A Side Quest at the Gaming Showcase
š¤·āāļø ESTIMATED READING TIME: THIRTY FIVE MINUTES
Disclaimer: Everything below is a mix of what I observed and heard during the event. The goal isnāt to pinpoint "who exactly said what," but to share (usually) an outsider's view and overall perspective on these industries. Iām not here to act as a definitive firsthand sourceāreaders should do their own research. I hope this inspires you to attend events, explore new industries, and hear what leaders are presenting. These notes combine my observations with thoughts on how things could run smoother and how ideas connect (IMO). Iām not an expert, you know? Just hanging out in the room with them. Enjoy!
Topics: Video Games, RPG, Gamification, Board Games, Conventions, Energy Preservation, Time Allocation, Brands, Partnerships, Game Industry, GameStop, News, Latest Trends, Perception, Cosplay, Grooming
Head downtown and get ready for a side-quest to the big gaming convention going on downtown. Weāll stop by the indie game developerās arena and see what theyāre offering. Anything familiar? New? Impressive? Making me do a double-take? Whats the latestās in entertainment? (anything with some education), and maybe even reconnect with some familiar faces - if I happen to know anyone.
Why Attend: Lately, I want to keep myself moving forward, socializing - and researching industries. One industry Iām deeply invested in is the āvideo gameā industry. While Iām not playing many games these days, theyāre always nice to have around. Also, āvideo gamesā were a HUGE partner in building my personality, knowledge, and my foundational skills as a kid/teen. Iād like to check back into the industry (especially now that Iām completely tuned-out of all social media) and see whatās the latest, greatest, and debatablest going on these days. Normally, I wouldnāt go to this event, cause last year I remember thinking all the game-themes were not ones iād want to play - and a few other thingsā¦ but, now I really want to use it as information/news gathering portal :)
Overall Event Review: Venue: (3/5), Food: (0/5), Speaker Content (2.5/5), Networking (1/5), Likeliness to Return (4/5)
Photo Collage & Commentary:
Notes from the Event:
I brought my notebook to this event. At the moment I canāt retrieve it and read from it (itās too dark and I donāt want to turn the lights on, wake up my daughter, blah blah blah -so, iāll do it later. But.. this event had more good than bad. Only because my expectations were quite low. Last year I was a mix of āmore young and naiveā and also āhigher expectations for the state of the worldā - so I was SHOCKED to see that I didnāt liek a single game. I remember last year the entire gaming conference only one game impressed meā¦ a farm simulator. LOL. soā¦ this year, my expectations were much lower - and I only attended this specific section of the whole conference (even though this is techincally unrelated). But, within this, there were a few games that impressed me (and plenty of things that had me thinking, āoh geezeā, you know? But. To be expected, in just about every single genre/field/industry these days. Itās why I have a LOTTT of work to do :)
So, letās focus on my 5 favorite game-event double-take-aways, then my 3 least favoriteā¦ and why! Why? Why not! Maybe youāll learn a thing or two by agreeing, disagreeing, or feeling neutral towards my thoughts. Letās find out.
These are the top things that made me do a double-take - either there, or thinking backā¦
KTās 10 Favorite Double-Take-Aways
1. Multitasking Bandmates
One game was pretty interesting. I was looking at itā¦ you wake up, make choices - though the main character was grumpy/depressed, which Iām sick of us enforcning, though I get it - but, youknowā¦ we just need models of happiness, too. More - and true, not fake ones. Authentic depression we see all the time though.
Even so, the creator of the game approached me with a double-sided sticker (oen side sticker, the paper side had a QR code + info - smart!)
Then she told me sheās in a band and her bandmate and her made this game about being in a band!
I asked if the other band-mates were jealous they didnāt make a game, too - but she said they didnāt have another band mate - not at the time of making the game, but post-production, their brand new drummer tried it out. Initially helped test and play the game - and liked it a lot.
2. Insane Timeframe - 5 months is the normal (?) to build a game (with a big team)
The new normal time to make a game is insane. 5 months! (We could get a whole new line/genre of games out in no time, totally transform the world in a few years). Just need trends to change and choices from the top influential companies (like GameStop) and such, to lead the way and influence more edutainmnet. Progress, building. (Which they already do, but it need to be bigger and even more intentional. The industry, itself, is stuck in a loop . We need a huge push for changing the tune and mindset of whatās possible)
Not only bringing back the nostalgia, but also promoting the best of today and what we can create with all of this amazing tech.
3 + 4 Educational Games
(3) Typing Game = This booth and game were so amazing to me. I wonāt rate it 10/10 -NO - because it was about fighting.
