GAMEFest timing is disappointing, says Gamer Network’s Loman

Gamer Network boss Rupert Loman says he’s disappointed by GAME’s decision to go head-to-head with his EGX event.

GAMEFest will form part of Insomnia58, which starts on August 26th at Birmingham NEC. That’s just four weeks before EGX, which will take place at the same venue from September 22nd.

On a personal level of course we’re disappointed that GAME is repeating their move from 2011 of placing a similar show in the calendar immediately before our own well established event,” Loman told MCV.

I have no doubt that EGX will be a success this year because of what we offer our audience and partners. Our track record of growth and success is unarguable. Publishers and developers have indicated their plans for EGX won’t change because potential competing events are joining the market and we know we will deliver both the audience and a great event.”

It’s not the first time GAMEFest went head-to-head with EGX. Back in 2011, both events were held within a week of each other.

Obviously last time they did this they went into administration soon after the event, but that was because of their legacy High-Street retail business,” Loman continued. It looks like things are on a slightly more secure footing for them this time so we will see how it plays out.”