Gaming Conventions and Free Stuff

I’ve never been to a gaming convention. There, I said it. I don’t have the effort in me to travel hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of miles just to hear or see something that will be on the internet 5 minutes later.

I think one of the big reasons people go to these things, other than the fresh information, is for the free promotional merchandise that inevitably gets distributed. Like with any exhibition or convention, companies vie with one another to dominate the participants attention. They usually do this by giving out items themed to match their product.

Don’t get me wrong, this is by no means the only reason people go. I can guarantee it will be in the top 3 reasons on most peoples lists though.

I know someone who went to a gaming exhibition one year and came back with all sorts of crap. T-shirts with “Activision” or “Gears of War” printed on them.

If you like the idea of being transformed into a walking billboard, only to have a piece of clothing you will never wear again in fear of being socially disowned, then go ahead and spend hundreds of pounds (or dollars, Yen whatever) on going to one of these gaming conventions.