EB Games Expo 2016: Preview

Next week, one of the biggest computer game events of the year kicks off in Sydney: EB Games Expo. Now, while we all know it is a huge marketing event for EB Games, this really is specifically aimed at the electronic gaming industry, and by doing so it has attracted ALL the big names (and then some) to show off almost every new computer game or electronic device you can think of. It all starts with the keynote speaker: Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox.

I’m not going into this event with rose-tinted glasses, fellow geeks. I am fully aware this is one big sales pitch. The biggest selling point is the opportunity to play many games before their release. And I am willing to fall on that sword for YOU.

We’re talking games like:

• Dishonoured 2
• WWE 2K17
• Rise of the Tomb Raider (20 Year Celebrations)
• Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8
• For Honor
• South Park: The Fractured But Whole
• Steep
• Just Dance 2017

You can see a full list on the EB Games Expo site. Any order of preference for me to check out, add it in the comments below. At this point, the only instructions I have received are from the spawnlings: Warner Bros Games (LEGO Dimensions) and the almighty Pokemon Zone. Not that I really need much instruction to include these on my list. The Pokemon Zone particularly sounds like a sweet tribute to the Pokemon World. And hey—I haven’t thrown enough money at this recently; let’s see what else they have for me!

Of course, there is added entertainment on the side. One of the things I really want to check out is the Wand Choreography Workshop with Paul Harris (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix). All I need is for his workshop to coincide with the HP LEGO Dimensions characters, and my upcoming vacation time is set!

There’s also the Mountain Dew VeloDrone. I’m starting to understand how Drone Hunting is a big thing. This year is the first time the Expo will have Drone Hunting battles , for both fans and professionals. Considering my inability to control a shopping cart, Drone Hunting should be interesting…

EB Games runs from Friday 30 September to Sunday 2 October at the Sydney Showgrounds (Sydney Olympic Park). Tickets are for day and night shifts over the entire three days, starting from $40 for a single session (Day or Night, Friday or Saturday or Sunday).

If you are looking for the extreme package, you can check out the Ultimate Gamer Pass: all three days, early access to the exhibition hall, Welcome Dinner, Special Chill Out area (with stuff to play, spots to relax, storage for goodies), and a range of other stuff. Price is $749.

I’m heading in for Friday only. I’m going to hear the keynote, check out some cosplay, and schmooze with the exhibitors. I’m also going to do my damnedest to score a go at the new Zelda game, Breath of the Wild.

For those in Sydney in the lead-up to EB Games Expo, Xbox is running Fanfest: Sydney 2016 from Tuesday 27 September to Thursday 29 September. It is free but limited to 250 tickets–very much a first-come-first-serve, one per person, must be over 18, and be at the Microsoft Store at Pitt Street Mall on Tuesday morning at 10.30am. This one I can’t do; Geek Parenting duties for the school holidays do not include 18+ gaming events.

For those playing at home, I’ll be Instagramming through @evilgeniusmum and tweeting as @evilgeniusmum1.