Whether gamescom or E3: There will definitely be no shortage of video game trade fairs in 2022. We tell you which events are coming up in the next few months.
New year, new fairs, but familiar difficulties: In 2022, the Corona pandemic will still have an impact on numerous games fairs. Nevertheless, there are eventful months ahead and so that you don’t lose the overview, we collect the most important dates and livestreams for you in this overview.
Of course, we will continuously update this article as soon as new fairs, dates or major changes occur. You can also use the following list to jump directly to the event that interests you the most.
Table of Contents
The biggest 2022 Games events at a glance
Upcoming Shows:
- EGX Birmingham 2022 (3 – 5 March 2022)
- GDC 2022 (21 – 25 March 2022)
- PAX East (21 – 24 April 2022)
- Summer Game Fest (scheduled for June)
- E3 2022 (scheduled for June)
- Gamevention 2022 (1st – 3rd July 2022)
- gamescom 2022 (24 – 28 August 2022)
- EGX London (22 – 25 September 2022)
- Blizzcon 2022 (cancelled)
All info about the game events
EGX Birmingham 2022
- When? 3 to 5 March 2022
Last year, EGX (formerly Eurogamer Expo) returned to a physical event where fans were once again allowed to be directly on site, subject to numerous Corona security precautions. In 2022, this is to be continued in the same way – first in Birmingham.
At the beginning of March, visitors will be able to try out new games, take part in community meetings, experience smaller e-sports events live and much more. Details are not yet available, however.
GDC 2022
- When? 21 to 25 March 2022
- Where to watch? tba
The Game Developers Conference is not an ordinary visitors’ fair, but an event aimed primarily at developers. On site, talks are given about various developments within the games industry, technologies are presented and there is a lot of discussion among each other.
GDC22 returns in-person to San Francisco, March 21-25, 2022 registration is now open! https://t.co/eVMYll5yAs pic.twitter.com/7PAF9EcGI3
Official_GDC (@Official_GDC) November 18, 2021
2022, GDC is again scheduled to take place as a physical event in San Francisco. However, it could be that some talks will again only take place digitally this year.
PAX East
- When? 21 to 24 April 2022
- Where to watch? tba
For two years, PAX East had to sit out due to the Corona pandemic. Now the trade fair is returning to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Centre as a presence event. Of course, only under certain safety precautions, such as a valid Covid 19 vaccination and mandatory masks.
While it has been mentioned many times, a reminder that this event requires a vaccination and, as of right now, will require masks to be worn during the event. https://t.co/UDxtkZIiPa
PAX East 2022 (@PAXEastNews) December 15, 2021
Visitors can expect what the PAX shows have been offering for years: Various presentations, developer panels, tournaments, exhibitors and much more. At PAX West last year, a few of the events were additionally broadcast via livestream. It is still unclear whether this will also be done for PAX East.
Summer Game Fest
- When? Probably at the beginning of June
- Where to watch? tba
Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest will also return in 2022. The organising team already confirmed this via Twitter, but did not give details or a date.
To get updates on SummerGameFest 2022 plans, make sure to sign up for our mailing list at https://t.co/Fzt4oxTRkg pic.twitter.com/mSqXGA3OWr
Summer Game Fest 2022 (@summergamefest) December 23, 2021
Last year’s Summer Game Fest featured a special opening show just before E3. It’s quite possible that a similar plan will be followed this year – but for now it’s: Wait and see.
E3 2022
- When? Probably at the beginning of June
- Where to watch? tba
2020 E3 is down completely, followed by the transformation into a digital trade show in 2021 – and what about 2022? That is still unanswered, but the Electronic Entertainment Expo should take place in presence again in the future. At least that’s what Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, wanted during a livestream for E3 2021.
So far, the ESA, the organisers of E3, have not said what exactly will happen with the show. In recent years, however, the fair has always taken place in June, which is why we assume that this schedule will not be deviated from too much in 2022.
Gamevention 2022
- When? 1 to 3 July 2022
As a new German games fair, Gamevention got off to a promising start in Hamburg in 2019 – and then directly had to take two breaks due to Corona. In 2022, the organisers will return and change the location at the same time: Instead of Hamburg, the fair will now take place in Neumünster.
Not much has changed in the concept: at Gamevention 2022, the focus is primarily on community and e-sports. Thus, state championships in various games and cosplay programmes will take place on site, while visitors can also let off steam at the medieval market or at LARP events (Live Action Role Playing).
gamescom 2022
- When? 24 to 28 August 2022
- Where to watch? tba
After the gamesvention, things will continue in Cologne at the end of August. Of course, gamescom will also take place in 2022 – and according to current planning, it will be held in the form of a presence, including additional online offerings. How extensive the latter will be, however, is currently still written in the stars.
The reason for this: There are no real details about the fair at the moment. The first information is expected to become known gradually in spring 2022.
EGX London 2022
- When? 22 – 25 September 2022
Birmingham in spring, London at the beginning of autumn: EGX will additionally be held in the English capital in 2022. The fair is also to be held with visitors on site and follows a strict security concept.
Details on the fair’s offerings are still pending, but attendees can also expect smaller e-sports tournaments, community events and, of course, new games.
Blizzcon 2022
When? Cancelled
Actually, Blizzard wanted to hold another Blizzcon Online in February 2022 – but nothing will come of it. The company cancelled the in-house game fair in October 2021 and announced that the concept will also be revised. Details can be found here:
Nevertheless, there are to be announcements and updates on Blizzard games even without the trade fair. However, this will not be held in a concentrated place, but via the respective online channels of the games.
Now it’s your turn: Are you planning to visit one of the fairs presented in 2022? Or will you stay away from such major events for a while and look forward to digital concepts? Feel free to let us know in the comments!
