The cancellation of one of the primary gaming showcases in the UK reflects the broader difficulties faced by an industry that has witnessed numerous studio closures and employment losses.
Typically held in April in London, the WASD expo serves as a marketplace for British talent, with a focus on independent, smaller game developers.
However, its organizer is currently under liquidation.
David Lilley, one of the co-founders, told the news that “running events is just not viable for us anymore due to rising costs and decreased demand for stand space.”
Months after its 2024 expo, the WASD website vanished from the internet, sparking rumors about the event’s future.
However, the confirmation still caused astonishment and dismay in the sector.