Overall, The Game Expo's first convention was a success. We felt the organizers' passion for gaming in every aspect of the event and appreciate the effort they put into creating a memorable experience for attendees. We look forward to the next convention and the exciting new features and experiences that The Game Expo will bring to the table.