Recapping an Unforgettable Game On Expo 2024 in Phoenix
This year’s Game On Expo in Phoenix was not just an event; it was an unforgettable gathering that turned into unending memories for my family and me. The adventure kicked off on a high note on Thursday night when I had the chance to meet up with Radical Reggie. The meeting place? None other than the hotel lobby, where conversations effortlessly drifted from one gaming topic to another. Hours slipped by like seconds!
As the night progressed, the atmosphere buzzed with more excitement as John Riggs and Nintendrew casually bumped into us in the lobby. It was an unexpected blast before to the main event, setting the stage for what was about to come...
My brother and his kids joined us, and Friday marked the official start of the expo, and thanks to our Content Creator badges, we were among the first to step into the larger-than-life venue. We heard of some struggles for general admittance to enter thanks to terribly slow security lines, but the problem was fixed in the following days and everyone seemed ok with the initial delays.
The man behind the magic, John Lester, famously known as Gamester81, outdid himself this year. The move to a bigger convention center was a game-changer, accommodating the swarm of vendors and enthusiastic attendees who filled the space, each contributing to the electric atmosphere. We genuinely can't thank him enough for the incredible experience!
The highlight for me personally was participating in FOUR different panels, including one with the legendary Metal Jesus Rocks crew. Though MJR was sadly absent due to health issues, the spirit of camaraderie and passion for gaming filled the room.
My heartfelt wishes go out to MJR for a speedy recovery. Same goes for RetroRalph - who I was really looking forward to meeting for the first time but unfortunately had to cut his trip short due to health as well.
The expo became a melting pot of creators and enthusiasts. Meeting figures like Jeffrey Wittenhagen (above) of Premium Edition Games and Sarumaru (below), the mind behind FX Unit Yuki, was surreal.
It felt like meeting old friends for the first time. The community spirit was tangible, turning every handshake and conversation into a memorable moment. But it didn't stop there...
One of the best parts of the expo for me in particular was crossing paths with Johnny Millennium, the Happy Console Gamer. His energy and enthusiasm for gaming were infectious, making the moment of him signing my newly acquired copy of Phantasy Star for the Sega Master System an instant classic in my collection. I've been tight with Johnny for a long... LONG time, but this was the first time ever actually meeting him... Unlike Nerdy Nick (below) who I've met multiple times and even attended his incredible wedding a couple years ago! So many great people - so little time!
Beyond the panels, friends, and autographs, the expo was filled with vibrant life. From engaging in live auctions to diving into the world of arcade and pinball, every moment was a blast. Catching up with Joel from MediaGlitch, Aaron (Riff) and Ricky from Pixel game Squad, Gabbo the Giver.. and so many others!
My family and I walked away not just with a virtual boy and an HTC Vive from the auction, but with memories etched into our hearts.
The nights were just as exhilarating, filled with laughter and stories, reinforcing bonds with old friends and forging new ones. Game On Expo 2024 wasn’t just an event; it was a family reunion, a celebration of culture, and a testament to the love of gaming. They even had the kid who beat Tetris: Willis Gibson, showing off his skills!
Game On Expo in Phoenix was a resounding success.
It was more than just games and panels; it was a journey through the heart of the gaming community, leaving us all with memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. Here’s to many more expos like this one – where family, friends, and games come together to create something truly magical. Thanks again to John Lester for putting the insane amount of work behind the scenes to make this magic come to life!
~Smash
