Photostory and review: GameCon 2026

GameCon Canada (GCC) is not a small event, and after three full days on-site, I can confidently say it is nearly impossible to see everything it has to offer. As Canada’s largest gaming expo, GameCon has quickly established itself as a major gathering for gamers, developers, and fans alike since its 2023 debut in Calgary. From June 19 to 21, 2026, the Edmonton Expo Centre once again transformed into a sprawling hub for game lovers.

I attended the convention across all three days, attempting the ambitious task of experiencing as much as possible.

Day one began with a full sweep of the expo halls. Rows of booths, vendor tables, and interactive displays made it clear early on that pacing and planning would be essential to making the most of my time on site. One of the standout activities was the return of Coin Quest, a convention-wide challenge that sends participants across the venue to complete tasks at sponsor booths. From running through new games to painting miniatures and testing your knowledge about Pokémon, each completed activity rewarded adventurers with a commemorative coin. Collecting the full set granted entry into a giveaway for an exciting $4,000 prize package!

Between quests, I sampled offerings from the food trucks parked outside and took a detour into the Canadian Brewhouse hall, where arcade cabinets offered a break from the main floor’s crowd. I also attended a round-table discussion at the Mega Stage, a fully decorated space with massive screens and an elaborate production setup. Titled “Friday Mega Stage: TTRPG Panel Celebrity Panel Interview,” the event featured Ginny Di, Dungeon Dudes, Dungeon Dad, Dicecream Sandwich, and Taylor’s Tavern Tales, alongside GCC host Noura Ibrahim, who guided a lively conversation on tabletop role-playing games. Later, I headed to the gaming hall, where I watched bits of tabletop role-playing sessions unfolding alongside card game duels.

Day two brought the rain, but if anything, it revealed the undying dedication of attendees. Crowds remained steady, and the energy inside was even higher. I spent the morning revisiting booths and speaking with independent game developers, many of whom were showcasing in-development titles. I also attended the Saturday “Mega Stage: GCC Studio Showcase,” a large-scale presentation highlighting new games and upcoming releases, offering a broader sense of where the industry is heading.

The afternoon’s highlight was the cosplay competition, one of the most anticipated events of the weekend. The craftsmanship on display was remarkable. What stood out just as much as the technical skill was the performative aspect: cosplayers fully embodying their characters’ personalities and presence on stage. The contest featured an intermission halftime show, when the rapper Young Dirty Bastard (YDB) and dancers of Arthur Murray Dance Studio Edmonton took the stage. I also had the opportunity to speak with several participants, as well as other attendees in costume, all of whom spoke enthusiastically about the community and their passion for the craft.

By the end of the second day, exhaustion had firmly set in. Nonetheless, with one day left, there was still more to explore.

I arrived early on day three to catch “Magic: the Improvising,” a live improv performance by Sorry Not Sorry Productions that draws cues from Magic: The Gathering cards. The show was fast-paced and hilarious, combining niche humour with quick-thinking performances that resonated perfectly with the audience. Laughter and applause filled the hall to prove it.

I spent the rest of the day reconnecting with developers and cosplayers before meeting up with friends to explore the vendor hall. For future attendees, a useful tip: the final day of the convention is often the best time to find special discounts. While some popular items will likely sell out, many vendors offer reduced prices to clear remaining stock. I took advantage of this myself, adding several new items to my ever-growing collection (though admittedly spending way more than planned).

We also spent time play-testing several indie video games from Edmonton and the surrounding area. Based on what we saw, there are some promising projects on the horizon, reflecting the growing local scene.

To close out the weekend, we took a break by the main stage, watching a live Valorant tournament. It was a fitting end to an event that celebrates gaming art in all its forms: from competitive esports to tabletop dice rolling and everything in between.

Covering GameCon Canada 2026 for The Gateway was both exhausting and rewarding. The scale of the event makes it impossible to capture every moment, and even after three full days, there was still much I couldn’t get to, from workshops and full tabletop RPG sessions to additional Mega Stage performances and presentations. Still, that may be part of GameCon’s appeal: there is always more to explore. With its continued growth, GameCon is quickly becoming an annual must-attend event in Canada’s gaming culture. I, for one, am already looking forward to the next edition 

Gamecon 2026

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