The north’s biggest video games festival is returning to Manchester at a new, larger venue.
PLAY Expo will take over Manchester Central, filling the former railway station with thousands of consoles and screens.
Gamers can play on more than 1,000 consoles, handhelds, PCs, arcade and pinball machines at the two-day event – all included in the ticket price.
The exhibition will showcase the best in new and classic video games, including new blockbuster previews and retro favourites.
There’ll also be dedicated Minecraft and Fortnite zones and a VR area, alongside immersive live experiences including a recreation of cult 80s and 90s TV show Knightmare, and improv overlord John Robertson’s critically acclaimed show The Dark Room, which traps audiences in a retro videogame with a sadistic end-of-level boss.
Guests can also meet their favourite YouTube stars, watch cosplay displays, take part in tournaments, listen to talks from gaming celebrities and get advice on a career in the industry.
(Image: Publicity picture)
Andy Brown, managing director of Replay Events, which organises the festival, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing PLAY Expo back to Manchester at an even bigger arena. The perfect day out for gamers old and young, this event provides a unique opportunity to get hands on with the best computer games past and present.
“And with our new home at Manchester Central, it’s even easier to get to and make it a great day out.”
Industry trade body UKIE will be hosting 30 Years Of Play at this year’s show, a retrospective of the British games that have shaped the industry over the last three decades, including a retro gaming championship.
There will also be eSports championships taking place throughout the weekend with big cash prizes.
PLAY Expo takes place on May 5 and 6. Tickets are on sale now from playexpomanchester.com , priced from £20 for adults and £14 for children. Family and weekend tickets are also available. The Knightmare Live experience costs £10 and The Dark Room costs £5 per person.
