Ten tips for UK Games Expo 2023

This June NEC Birmingham shows once more that tabletop games can really draw the crowds.   For an entire weekend thousands of board game enthusiasts will be attending to  discover, learn and play new games of many genres, meet up over gaming tables and enjoy their favourite hobby at their leisure.  

The  My Boardgame Library Gnomes will be there in search of new games to add to our collection (and to enjoy a few games too!)      If you’re going this year we hope you will enjoy your visit to the expo as much as we do. 

We have put together ten tips for making the most of the expo weekend:

1. Book your tickets in advance. The expo staff have a good system for ticket sales but waiting until the day can mean spending most of your  morning  queuing - especially on Saturday which is the busiest day.

2. Have a shopping list or wish list  with retail prices in your pocket. Having some games in mind can help guard against budget breaking impulse-purchases on the day.

3. Look at the map for open spaces and exit routes before you enter the halls. This is especially helpful if you get easily overwhelmed with large crowds. Each stand has a number and this can be useful to take note of when you want to return later. You can use the expo guide with the map inside to circle the stand number. 

4. Book a shop and drop box for your shopping so you don’t have to lug your purchases with you the whole day.   Also book  mobility scooters if needed, parking  and events in advance as these go quickly.  This will help ensure that you are set to have the best time without losing valuable time on the day trying to find and arrange everything.

5. Think ahead to meal times. Whether you are walking the halls with children or a partner who can be “hangry” at times it is important to know where the food is when you need it!  Planning your food breaks can also help avoid the peak-time rush… and more queuing.   If you are in a group send some people to find and claim a place to sit while the others queue and collect the food orders.  If it is a nice day out a picnic on the lawns outside is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the halls. 

6. There are many people who volunteer for the weekend. The Volunteers will be easy to spot in their blue  or yellow shirts and they are a friendly bunch who know just how to help you if you are lost, overwhelmed or just need someone to provide some friendly advice.  to walk around with because you are shy. 

7. Most visitors and all the exhibitors and volunteers are friendly and invested in everyone having a great time so don’t be shy to ask k questions about the games you are considering or even for a demo or a game.   You’re sure to find someone that has played the game and would be only too happy to teach you or provide  suggestions and tips.  (If you spot a My Board Game Library Gnome, for instance, we’d love for you to say hi.!)

8. Make time to play in one of the many open-gaming areas.   If you’re with a group this is a great way to rest your weary feet and at the same time try out one of your recent acquisitions,  or you may want to  try a game out  before you buy from the Expo’s board game library.

9. Use a shoulder bag, trolley or tote bag instead of a backpack to avoid being bumped or bumping children or wheelchair users in the face.

10. Remember to check bus times for the final bus so you make it back to the parking and your hotel in time.  

Why rent a board game?

Board games have experienced a massive resurgence in popularity, captivating both casual players and seasoned enthusiasts.    However, with tens of thousands of games published and more coming out each year, building an extensive board game collection can be a costly endeavour - not to mention space-consuming.    Not all games are for all tastes and often you learn only after having bought a game that it just isn’t for your group and thus is destined to collect dust and take up space until you can sell it on.

That's where rental services like My Board Game Library come to the rescue!   They offer a selection of board games to make trying out new games more accessible to everyone and helping to cut down on the clutter and expense of having unplayed games on your shelf.

Here are thre reasons you should at least think about renting a board game:

1. Cost-Effective Fun:  

   The costs of purchasing new board games can quickly add up, especially if like G-gnome, you crave  variety in your gaming experiences.    Renting allows you to “extend your catalog” of games to play for a fraction of the cost. Renting enables you to explore new titles without committing to a full purchase, saving you money while still enjoying hours of immersive gameplay. That way you only add games to your collection after you know you really love them.

2. Space-Saving Convenience:  

   Board game enthusiasts have greately contributed to the profits of IKEA and other shops that sell shelving and sotrage solultions.   The challenge of storing board game collections, which can occupy a lot of valuable space in a home can be significant.     Renting solves this problem by providing you with a rotating library of games.   Rent what you want, play to your heart's content, and then return the games for others to enjoy, freeing up space in your home while also offering a constant supply of fresh gaming experience for you and your group.

3. Broaden Your Appreciation of Games:    

   One of the most exciting aspects of renting board games is the opportunity to dive into a diverse range of titles which you migth not otherwise have tried.   From deep strategy, cooperative survival,  swashbuckling adventure or lighthearted party games, there's something for everyone to sample.   Not everything will be to your tastes but affordability makes experimentation possible and who knows,  by trying out different games and genres, you could discover new favourites.

Renting board games is a cost-effective, space-saving, and adventurous option for both seasoned board game enthusiasts and newcomers to the hobby.      So, why not embrace the world of board gaming through renting and unlock a whole new realm of entertainment?

Naturally, G-gnome recommends My Board Game Library as they have excellent prices, a growing collection of games and offer  super-friendly service.  

Played Dune Imperium yet?

For an out-of-this-world experience filled with intrigue, strategy, and epic battles in the sands of Arrakis, try the Dune Imperium board game.

With a nod to the 2021 movie by Denis Villeneuve  the game transports you to Frank Herberts Dune universe where players step into the shoes of influential factions competing for dominance.

The theme is carried out brilliantly and every action feels important and of consequence from the outset the goal is to gain political influence, manage scarce resources and build up your army to prevail in combat - all in a race to score more than 9 victory points.   But here lies the challenge - do you focus on gaining influence, stockpiling valuable Spice, or building a formidable military?     The decision making is intense and being to focussed in one area could leave you outmanuvered in another and you have to be prepared to make tough choices based on what the other players are doing to shape the outcome of the game and determine a path to victory.

The game is a blend of worker placement to secure action spaced on the board and deck building where you purchase increasingly powerful and synergistic cards to play each round in the hopes of securing  an advantage.

As you might tell from this review G-gnome is a fan and awards five golden meeples.   With its engaging gameplay, replayability, and thrilling strategic choices Dune Imperium is a must-play for fans of the Dune series and board game enthusiasts alike.