Games Day

Games Day: A Celebration of Play and Gaming Culture

Games Day is an annual event dedicated to celebrating all forms of games, from traditional board games to modern video games. It serves as a reminder of the importance of play in our lives and the cultural significance of gaming.

Quick Facts

When is it?: December 20th
Tagged as: Gaming, Entertainment, Cultural Event
What’s the hashtag?: #GamesDay
When was it founded?: 1975
Who founded it?: Games Workshop

History of Games Day

Games Day originated in 1975 when Games Workshop, a British game production company, organized a gaming convention to fill a gap left by a canceled event. The first Games Day took place on December 20, 1975, at Seymour Hall in London. This event played a crucial role in building the UK’s gaming scene by providing a platform for gamers to meet and play together.

Timeline

1975: First Games Day held in London
1977: Second Games Day takes place at Chelsea Town Hall
1980s-1990s: Games Day expands and gains popularity
2000s: Event moves to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham
2014: Games Day rebranded as ‘Warhammer Fest’

Games Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	December 20	Saturday
2026	December 20	Sunday
2027	December 20	Monday
2028	December 20	Wednesday
2029	December 20	Thursday
2030	December 20	Friday

Observed Games Day

Games Day is observed worldwide by gaming enthusiasts, families, and communities. It’s a day to engage in various gaming activities, from traditional board games to cutting-edge video games. Many people organize game nights, participate in online gaming events, or attend local gaming conventions.

The day also serves as an opportunity for the gaming industry to showcase new releases and innovations. Game developers and publishers often use this day to make special announcements or offer promotions to celebrate with their community.

For educators and parents, Games Day is a chance to explore the educational benefits of games, using them as tools for learning and skill development.

Fun Facts About Games Day

The original Games Day convention featured a wide variety of games, not just those produced by Games Workshop.
The Golden Demon, a miniature painting competition, became a staple of Games Day events.
Games Day has inspired similar gaming conventions worldwide.
The event has evolved to include seminars, demonstrations, and exclusive product releases.
Games Day has played a significant role in popularizing tabletop wargaming.

Quiz

In which year was the first Games Day held?
What company founded Games Day?
On what date is Games Day celebrated annually?
What was Games Day rebranded as in 2014?
Where was the second Games Day held?

(Answers: 1. 1975, 2. Games Workshop, 3. December 20th, 4. Warhammer Fest, 5. Chelsea Town Hall)

FAQs

What types of games are celebrated on Games Day?
Games Day celebrates all types of games, including board games, card games, video games, and tabletop wargames.

How can I participate in Games Day?
You can participate by playing games with friends and family, attending local gaming events, or joining online gaming communities.

Is Games Day only for hardcore gamers?
No, Games Day is for everyone who enjoys games, regardless of their level of experience or dedication.

Are there any official Games Day events?
While there’s no single official event, many gaming stores and communities organize their own Games Day celebrations.

Can schools or businesses celebrate Games Day?
Absolutely! Many organizations use Games Day as an opportunity for team building or educational activities.

Importance of Games Day

Games Day serves as a reminder of the significant role that games play in our culture and personal lives. It highlights how games can bring people together, fostering social connections and creating shared experiences across generations and cultures.

The day also underscores the educational value of games. Many games help develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and strategic planning abilities. For children and adults alike, games can be powerful tools for learning and cognitive development.

Furthermore, Games Day celebrates the gaming industry’s creativity and innovation. It recognizes the hard work of game developers, designers, and artists who create immersive worlds and engaging experiences that captivate millions of people worldwide.