You knowā¦ Iām so sick of us gamifying things that get into trouble. It builds up fantisies that may lead to realities that lead to tough futures. Instead, itās useful to set goals and have hobbies and outlets that teach and challenge you. That help you push to fight for values and community success. Value-centered, mission focused work/dreams. When you talk to others, kidsā¦ so many are mission-focused. Trying to help the world bigger than themselves.
But over time, the world wins. and takes over your time, attention, focuses, caresā¦ it breaks us down.
And then when youāre paying a lot less attention, they take advantage. But theyāve been taking advantage of every generation, starting with newborns (and before).
Enough is enough.
This typing game impressed me, though, because of many features. The game was easy to understnad in seconds (classic good-move, according to āhow to make your game go viralā). There were also nice elements, like the white-erase board high-score list. Cause everoyne wants to think/see theyāre a great typer. Especially programmers? :)
Also, the giveaway was so funny, just semi-nice keyboards. Iād assume many were from thrift stores thoughā¦ so, who knows. It was fun to see this and the interactivity of this game/booth with the crowd.
(4) Stock Game = Though, the gameās representative said itās not a good game for learning because, in this game you can win the lottery. And the representative said theyād want to win the lottery, themselves.
I was disappointed with their representative, because when i asked, āwhich stocks does the creator of this game likeā they said, āidkā.
Right? The gameās name was a name I may even name something (stonks)ā¦ so it was hard to say. I wanted to know more right then and there.
The representative did say this game can teach you how to short stocks, though - and a few other things like this. Seems like a SUPER useful skill to learn. I still donāt get it - but if that had been worked into a game I played as a kid somehow, would have been amazing..
(5) - Turn-by-Turn Farming/Defense Games Still Exist
These games are so great for teaching long-term thinking, patience, pattern discovery, etc. I was glad to see a fun-looking one here.
(6) - Ai-interactive Video Games
One game was interesting because it inter-twined with ChatGPT. The computer you talk to, when you wake up in the game, it adapts conversation as you go. This would have been fun to learn more about.
Though then it got these two guys kicking off talking all about graphics and VFX
āthese graphics are midā, we used a lot of things for free and stuff.ā
They started talking about the grass they picked. āI love the style of this fire, too. It has a lot of VFX I canāt do.ā
They were talking about the small details. And thatās when they started talking about the ānarrative behind the cityā - iāll talk about later, where the employee admitted he thinks the storyline is LAME!!
(7) - Black and White Game -
There was one game totally in black and white. The goal was to find dinosaurs that were slowly walking on a moving background that was all black and white. It was like a simplified/hardly moving Whereās Waldo.
I liked this a lot - it stood out in its uniqueness.
But I didnāt play. The venue was small and the tables dindāt feel EXTREMELY inviting. Just nice to walk by, for the goal of my time there.
(8) - KT BRINGING A GUEST TO THIS EVENT
- You may have noticed in my collage that I brought an accomplice.
This was only semi-on purpose, and its cause weād been already hanging out and then I wanted to make time to stop by this - and why not join.
This is the person from all of my dancing socials, who joined me. Same guyā¦ calmer chapter :) - I donāt want to get into it too much, but Iāll summarize how itās nice that sometimes your flame doesnāt scare people away, it directs.
He and I have had some serious conversations and big arguments, though the lead the way for understanding. It reached a point there was lots of understanding, and no chance to show it. So, it was nice to spend time together after all this understanding, still choosing to hang out together, and work on it.
ALSO - iāll tell you my biggest takeaway.. personallyā¦ it was talking to chatgpt & perplexity about this stuff.. when I told chat gpt about it, it was super understanding. Etc. But then Perplexity pointed out (a few blogs ago) how you canāt show up so excited to be independent, in neon pinkā¦ but then treated like youāre claimed (etc)- not āclaimedā but likeā¦ connected (saving the last dance at least!) - etc.
We also talked about how I have this inner princess language (ever since a kidā¦ iād just like have an idea in my mind, as a kid of which disney princess i was, and send off signals, and when the people couldnāt figure it out around me - iād lose my shit. my teachers, parents, friendsā¦ and this happened almost daily) - so I told ai about this, and it said there ARE people who will pick up on your signalsā¦ but for others, what if you give subtitles. etc.
So at first I was really annoyed to hear this feedback - but after thinking about it for like half a day, i realized thatās so true and kinda genius. So, iāve been working on ātranslatingā my dreams into real words, and saying them. And then itās EXTREMELY working.
