UK Games Expo: Reflections on Community, Play, and a Toddler in Tow
I recently spent a day at UK Games Expo with my wife and our 18-month-old son. It’s not the kind of event most people would consider toddler-friendly, and my wife—while happy to play the occasional game—is far from a hobbyist. But we went as a family, and we had a good time.
We weren’t there for long sessions or big releases. My son was mostly interested in the shiny dice, colourful meeples, and the occasional opportunity to run in a wide open space. My wife was curious but cautious. I was there to take it all in and see how it felt to engage with the event from a slightly different angle.
What stood out most was how welcoming the space was. Every stallholder we spoke to was open, friendly, and patient—not just with my questions, but with a small child grabbing at display pieces. No one was phased. Most seemed genuinely happy to share what they were working on, and even happier just to talk about games. It didn’t feel transactional—it felt like people simply wanted to talk about what they love.
That sense of openness and shared enthusiasm is one of the things that makes tabletop gaming so effective as a tool for connection. It gives people a reason to sit together, focus on something shared, and build rapport—whether they’re family, friends, or complete strangers. At the Expo, that played out in obvious ways: people laughing around demo tables, strangers teaming up in a co-op game, kids trying something new with their parents watching on.
We also caught up with some of the team from Game Therapy UK, who I work with regularly. It was good to see them there—visible and engaged, talking to people about what they do and why it matters. Their presence reinforced what I already know from experience: that games aren’t just entertainment. Used well, they’re a way to build connection, confidence, and community—especially for young people who struggle to engage in more traditional settings. For those of us using games in therapeutic or educational contexts, these kinds of events are a reminder that the community is wider than we sometimes think. The idea that games can support mental health and social development is gaining ground, and events like UKGE give that idea a public platform.
In my own sessions—whether with school refusers, neurodivergent young people, or those struggling to make friends—games provide structure, flexibility, and a reason to show up. They offer low-stakes challenges, collaborative goals, and enough distance from real-world issues to make space for growth. The fact that the same tools can also entertain, bring families together, or spark curiosity in a busy convention hall just reinforces their versatility.
UKGE isn’t designed with toddlers in mind, and we didn’t stay all day. But even in a short visit, I was reminded of why I value tabletop games—not just as tools for therapeutic work, but as a shared language that can cross all sorts of boundaries. You don’t need to be a serious gamer to feel part of it. You just need people willing to share the table.
