Games key to MCM Expo expansion

Major games publishers are expected to rally behind May’s MCM Expo as it continues to grow its audience.

Organisers expect the early summer event – already supported by publishing heavyweight Electronic Arts, as well as the likes of Konami, Tecmo Koei and South Peak – to attract a wider base of industry supporters for its
2010 shows.

The MCM Expos feature games along with comics, movies, TV and anime and attract close to 40,000 consumers per event.

Video games are very important to the overall growth of MCM Expo,” said brand and marketing director Bryan Coney.

Consumers who visit the show expect to see what will be in the shops in the coming months and its vital that we and the publishers give them an opportunity to experience as many games as possible.

We expect to have more publishers involved this year given the huge success of 2009, where we had 12 games publishers attend.”

The organisers are estimating a footfall over 38,000 consumers at the May expo, and expect publishers to take full advantage of the marketing opportunities a strong games presence at the show will create.

There are many major benefits for publishers exhibiting at MCM Expo, including our broad audience that encompasses young consumers, hardcore gamers and casual players,” said Coney.

Our visitors form a large community that generate a huge amount of PR after each show through word of mouth.”

To broaden its appeal further, the MCM Expo in May will attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of DS players.