Gaming conventions are a staple for the community, as they help fans get together, interact with each other, and exchange ideas. Since the games are online, these events are one of the rare chances people have to meet in real life and experience the excitement of their fandoms with others who share the same hobby. The activities include everything from video game competitions to role-playing, cosplay, collectibles, miniature games, and more. The largest of its kind, Spiel, is held in Essen, Germany, and focuses on board games and RPGs.

The gaming ecosystem has evolved tremendously over the years and continues to change, being one of the fastest-paced industries out there. It makes sense since it has to keep up with the demands of a large number of fans who all have very high expectations. For instance, blockchain gaming has become more popular over the last few years, driven by the popularity of assets such as eth/btc. Advanced VR and MR, cloud gaming, cross-platform play, next-generation hardware enhancements, and far-improved accessibility features are some of the other innovations that are changing the landscape.

In the meantime, though, let’s have a look at the gaming conventions you should make sure you don’t miss if you’re a fan yourself.

Fan Expo

Operated by Fan Expo HQ, a unit of Informa plc, the world’s biggest comic con producer, this year’s Fan Expo will take place in Portland, between January 16th and 18th. Several events are planned, including comics, anime, cosplay, and, of course, gaming. Since 2026 will mark the 25th anniversary of the release of The Fellowship of the Ring, a tour is expected. Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd will reunite in Portland on January 17th at 7:30 PM for a special panel, photo ops, and in-person autographs.

Gaming is one of the highlights of the Fan Expo, and you’ll have the chance to meet voice actors from the gaming world. If you have a question for one of the guests you can submit it ahead of the convention. Several gaming panels are expected to take place, so that you can dive deep into the behind-the-scenes stories and insider Q&As. Gaming Cosplay Meetups gather the fans together for group shots, and if you’re ready to do some shopping, you’ll find rare merch and some must-have collectibles that could get your attention.

CryptoXR 2026

Located in the city of Auxerre of the French Yonne department, CryptoXR 2026 is the perfect event for those who are interested in gaming as well as Web3, the latest developments in artificial intelligence, and networking. When it comes to games, the options exhibited here are interactive and those who join get firsthand experience with some of the latest innovations in the ecosystem as well. This year’s program will include panels and discussions regarding the future of these technologies, what are the ways in which they could disrupt things, the connection between Web3 and the communities that interact with them, from engineers to influencers, as well as the latest changes in security and automation.

Short talks, round tables, and workshops by leading Web3 experts can be joined as well. Payments are carried out exclusively via Bitcoin, either on-chain or on the Lightning Network. You can also shop for official CXR merch at the location or visit the small businesses associated with the event. Shopping online is possible as well, so that you can pick the items at the showroom the moment you arrive.

Taipei Game Showcase 2026

Between January 29th and February 1st, you can join the Taipei Game Showcase 2026 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center in Taiwan. The content you can expect to see is very diverse, so there’s no chance of getting bored. From online and arcade games to the peripherals (a category defined as the number of accessories used for gaming, including computers, consoles, phones, headsets, gamepads, electric dusters, keyboards, and so on), there are so many things you can enjoy at this convention.

If you’re interested in the latest trends in development and would like to network with industry professionals, this is one of the best places to do it.

Copenhagen Gaming Week 2026

The Copenhagen Gaming Week will take place over two days, from February 12th to February 14th, at the Bella Center in the Danish capital. The festival has an international reach, uniting a vast array of gaming and esports events. The event will host the Fortnite Danish Championship, bringing together the country’s best players. Throughout four competitions, the participants will fight to secure their spot in the final, with the best 100 (who will play as part of 50 teams) qualifying to get to the last stage.

Sports events will be hosted as well, so that you can get some movement between the gaming sessions. Many of the games combine working out with the online world, a unique opportunity for most guests. Several content creators and YouTubers are expected to join, and you can interact with them during meet’n’greets, talks, and shows during which you can make memories and take home a few autographs from the ones you follow.

GDC 2026

The Game Developers Conference was inaugurated 37 years ago in California, and continues to this day, where you can attend it too, in San Francisco, between the 9th and the 13th of March. The convention will be at its 40th edition in 2026, and remains one of the most important events in the industry. Innovative exhibitions, the latest technologies, and talks led by game developers who are connected to the industry will take place in 2026 as well.

With over 30,000 attendees, more than 1,000 speakers, and well over 700 sessions, the GDC is a noteworthy event that every gamer needs to experience at least once in their lives. Subjects such as culture, business, the lifecycle of games, and creativity are all discussed, with every space being built for connection and conversations. The Festival Hall will give you the chance to test innovations, connect with others who are shaping the future of the gaming world, and sample some of the latest games, including indie ones.

Gamescom Dev 2026

The largest conference devoted exclusively to gamers and developers will take place from August 23rd to August 25th in Köln, Germany. Gamers from all over the world are expected to join, as are creators, service providers, and publishers. Since the scope of the event is so large, many consider it a genuine hub for the industry, where people can connect and share their knowledge. Diversity and sustainability are the core features of the event as well, with the focus being on year-round experiences.

Content, services, and events take place throughout the year, being tailored to other events or launches in the gaming industry. The leadership summit and exclusive dinners are part of these events. About 210 sessions will be featured, with almost 400 speakers expected to attend. The topics will include themes such as research, design, community management, and mental health. Barrier-free entrances, accessible toilets, and wheelchair rentals are available for guests with restricted mobility, so that everyone can join the Gamescom.

If you’re a gamer, you are most likely quite passionate about the subject and looking to expand your horizons at all times. Visiting conventions is an incredible opportunity to do just that.