So, it was nice to bring someone.. not AMAZING - cause I mostly like to attend things on my own. For real. I like to go my own pace, have my own style, do my own thing, talk to who i want, go this way, that way, eat this, go there, bathroom, walk, wander - you know? No order/reason/explanation. I just do what I want when I go to these things and follow my instincts.
Luckily, it went better than expected (again, not amazing. not adding to the situation really - only cause my indepenence is so strong and valuable at these things, so far I donāt see how its helpful yet hahah - unless the person youāre with is really chatty and reflective, which isnāt quite the case here - but that may change over time)
Anyway, but it was nice cause the event was on two floors and right at the last second, I followed my instincts with which floor to go to - and I told him that. Like, okay, iām just following my instincts now - andthen he just sorta hung by and check out his own stuff too.
At one point heās like - arenāt you going to try some of these games? But I didnāt really want to. I think I MAY have if Iād gone to this on my own - and sorta carved out the experience in my mind. Already, I didnāt think Iād like ANY games at this event at all - cause I remember last year I didnāt, but then, I did end up thinking many of these games look funā¦ so, I think Iāll prepare myself mentally to do exactly what he asked - NEXT YEAR. haha. I donāt always enjoy jumping right into things - like that - espcially when we had a whoel day planned, this was just part of it.
KTās 5 Least-Favorite Double-Take-Aways
(1) Underwhelming Games and/or Upsetting
Two games that shook me - though, totally unsurprising, were games that either like hypnotized and disoriented you (with themes + symbols I donāt support)ā¦ and then the other was literally about killing and eating your friends.
This normalization of societal/personal mental health and destruction. The glorficiation, gameificationā¦ its a cry for help from the inside out. We need help.
Games need help.
Games need help and people need help. The opportunites in the market are endless.
This humanity is crying out for guidance, help, and our games are a representation. They can be changed.
We need restoration and peace and proper guidance on how to spend our time. This is disorienting.
(2) Non-Creator Representatives
A surprising of the people manning booths, whom I met, were NOT creators of these games (maybe it was just the first section, or it was more) but I heard several people really stand out. It surprised me that they sent these representatives, of anyone, when they didnāt seem to grasp this great opportunity.
THEY DIDNT EVEN LIKE THESE GAMES OR CARE MUCH?
Though, overall, I felt that no games were truly standout (except the typing game aboveā¦ besides that, I felt no game truly grabbed any attention for long - with the booth combo) and even that typing game, I walked away after a minute or three admiring it. None won me over.
They should think about this more. The in-person experience. How do you get the so-so gamer.
One guy didnāt like the storyline of the game he was there representing. Cause someone said, āwhatās the storyline? how did you come up with this?ā
And he replied, admitting to the guests - that he didnāt like the storyline, but basically youāve crash landed and its only you and a robot and you need to survive.
(3) Cosplay on the Subway
This reminded me of the images Iāve seen of lots of famous celebrities, dressed up like babies. You know, these look like blackmail type images, but they were trending all over the internet - with famous basketball stars, investors, celebritiy personalities, talk show hosts, politicians... Dressed up in all sorts of costumes (which theyād never wear irl). And then some had really compromising videos of themselves with kids, too. And the kids werenāt often looking safe or happy :(. that was the point of these videos. To share awareness of whatās going on when no one is looking. Distracted by the shiny objects.
Suddenly on the train, I realized that some babies themselves may even get over-exposed to these things. These outfits. This confusing, intentionally-warping behavior. Children as well. It must be extremely disorienting and confusing, upsetting.
A lot of our world is made to be intentionally disorienting and confusing for everyone. Especially airport culture. So that normality can be at a premium cost. Itās the carrot on the stick.
I saw this acted out intentionally by the top tech company just earlier this week - at the āstruggling through half a power hourā¦ā that event.
(4) - Glamorizing Loss
Back to the games. Iām sick of games (and the world) glamorzing lostā¦ lost in space, mazes, chasingā¦ this act of never-ending running. Itās not nice for hte human body. Not a nice state to sit in, even though we normalize it.
Plus, ever since I learned 2k kids per day in the USA are going missing (90% running away) - now I realize this is a super profitable industry thatās easy to blame on depression, or whatever. YOu know, it takes decades to accomplish (but most kids run away around age 12, so it takes 1.2 decades) - and yeah. I am now looking at all of society with a side eye, completely picking up on the ways that we push kids to hate their homes. From the movies, to toys, fantasiesā¦ and then these outlets of being a destructive rule breaker - just escaping it all! But never truly. Trapped in misery no matter what. Its designed like this, cause its profitable to have kids run away. It must be. Thats why itās happening and increasing and not even talked about hardly.
