Gaming events can take many forms, including esports tournaments, conferences, festivals, and competitions124. Esports tournaments are competitions played out on any video game platform, and have been around since 19721. They often take the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams3. Other gaming events may involve showcasing upcoming indie games, cosplay, and other ways to bring the game outside of the screen45.
When planning a gaming event, it is important to consider both the technology and community aspects of gaming4. Gaming events can attract skilled players, but also involve cosplay and other ways to bring the game outside of the screen4. There are two major components of top-notch gaming events: the actual skill competition and the community you’re building4.
For those new to esports, it is important to learn about its history, impact on modern pop culture, and the world economy6. Almost every popular game has both official and unofficial tournaments, some of which are local and some are international6. As esports tournaments are getting more popular by the day, the future of esports seems bright6.
eSports tournaments are competitive events where professional gamers compete against each other in specific video games. These tournaments can range from small local events to international competitions with multi-million dollar prize pools.
Top Esports Tournaments
No.
Tournament
1.
League of Legends World Championship
2.
The International (DOTA 2)
3.
Fortnite World Cup
4.
Intel Extreme Masters
5.
Evolution Championship Series (EVO)
6.
Call of Duty League Championship
7.
HALO World Championship
8.
Hearthstone World Championship
9.
Honor of Kings World Champion Cup
10.
Overwatch World Cup
eSports Tournaments
These tournaments draw in millions of spectators and offer impressive prize pools ( RookieRoad, ClutchPoints, NerdStreet, WhatIfGaming, Escharts News, Escharts Tournaments). Please note that the popularity and rankings of esports tournaments can fluctuate over time, so this list may not be exhaustive or up-to-date.
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HaloEsportsThe Grand Finals of The Halo World Championship 2022
Gaming Conventions
Gaming conventions are events that celebrate the culture of gaming. They often feature panels with game developers, showcases of upcoming games, cosplay competitions, and more.
PAX is a renowned gaming convention that has a different focus from others. It showcases a variety of gaming genres and has multiple events throughout the year, including PAX West and PAX East. Music Gateway – Best Gaming Conventions.
These are just a few examples of the top gaming conventions around the world. The choice of which convention to attend may depend on personal preferences, such as preferred game genres or console types. Music Gateway – Best Gaming Conventions.
Game Jams are events where game developers create a game from scratch in a limited amount of time. These events foster creativity and innovation, as developers are often encouraged to Game Mods.
Here are some of the top game jams:
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Global Game Jam: The Global Game Jam is the biggest in-person game jam event. It takes place in different locations simultaneously and currently holds the record for the most participants [1].
Ludum Dare: Ludum Dare is one of the largest and longest-running online game jam events. It attracts a large number of participants and has a strong community [1][2][5].
Nordic Game Jam: Nordic Game Jam is a popular game jam event held in Copenhagen, Denmark. It brings together game developers from around the world [1][2].
Gamemaker Toolkit Jam: The Gamemaker Toolkit Jam is a game jam event organized by the creator of the Game Maker’s Toolkit YouTube channel. It focuses on exploring game design concepts and limitations[1][2].
Brackeys Game Jam: The Brackeys Game Jam is a game jam event organized by the Brackeys YouTube channel. It is known for its supportive community and emphasis on learning and experimentation[1].
These are just a few examples of the top game jams, and there are many more game jam events happening throughout the year. Platforms like itch.io also host numerous game jams, providing opportunities for developers to participate and showcase their work[3].
“Game jams offer a unique opportunity for game developers to challenge themselves, collaborate with others, and create innovative games within a limited time frame.”[2]
LAN (Local Area Network) parties are events where gamers bring their own computers or consoles and connect them on a local network for multiplayer gaming.
LAN Parties
LAN parties are still a popular way to play games with friends in a social setting. Here are some of the top LAN party games:
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive: A first-person shooter game that is perfect for LAN parties due to its competitive nature[1][6].
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition: A real-time strategy game that is great for LAN parties due to its multiplayer mode[1][6].
Diablo II: Resurrected: A hack-and-slash action role-playing game that is perfect for cooperative play with friends at a LAN party[6].
Unreal Tournament GOTY: A first-person shooter game that is a classic LAN party game due to its fast-paced gameplay and multiplayer mode[6].
Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition: A role-playing game that is great for cooperative play with friends at a LAN party[1].
Total War: Warhammer 3: A real-time strategy game that is perfect for LAN parties due to its multiplayer mode[1].
Monster Hunter: Rise: An action role-playing game that is great for cooperative play with friends at a LAN party[1].
Divinity Original Sin 2: A role-playing game that is perfect for cooperative play with friends at a LAN party[1].
Stardew Valley: A farming simulation game that is great for cooperative play with friends at a LAN party[1].
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A fighting game that is perfect for competitive play with friends at a LAN party[1].
There are also several websites that provide lists of LAN party games, such as Steam Curator[2], GG.deals[3], Giant Bomb[4], and Slant[5].
“LAN parties offer a unique gaming experience where friends can come together, compete, and cooperate in an immersive and social environment.”[1]
Charity gaming events are organized to raise funds for charitable causes. These events often involve live streams of various games and encourage viewers to donate.
There are several annual charity gaming events and organizations that gamers can participate in to support various causes. Here are some of the top charity gaming events:
Extra Life: Extra Life is a fundraising program based around annual gaming marathons that support the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The goal of these events is to raise money for critical life-saving treatment, healthcare services, research, and pediatric medical equipment13.
Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) and Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ): These are two annual video game speedrunning marathons that raise money for charity. AGDQ takes place in January, while SGDQ takes place in the summer24.
Desert Bus for Hope: This is an annual charity event where participants play the game “Desert Bus” for as long as possible to raise money for the Child’s Play charity2.
GameBlast: GameBlast is a UK-based charity event that raises money for the SpecialEffect charity, which helps people with disabilities to play video games2.
Flame Fatales: Flame Fatales is a charity event organized by Games Done Quick that features female speedrunners raising money for charity. The event takes place in August4.
Gaming Influencers: Gaming influencers across the world have raised millions for charity in a range of different ways, including modernized telethons5.
Other Gaming Charities: There are several other gaming charities worth donating to, including The AbleGamers Charity, Child’s Play, St. Jude Play LIVE, Black Girls CODE, and I Need Diverse Games6.
Gamers can participate in these events by donating money, streaming their gameplay, or simply spreading awareness about the cause. These events demonstrate the power of the gaming community to make a positive impact on the world.
Virtual Reality (VR) Events
With the rise of VR technology, there are now gaming events dedicated to virtual reality. These events showcase the latest VR games and hardware, and often feature competitions and demos.
There are several annual charity gaming events and organizations that gamers can participate in to support various causes. Here are some of the top charity gaming events:
Extra Life: Extra Life is a fundraising program based around annual gaming marathons that support the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The goal of these events is to raise money for critical life-saving treatment, healthcare services, research, and pediatric medical equipment13.
Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) and Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ): These are two annual video game speedrunning marathons that raise money for charity. AGDQ takes place in January, while SGDQ takes place in the summer24.
Desert Bus for Hope: This is an annual charity event where participants play the game “Desert Bus” for as long as possible to raise money for the Child’s Play charity2.
GameBlast: GameBlast is a UK-based charity event that raises money for the SpecialEffect charity, which helps people with disabilities to play video games2.
Flame Fatales: Flame Fatales is a charity event organized by Games Done Quick that features female speedrunners raising money for charity. The event takes place in August4.
Gaming Influencers: Gaming influencers across the world have raised millions for charity in a range of different ways, including modernized telethons5.
Other Gaming Charities: There are several other gaming charities worth donating to, including The AbleGamers Charity, Child’s Play, St. Jude Play LIVE, Black Girls CODE, and I Need Diverse Games6.
Gamers can participate in these events by donating money, streaming their gameplay, or simply spreading awareness about the cause. These events demonstrate the power of the gaming community to make a positive impact on the world.
Indie Game Events
Indie game events focus on games developed by independent studios. These events give indie developers a platform to showcase their work and network with others in the industry.
Here are some of the top indie game events for 2023:
Indie Games Expo: This event is held annually in Denver, Austin, Orlando, and Las Vegas. It provides an opportunity to see and play some of the best games of the year 1.
Games Gathering Bratislava ’23: This event will be held in Bratislava, Slovakia, on September 23 2.
Game Devs of Color Expo 2023: This event will be held online on August 18 2.
Gen Con 2023: This event will take place in Indianapolis from August 3-6 2.
PLAY NYC 2023: This event will be held in New York City from August 5-6 2.
Gamescom Europe – Indie Arena Booth ’23: This event will be held in Cologne, Germany, from August 23-27 2.
PAX West 2023: This event will take place in Seattle, Washington, from September 1-4 5.
Women in Games Festival: This event is a collection of events organized by Women in Games, including networking opportunities, virtual and in-person launch parties, a game jam, an esports tournament and the Women … 6.
These events offer a chance for attendees to collaborate, network, hunt for jobs, and share knowledge while having fun with their peers and celebrating the gaming industry.
Gen Con: Gen Con is one of the most well-known board game conventions, attracting around 70,000 attendees each year. It takes place in Indiana and offers a wide range of gaming experiences6.
Dice Tower West: Dice Tower West is a popular convention held in March that features a variety of tabletop gaming events and tournaments 4.
SaltCon: SaltCon is another notable convention that offers a diverse selection of board games and gaming experiences. It takes place in Utah 6.
Geekway to the West: Geekway to the West is known for its “Play and Win” event, where participants have the opportunity to play a variety of board games and win prizes. It is held in Missouri 3 6.
ReCon: ReCon is a laid-back convention that focuses on playing board games with friends. It offers a more relaxed and less competitive atmosphere 3.
These are just a few examples of the many tabletop gaming events that take place around the world. Attending these conventions can provide opportunities to play new games, meet fellow gamers, and immerse yourself in the tabletop gaming community.
Conclusion
Gaming events come in various forms, each offering unique experiences. Whether you’re a professional gamer, a game developer, or just a fan, there’s a gaming event out there for you. These events not only provide entertainment but also foster community, innovation, and even charitable giving within the gaming industry.
FAQs
What is an eSports tournament?
An eSports tournament is a competitive event where professional gamers compete against each other in specific video games.
What happens at a gaming convention?
Gaming conventions often feature panels with game developers, showcases of upcoming games, cosplay competitions, and more.
What is a Game Jam?
A Game Jam is an event where game developers create a game from scratch in a limited amount of time.
What is a LAN party?
A LAN party is an event where gamers bring their own computers or consoles and connect them on a local network for multiplayer gaming.
What is a charity gaming event?
A charity gaming event is organized to raise funds for charitable causes, often involving live streams of various games and encouraging viewers to donate.
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