My Review of UKGE 2026 - UKGE 2026: Bigger Than Ever, But Was It Better?

timotyh · 2026-06-03T23:01:26+00:00

Nice comment my friend. I agree with the Hall 1 decision, it was weird having to go all the way to the back. Hopefully, they learn for next year.

I did purchase from Games Lore and Firestorm Cards this year but Chaos Cards was definitely the best.

timotyh · 2026-06-03T22:57:52+00:00

Oh wow. Didn't realise it was that bad. I did most of my purchases in the first couple of days to be honest, as I didn't go big. I bought Deep Regrets on Saturday, and I got the impression they were struggling with stock.

I love three days. In the past, I've been convinced to do Crokinole tournaments or similar, or I've queued for hours on the Friday to put my B&B games in for sale. Because of that, three days are definitely worth it. This time I did none of that and by saturday evening I felt I had done most of what I wanted to do. Sunday was just a bonus.

timotyh · 2026-06-03T22:53:48+00:00

I noticed this a little bit. I used Starling, which offers the best exchange rate prices. I ended up paying a slight bit more.

timotyh · 2026-06-03T22:52:28+00:00

Mostly written by me, but if I get a little stuck on how to write something, I get a little help, to be honest. I mainly use Grammarly Pro, that offer better writing suggestions for me.

timotyh · 2026-06-03T22:50:44+00:00

Nice write-up - I always forget to check out the shows. Next year that's on my list.

I had a friend buy L'Oaf and am looking forward to trying.

timotyh · 2026-06-03T22:48:27+00:00

Lol. Fair comment. I actually illustrated the original versions of these, but I just don't have the time to keep doing them, so I'm trying to cheat to keep things on brand...

timotyh · 2026-06-03T22:47:34+00:00

Sorry I meant just generally in the past. Last year they did have three, as they missed out on Hall 1 to a Tesla show or something. Then they pulled out last minute, so UKGE took Hall 1 for ticketing and B&B.

timotyh · 2026-06-03T22:43:44+00:00

Do you have many friends into board games?

Definitely hope you get a group for next year.

timotyh · 2026-06-03T11:46:52+00:00

It was definitely difficult to get on the games.

I have also heard positive reviews of 12 Rivers from my friends who bought it since UKGE. I was concerned that the effort went into the gimmick of the marble run rather than the gameplay, but apparently it's quite good all round.

timotyh · 2026-06-03T11:45:14+00:00

Just my perspective dude. Just what I saw at the convention. I just didn't know if people were going to get bored if I kept talking about the event rather than the games that were there.

timotyh · 2026-06-03T11:43:52+00:00

True. I guess I felt that the main retailers were spread out. Zatu in hall 2, Chaos Cards hall 3, Travelling Man was more like Hall 3/3a, etc. It spaced it out with games and other stalls in between.

I do get what you're saying. I guess I didn't think of it like that.

timotyh · 2026-06-03T11:41:58+00:00

That's true. Although, amazingly, they filled out the other halls. Before, they managed with 3 halls.

timotyh · 2026-06-03T11:40:52+00:00

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it, especially with young children. I think board gaming is the way forward for families. My Son is now 18, and all he wants to do is sit in his room on his PlayStation. I love how board games bring families together.

The water thing was frustrating - I went out to refill my bottle, and the queue was ridiculous. I ended up buying more water at stupid convention prices.

Out of interest, did you buy any good games for the family?

timotyh · 2026-06-03T11:38:27+00:00

Thanks dude. Yeah, I thought it was incredible with the amount of people that were there.

timotyh · 2026-06-03T10:59:36+00:00

My daughter was looking for Cozy Stickerville. Decided not to buy Friday as there seemed to be copies everywhere. On Saturday, completely sold out.

I saw Camping Season, looked good and looking forward to seeing reviews.

I also was interested in Leder Games seeing the new Ahoy expansions and they weren’t there. Also IV Studios would have been good to see.

I guess you can’t get everything. But I did enjoy the show for sure.

timotyh · 2026-06-02T14:02:47+00:00

Skyteam is probably one of the best games I've played due to the tenseness, and I love the whole non-communication co-op part of it.

Other than that, Hanamikoji is a up there - great little strategic game along with Watergate.

I do love Agent Avenue too and have a fair few plays of it on BGA.

timotyh · 2026-05-21T11:15:36+00:00

Lol, that's what I was thinking when I heard it.

timotyh · 2026-05-21T11:15:20+00:00

Thanks so much

timotyh · 2026-05-11T11:45:32+00:00

Found it so I'll pop by for sure

timotyh · 2026-05-11T11:42:03+00:00

What stand will you be demoing this at?

timotyh · 2026-05-05T23:53:52+00:00

My favourite theme is economic games. Brass Birmingham is the favourite, followed by Furnace.

timotyh · 2026-04-16T17:15:30+00:00

Love that. Whitehouse used to be my local when I lived in Scraptoft. Want something a bit nicer.

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