Games Day, oberved on December 20th, is a yearly event that is much awaited by those who have a keen interest in playing all sorts of games, from board games to video games. The event isn’t focused on a particular type of game - its variety appeals to casual game players and fervent gamers alike.
This day is all about setting aside our daily responsibilities and immersing ourselves in our favorite games, competing with friends and family, finding new games we haven’t played before, or even designing our own games. Let’s enjoy the merriment and bond that games kindle in our lives.
History of Games Day
Games Day, a notable gaming event, was initiated by Games Workshop, a renowned gaming company from the UK. The origins of this event can be traced back to the 70s. Initially, Games Day was organized as a convivial gathering for the enthusiasts of games like Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar to engage in various game-centered activities.
Since its inception, Games Day has undergone significant evolutions, expanding from a small-scale local UK event to an international festivity with thousands of attendees. It is celebrated with great gusto, featuring tournaments, painting contests, workshops on game design and gameplays, and previews of new game releases. It also offers fans a unique opportunity to meet the masterminds behind Games Workshop’s games.
In 2013, Games Workshop decided to refocus Games Day to concentrate on the Golden Demon painting contest, one of the Games Day’s most awaited attractions. This led to the transformation of Games Day into Warhammer Fest, a two-day festival encompassing the popular elements of Games Day and Golden Demon.
Games Day Timeline
Board Games Introduced
Senet, one of the known oldest board games, hails from ancient Egypt.
Introduction of Parlor Games
In Victorian England, adults and children played charades, blind man's bluff, and other games in the living room, or 'parlor.'
Invention of Pong
Pong, one of the earliest arcade video games, was released by Atari Inc.
Pac Man Fever
Pac-Man, an immensely popular video game, was introduced by the Japanese company Namco.
Rise of Online Gaming
With the proliferation of the internet, online gaming becomes a global phenomenon.
Wii Sports Launch
Nintendo's Wii Sports revolutionizes gaming with its innovative motion-sensitive controls.
Rise of Mobile Games
With the improvement of smartphones, mobile gaming became a dominant force in the gaming industry.
Ideas to Celebrate Games Day
Epic Gaming Marathon
Host an all-day gaming marathon in which you attempt to conquer your favorite video games, or try out some new ones. Involve friends and family, make it competitive or cooperative, and have a blast for many hours on end.
Board Game Night
Gather a group of friends or family members and bring out all of your favorite board games. Add some fun snacks and drinks to create a classic and cozy game night experience.
Retro Game Day
Treat yourself and your friends with experiencing and celebrating the evolution of games. Start from retro classic games moving to modern computer and console games.
Console Swap Party
Invite friends over who have different gaming consoles from what you own. Create a fun rotating schedule where everyone gets to try new games and consoles.
Escape Room Challenge
Step away from the screen and take part in a real-life gaming scenario. Book a session in a local escape room and spend part of Games Day trying to crack the code and escape.
Design Your Own Game
Take Games Day as an opportunity to design your own board game or video game. This could be a real test of creativity and innovation while being in entertainment’s spirit.
6 Interesting Facts About Games Day
Variety of Games
Games Day consists of a wide variety of games ranging from miniature war games, board games, and role-playing games, to video games.
Golden Demon Award
During Games Day, the prestigious Golden Demon painting competition takes place where participants compete by painting miniature figurines in various categories.
Global Event
Initially started as a UK event, Games Day is now celebrated worldwide in countries such as the U.S.A., Germany, France, Australia, and Canada.
Workshops and Seminars
As part of the event, game designers and artists often host workshops and seminars on game design, painting miniatures, and storytelling techniques used within games.
Trading Opportunities
Games Day is also a great venue for traders and collectors to swap, sell and find rare or out-of-production miniatures.
Social Networking
Games Day serves as a social gathering for gamers around the world, allowing them to meet, socialise and network with like-minded individuals.
Games Day FAQs
Next Games Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 20th | Wednesday |
| 2024 | December 20th | Friday |
| 2025 | December 20th | Saturday |
| 2026 | December 20th | Sunday |
| 2027 | December 20th | Monday |
| What is the pattern? | Every December 20th | |
Games Day Word Search
- Boardgames
- Cardgames
- Strategy
- Chess
- Monopoly
- Puzzles