Eurogamer Expo gets off to flying start

The Eurogamer Expo has got off to a flying start in Leeds, with over 2000 gamers turning up on the first day to sample a selection of games getting a first public showing in the UK.

Demand for the event went through the roof before the doors even opened yesterday, with Eurogamer and the Royal Armouries Centre inundated with calls and emails from consumers eager to get access to the sold-out event.

"It was a fantastic day and 2000 gamers have been excitedly getting stuck into some great games," said Eurogamer MD Rupert Loman. "The BBC press coverage has put the show in front of millions of new people and we've had further mainstream coverage from the likes of GMTV."

Consumers have been getting hands-on time with titles such as Quantic Dream's Heavy Rain, Sony's God of War III and Aliens Vs Predator from Sega, while developer sessions have brought in eager crowds of gamers and those looking for advice on how to break into the industry.

Splash Damage's session showing off upcoming shooter Brink was standing room only, with CEO Paul Wedgwood impressed by the event and how it has evolved from last year.

"I've wished there would be a good game event for many years, since ECTS broke down," he said. "I think that this is turning into something pretty slick. They're not waiting for the industry to approve, they're just getting up and doing it.

"Consumer events have just transformed this whole thing. And I feel like we're competing now because we've got [the Eurogamer Expo London] and [the Eurogamer Expo Leeds] as well - it's really nice."

The event continues in Leeds today, and moves down to London's Old Billingsgate for sold-out days on Friday and Saturday this week.

Eurogamer is updating its blog all this week with Expo details and stories here.