What are gaming conventions?
Gaming conventions are pre-organized gatherings for gamers to meet up in real life, typically over a 2-3 day weekend. They’re often held at massive convention centers in popular cities like San Diego, New York, or Tokyo.
While gaming conventions cover everything from role-playing to board games, the most popular are predominantly focused on video games. Enthusiasts of games like Call of Duty, Apex Legends, Fortnite, Genshin Impact, and more will come to these gaming conventions to meet other players, learn more about the games, participate in fun activities, and listen to panels.
Gaming conventions are a great travel and social opportunity for enthusiasts of a hobby that’s frequently done alone.
Whether you want to meet new gamer friends or you’re wanting to meet up with online buddies IRL, Troupe’s group travel planner website can help you collaborate on planning your gaming convention getaway.
What are the top gaming conventions in 2022 in the US?
Dream Con
Dream Con, an anime and gaming convention, began as a dream that social media influencers (RDC World1) made a reality. RDC World1 created Dream Convention with the goal of bringing together like-minded individuals to celebrate pop culture, comics, art, cosplay, music, and more.
Dream Con provides endless entertainment over the course of the weekend. You’ll find plenty of things to do, like exciting panels, meet & greets, and fun concerts. Dream Con has also established a few staple events including wrestling, dodgeball, Blaster Battle, and indoor basketball.
At Dream Con, it doesn’t matter if you’re new to the gaming world or an old pro; you’ll be accepted with open arms. With guests ranging from notable voice actors to popular content creators, you never know who you might run into.
- Date: July 15-17, 2022
- Location: Esports Stadium Arlington, Arlington, TX
- Ticket: Find tickets here to Dream Con.
2D Con
2D Con is an all-inclusive, family-friendly, charitable gaming event that is held every summer in Minneapolis to celebrate the gaming community. This convention features tournaments, live music, speedrunning, cosplay, retro gaming, and more. 2D Con is designed to cover all bases, so no matter what your personal gaming style is, you’ll fit right in.
- Date: August 26-28, 2022
- Location: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Ticket: Find tickets to 2D Con here
San Diego Comic-Con
San Diego Comic-Con is funded by a non-profit to promote public appreciation for comics. This is one of the most popular gaming conventions in the United States. Their first in-person event in over two years is going to be a special edition Comic-Con in late November 2021.
- Date: November 26-28, 2021 (for San Diego Comic Con Special Edition) 2022 dates TBD
- Location: San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California
- Ticket: Buy your San Diego Comic Con Special Edition badge here
RetroWorld Expo
RetroWorld Expo (RWX) is an annual convention that covers all things video games, music, and tabletop gaming. The 2021 event will be held on November 6 & 7 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT.
After taking 2020 off due to COVID, RWX is returning for its 6th year. RetroWorld Expo is known for its massive marketplace, expansive esports tournaments, gaming area, and free play arcade. In addition, they also host panels of Youtube and industry guests. The marketplace has over 100 vendors selling video games, crafts, artwork, and much more.
- Date: November 6-7, 2021 (2022 dates TBD)
- Location: Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT
- Ticket: Click here for ticket purchases to RWX
What are the top gaming conventions in 2022 around the world?
TOKYO Game Show
The Tokyo Game Show remains one of the top gaming shows in the world and, while the first two days of the event are industry and press only, days three and four are open to the public.
The show is massive. They have booths from all major game publishers, console makers, and mobile gaming platforms. In addition, there are some indie and international booths as well.
The most ardent fans will frequently begin lining up outside the venue from the early hours of the morning, in an effort to try out the newest games. For the less fanatical, lines typically lessen around noon.
- Date: September 15-18, 2022
- Location: Makuhari Messe
- Tickets: Buy tickets here.
Brazil Game Show
BGS, the Brazil Game Show, will be held at the Expo Center Norte in Sao Paulo, Brazil from October 6-12, 2022. This is the largest gaming convention in Latin America. BGS features news of Brazilian and international companies related to electronic games, equipment, technologies, video games, and more. Visitors will learn more about the latest developments in PC gaming, consoles, mobile, virtual reality, card games, and board games.
Date: October 6-12 2022
Location: Expo Center Norte, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Ticket: Get tickets here
GamesCon
This event in Cologne Germany is the largest computer and video games convention in the world. Past expos have seen over 370,000 attendees.
If you’re looking for the juicy announcements and important info before everyone else, GamesCon is the place to be. The convention has a Retro Area that features old school computers where you can play favorite games from the past in addition to new games to try on old consoles. Furthermore, there’s also a Cosplay Village where cosplay fanatics can hang out and meet some of the biggest names on the scene
This expo is open to the general public and you’ll meet people from all over the world while attending.
- Date: Wednesday, August 24 to Sunday August 28, 2022
- Location: Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany
- Ticket: Buy tickets to GamesCon here
If you’re reading to start planning your group trip, head over to Troupe where you can let your fellow gamers vote on their favorite destinations, accommodations, and share notes/information on things to do at the top gaming conventions in 2022.
While you’re in the trip-planning mindset, check out our favorite Thanksgiving destinations, Christmas vacation ideas, and where to travel in 2022.