Event Preview: PLAY Expo Blackpool

PLAY Expo takes over Blackpool’s Norcalympia Exhibition Centre on July 15th and 16th, with all manner of retro gaming goodness for fans of all ages.

We’ve had a tremendous time at the last couple of Expos, and to say we’re massively looking forward to this would be an understatement. A quick glance through the schedules reveals a huge amount of things to see and do – even with two whole days at our disposal, we’re not really sure if it’s going to be possible to fit everything in!

One of the things we’re most excited about is the guest panels and Q&A sessions with some fairly big hitters from gaming’s history. Developers from System 3 Software (The Last Ninja, Myth, Putty, Ferrari Challenge) will be in attendance, along with industry legend Jim Bagley, and former Ocean Software director Gary Bracey – he’s the chap responsible for securing movie licenses, so he’s sure to have a few interesting anecdotes to share. Big Boy Barry from Games World (Sky One’s mid-90’s answer to Gamesmaster) will also be dropping by to take part in a Q&A, as well as hosting some tournaments over the weekend.

We’re going to have to bullet point the rest of the activities, otherwise, we’ll be here all day. Check this lot out!

Live Charity Pacman World Record Attempt

Indie Developer Showcase

80 free-to-play original arcade machines, including huge hydraulic sit-down Outrun and After Burner cabinets!

Free-to-play pinball tables

Retro Gaming – a specialist area for PLAY Expo, with over 150 consoles and computers set up and ready to play. Organisers are apparently intending to bring the best retro display PLAY Expo has seen so far, and with the venue affording more floor space than previous years this could be a sight to behold!

Next-Gen Gaming zone, including Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, Halo Wars 2, Injustice 2, Tekken 7, WipEout Omega Collection, and Yooka Laylee.

Gaming Tournaments

Virtual Reality – PSVR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Microsoft Hololens will all be available to try at the event

Escape Room

Cosplay (including professional photoshoot if that’s your sort of thing!)

Shopping Hall filled with classic and modern games, merchandise, memorabilia, retro toys, custom artwork and more!

Minecraft zone, featuring Hunger Games, Survival, and Creative maps

Table top games and trading card tournaments

LAN Gaming Area

Rhythm Gaming Area

Green Screen photoshoots – put yourself in your favourite retro games!

So much to do and so little time! We’re hugely looking forward to this one, and seriously encourage anyone with even a passing interest in gaming to pop along for a wander around. See you by the seaside.

PLAY Expo Blackpool takes place at the Norcalympia Exhibition Centre on July 15th and 16th 2017. Check out the following links for ticket info and further details.

www.playexpoblackpool.com

www.facebook.com/playexpoblackpool

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW OR ON TWITTER @STARBURST_MAG

Find your local STARBURST stockist HERE, or buy direct from us HERE. For our digital edition (available to read on your iOS, Android, Amazon, Windows 8, Samsung and/or Huawei device – all for just £1.99), visit MAGZTER DIGITAL NEWSSTAND.