INSiGHT: EGX 2021 – The Verdict

With the current situation still in effect, the three big names as well as some of the major developers decided to skip the event. The main issue flooding the socials being how late in the day it was before any of this was announced, long after tickets had been purchased. As a press passer (brag intended), price wasn't an issue, with the EGX crew being kind enough to give free entry for all days. For a lot of the general public, myself included, back when I mingled with the masses, seeing the big names was easily the biggest draw. For them not to be there and no chance of some sneak previews and new demos, disappointment was inevitable. With the ExCeL having such a large floor space also, without the leaders in games development not taking up floorspace it was difficult for things not to feel a little bit barren.
So, was it all doom and gloom without any new games to play? Not really. In all honesty the lack of AAA titles was if anything, an unexpected treat. The easiest way to describe this years' experience was probably EGX Rezzed 2.0, a biggie indie developer experience with a few big hitters littering the hall. A chance for the unknowns and the upcomers to shine, and shine they did.

With no major queues to join and get bored in, there was also an opportunity to take in the industry and development talks showcased in the EGX Theatre. As a lowly paying customer in the past, these were largely ignored in favour of trying a new title early (priorities) but after this year, all previous visits now feel like a missed opportunity. Put simply, every talk and showcase we attended was a fascinating insight into the industry as well as a chance to see what people have been doing throughout the current situation to 'keep on keeping on' The highlights of what we experienced were certainly a talk by Broken Sword creator Charles Cecil, who gave a fascinating talk on his experiences in game development as well as some new information on his latest title Beyond A Steel Sky. A massive thank you to him as well for taking the time to shoot the breeze with us after the talk, more of which will feature in an upcoming article which will essentially just be us confirming what a pioneer in the industry he is. The National Videogame Museum also produced a fascinating insight into how Animal Crossing has led the way in ensuring wellbeing has been maintained throughout lockdown with its implementation of village design, communication and self-image.