The Top 5 Conventions That Revolutionized Entertainment Through Gaming
Since the turn of the century, gaming has evolved from a niche interest into a global cultural force. As the lines between entertainment, tech, and interactive media blur, major conventions are taking note, integrating gaming into their experiences like never before. In 2025, including gaming at your convention, trade show, or expo is a crucial way to boost relevance. Not only as entertainment, but as a strategic growth engine.
Here are the top five events that have not only embraced gaming but made it a centerpiece of their programming.
1. DreamHack
DreamHack belongs at the top spot on this list because it has always been gaming-centric. Today, it is still one of the premiere gaming festivals, and it delivers the full-spectrum experience: esports tournaments, LAN parties, cosplay, creator meetups, and indie game showcases. Unlike other conventions that integrate gaming into broader content, DreamHack is gaming-first, built by and for gamers. The Atlanta branch of the event has hosted major tournaments in titles like CS:GO, Rocket League, and Fortnite, while also offering a community vibe with fan-run booths, tabletop gaming, and live music. If you're looking for a grassroots-meets-global gaming vibe, DreamHack is unmatched.
2. San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC)
Comic-Con may have started with comics, but it has long since transformed into a full-spectrum celebration of pop culture, boasting 135,000 attendees in 2024. This convention powerhouse is famous for new announcements from the biggest studios in Hollywood, A-list celebrity panels, and lines so long you can see con-goers camping overnight to ensure their spot for the action. Major game studios have taken note of the importance of this event, as well. Capcom, Square Enix, and Bandai Namco often use SDCC as a launchpad for trailers, demos, and exclusive announcements. The event also hosts immersive gaming booths, cosplay contests centered around gaming characters, and live esports showdowns. Whether it’s a sneak peek at the next Street Fighter or a hands-on demo of a VR title, Comic-Con knows how to blend gaming into its fan-focused DNA.
3. South by Southwest (SXSW)
South by Southwest (SXSW) is known for its eclectic mix of music, film, and tech. But over the years, gaming has earned a major spot on the SXSW stage. The SXSW Gaming Expo, once a standalone event, merged into the main conference and brought with it indie game showcases, esports tournaments, and panels with top game developers and streamers. The event has featured titles from giants like Blizzard and Bethesda, while also championing emerging studios. Its integration of gaming isn't just entertainment, it's a forward-thinking reflection on how gaming intersects with storytelling, marketing, and innovation.
4. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) might not seem like a gaming event at first glance, but the genre is thoroughly woven into this convention through gaming tech. From the debut of cutting-edge gaming laptops and peripherals to the unveiling of VR/AR platforms and graphics cards, CES gives a front-row seat to the future of interactive entertainment. Brands like NVIDIA, Razer, and Sony regularly steal the show with groundbreaking gaming tech that pushes the industry forward.
5. Anime Expo Los Angeles:
Gaming culture overlaps with a multitude of different industries: the food industry, fashion, technology, music, and more. Anime Expo is a textbook example of how complementary interests can be harnessed. While the event’s core has always revolved around Japanese animation and pop culture, the addition of gaming content acknowledges a massive overlap in fanbases. Gamers and anime fans often share similar aesthetics, values, and online communities, making this integration a natural fit. Further, the proof is in the statistics-pudding: the first Anime Expo had only 1,000 attendees, while the convention now boasts 407,000 in 2024. With over a 40,000% increase, it is easy to see just how much broadening one’s niche can affect turnout.
Why It Matters
The integration of gaming into these top-tier conventions is a testament to how deeply games are woven into our culture, and how important it is to continue to harness these audiences at future events. As gaming continues to grow in influence and reach, expect even more conventions to expand their programming to meet the demand.