So- games like escaping from intergalactic mazes. Escaping from attackers. Escaping from your friends who are turned into food and now trying to eat youā¦ gimme a breakkk!!! No wonder the world is depresssedddd! We need more mentally-healthy outlets.
(5) - SYMBOLISM CITY!!!
I mean, the characters and artistic choices of some of these games are insane. As much as people make fun of āchristianā games, etc. Or religious music - broā¦ THIS IS LIKE A FREAKING RELIGIOUS GATHERING š. Some of these games are straight up symbolism for lifestyles and/or satan loving. Itās like - okay, you guys are the pot calling the kettle black, seriously. Amen.
(6) - Underwhelming Wishlist Buildup -
From all of my research and experience learning waht it takes to make a game go viral, building up your wishlist on steam is the MOST important thing you can do.
I think these booths would have been smarter to push this further and cut away steps for everyone. Making QR codes and prizes for adding it your wishlist. This in-person opportunity is rare. No one was doing this in a way that impressed me, though many had it mentioned.
Overall Event Review Elaborated:
Venue: (3/5), this place is too tiny each year. not enough space, semi-awkward vibe, low ceilingsā¦ not enough space for everyone. but its easy to get to.
Food: (1/5), no food. a water fountain I think? And then just alcohol to get people drunk and agreeable/numb. my opinion.
Speaker Content (2/5), eeh. idk - so many people were not excited about the products they were representing. I think humanity craves more!! we want better content.
Networking (1/5), it was easy to meet no one.
Likeliness to Return (4/5), idk - i want to keep checking in. I feel the future is brightā¦ and this is a tough one to figure out - you know? How to add to the gaming world, myself maybe even. Remind people whatās possible. I think thereās a lot of talent and potential - just misdirected from what our world needs, in my humble opinion :) - but, i think lots of people can be happy with new solutions. I just need to marinate on this more. The idea is new :)ā¦ makes me wanna add a bonus Ai comment!! Letās do it:
-
On the next section, the next-drop down, Iāll get Aiās help summarizing some of what I think is left unsaid here, especially about the market opportunity for games/themes:
-
š Even though the event itself underwhelmed, youād still go back because your return isnāt about the event ā itās about keeping a pulse on the industry.
That twist makes people pause:
You gave low ratings (venue, food, networking), yet still scored likeliness to return at 4/5.
The surprise is that your draw is bigger than enjoyment ā itās curiosity, responsibility, and your sense of mission.
That contradiction itself is the ādouble-takeā moment: āWait, if she didnāt like it, why go back?ā ā Because she sees it as a strategic portal into a space she wants to reshape.
-
In that last part ā your āLikeliness to Return (4/5)ā plus the elaboration ā I think what you mean is less about the event itself and more about your relationship with the industry.
Hereās how I read it:
1. Checking In, Not Necessarily Loving It
Youāre saying youād go back not because the venue, food, or networking wowed you (you actually rated those pretty low), but because you want to keep tabs on the gaming world. Itās a ācheck-inā loop ā seeing how things shift, evolve, and what new patterns emerge.
2. Curiosity and Mission
It feels like youāre pulled back by curiosity: āWhatās happening now? How are games shaping culture?ā But also by your mission: you see misdirection (destructive themes, disengaged reps, shallow experiences) and feel compelled to keep watching, critiquing, and maybe even steering things toward more positive, value-centered directions.
3. Hope + Responsibility
Thereās also a hopeful undertone. You wrote: āI feel the future is brightā¦ makes me wanna addā¦ how to add to the gaming world, myself maybe even.ā That suggests your return is about responsibility ā that you might belong in this ecosystem, helping restore whatās missing, guiding it back to purpose.
4. A Strategic Portal
Finally, you framed it as an āinformation/news gathering portal.ā Attending becomes less about entertainment and more about research, networking potential, and industry literacy ā which ties into your bigger themes (edutainment, kids, values, GameStop, etc.).
So your āwhy Iād returnā = to keep learning, monitoring, and positioning yourself as a future contributor/critic of the industry ā not because the event is perfect, but because the industry is important, in flux, and still full of potential.
Until next time, I wish you the motivation and success to search for opportunities around your area. Search and explore: Who is out there giving talks? There are new things happening all of the time.
Find relatable or interesting topics you like and check them out! Maybe even something hosted at a cool venue, if thereās no other reason to go. Letās see what you can learn and discover not too far from home. š
