UK Games Expo Update: Security Update + More To See & Do At The Show!
May 29, 2017 by brennon
With the UK Games Expo just a few days away now they wanted to give everyone a quick update on where things stand in terms of security ahead of the event. So, here's a quick rundown for Cosplayers especially...
"UKGE’s directly invited cosplay groups whose presence has been organised by Vijay have, for the most part, voluntarily decided to limit the carrying of replica or fake firearms and other weapons. Those who wish to carry costume weapons for use as props should apply to Vijay for a special pass which they can show police or other security forces in the event of being stopped on entering the NEC.
They should also restrict the display of these props to Hall #1 and should not carry them in the spaces between the Halls or outside the NEC.
All other cosplayers are requested not to bring replica or prop firearms at all. Recognisably Sci-Fi or fantasy items such as a light sabre and a sonic screwdriver are permitted but we ask you all to think carefully about any items you carry which might be confused or mistaken for a real weapon (firearm or blade) by the security forces or by the public.
We also ask that you do not wear costume masks and helmets outside Hall #1.
In all cases as we wish to avoid any misunderstanding and panic amongst the general public outside the UKGE Trade Hall so we ask that you carry these weapons in bags or cases so that they are kept out of sight until you reach the hall or, in the case of the Vikings, the vicinity of their encampment."
There are more details and contact information on the UK Games Expo page HERE but this gives you a headstart. You might also be subject to bag searches upon entry to the venue as an extra precaution in light of events in Manchester last week.
Needless to say, the UK Games Expo team is dedicated to keeping you safe during the event and making sure that everyone has a great time this weekend.
Mayfair Games Visit The Expo
One of the longtime supporters and sponsors of the event, Mayfair Games, are going to be at the event this weekend showing off all manner of games like their fabulous Caverna and more at demo tables and their stand.
The two-player version of Caverna is also going to be on show, Cave Vs Cave. Additional favourites like Costa Rica, Agricola Family, Fight for Olympus and Portal of Heroes will also be playable to make sure to dive in.
Go Wild With Wild West Exodus
Warcradle is going to be coming along to the event to show off their new models and the new edition of Wild West Exodus at the Expo too.
As well as showing off the game they are going to be running a Paint Nimue competition where you could walk away with the Legendary Nimue miniature and also £50 of Wild West Exodus goodies! It should be awesome to dive into all the fun over the three days with them.
Hawk Wargames Drop In
Another long time supporter of the show, Hawk Wargames are going to be there with their trademark massive stand diving into a tournament, the last appearance of the massive Avenger at shows, and even some community challenges.
You will be able to take part in their Space Station Builder Competition to see who can build the best Space Station. We are pretty good at this so maybe we'll pop in and find out what the competition is like!
Daring Dustbunnies
This board game from Hopwood Games is going to be coming along to the event with a five-minute demo being shown off at the event.
Daring Dustbunnies is a game for two to five players. Each game lasts between 20 and 30 minutes and is suitable for ages eight and up.
You are one of the magical Dustbunnies living under the sofa. Each time the vacuum cleaner comes out you strive to be recognised as the most daring of all Dustbunnies by risking the dangers of the vortex.
You can find out more about the game here and maybe head on over to their stand to get involved with the charity demo and more.
Are you coming along this weekend?
"Needless to say, the UK Games Expo team is dedicated to keeping you safe during the event and making sure that everyone has a great time this weekend..."
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Poor Punisher!
Maybe he’ll have to rebrand as “The Scolder”…
Well this is important for safety and I agree wholly. But man has the world changed since I was a lad. It’s becoming so restricted you’d think this was part of a hundred year plan.
I think these ‘rules’ are nothing more than common sense.
Some of them are existing laws that now get enforced.
Also the quality of what people can produce in terms of props has improved dramatically, which means that they really need to start making sure no one mistakes them for actual functional equipment (and all the horrible consequences that could cause when police need to respond to an actual threat … ).
It is such a shame that these kind of measures need to be taken, but kudos to the powers that be for recognizing the potential issues and being proactive about them.
I hope everyone has a great time!
🙂
And then this can happen :
http://cosplay.kotaku.com/how-to-cosplay-when-your-guns-are-banned-1795625006
(too bad the signs apparently got confiscated because of ‘reasons’ … )
I’m currently in the UK and will be in London during this event. I’m sooooooo tempted to make the trip up but I don’t think I can justify it. Now if it was Salute….there would be no question.
In many ways the question of security is a tricky one. On the one hand we should not engage in activities that make it easier for terrorists (such as creating an enviroment where a real weapon could ‘hide’ among fake/replica ones). On the other hand if we change our way of living we partially give in for terrorism (such as choosing not have a ‘complete’ cosplay). To this is one of the dilemmas for a safe society. Being in policing myself, Ive encountered the dilemma between reasonable security vs changed way of life. Its sometimes a hard struck balance. I… Read more »
Running around with realistic weapons outside of convention areas has been a bad idea since the dawn of time.
The same applies to wearing a full face mask or helmet, which at best scares shop owners and at worst is already technically illegal.
Smart people don’t need to be reminded of these things.
It’s the click bait media and idiots that think these rules don’t apply to them that cause problems where there need not be any.
I might pop over after all, my eldest is really keen and we might convince the rest of the tribe to join in. Unless the weather is as beautiful as it was over the Bank Holiday..then it’s gonna be a BBQ instead 😎
I’ll be coming over. I hadn’t given a thought to security but it’s sensible stuff. Sad that it’s required but sensible stuff.