eGames Expo 2009: A big day out

eGames Expo 2009: A big day out

This weekend, we flew down to Melbourne for the fourth annual eGames Expo — Australia’s biggest (and best) video games event. The weather was depressingly uneven, but we think the show managed to rise above its grim surroundings — if only by a hair. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of what happened, presented in exciting ‘of the moment’ style.

At the gates of Mordor/Melbourne

We arrive at the eGames Entertainment Expo on a characteristically cold and drizzly morning. The doors are currently shut and bolted. Typical. With nothing better to do, we decide to chat to some of the fellow early-worms huddling in the rain. (Flashing our media badge conspicuously fails to impress: an ill omen for things to come).

"What aspect of the show are you most looking forward to?" we ask a blogger named Dan.

"It was going to be the Nintendo stand, but they aren't coming any more” he replies glumly. “Check out my website at www.vooks.net." Enjoy your plug, Dan.

Other punters are keen to check out the Home Entertainment Show, which is running alongside the eGames Expo. Terrifyingly, we have been charged with covering both events simultaneously, which explains why we're weighed down with approximately 10,000 business cards. (Hopefully, we’ll still have some left over for the booth babes. Dare to dream, right?)

For the most part, the absence of heavy-hitters like Sony, Activision and Nintendo hasn’t dampened people’s spirits (well, apart from Dan). With Ubisoft on hand with a suite of hotly anticipated titles, Microsoft decking out a trailer with Xbox 360 goodies and Team Immunity hosting a two-day games tournament, the prospect of a good show remains bright... If only the weather had followed suit, eh? Tch.

The Digital Lifestyle Show

As the sky darkens further, we decide to pull out our 'pushy games journalist' persona and scam our way into the venue. Venturing beyond the building foyer requires the purchase of a hideous fluro yellow vest for a $10 deposit -- a demand that we point-blank refuse to capitulate to. Seriously, don't they know who we are?!!? [Sorry, do you work here? -- Ed.] Thankfully, event co-ordinator Liz Fry is on hand to usher us past the front door gorillas. She proves to be an invaluable asset to our hectic schedule, popping up whenever and wherever we need her. Hurrah!

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