UK Games Expo 2026
It is currently 1.20am, and I am just clicking publish on my list of new games to see while visiting the UK Games Expo. This year the British board gaming mecca is even bigger so it might be harder to find the hidden gems of new releases and upcoming crowdfunding projects. So I have compiled a list of some that may be of interest. Each game has its location in brackets after it, to help find them in the halls.
Every year I ask myself why I am up at this hour writing up this preview. I know the answer though, it is because I am fresh from the press night and I like to see the games and talk to the publishers and designers prior to formulating my list. I want to get more of an introduction to the game than I can online, so that my list of games is as good as it can be.
I have been fortunate to play some of the games that will be showcased at UK Games Expo already. I’ve even reviewed one of the hottest games too: Bella Vista. Another game I have had a blast with is Roller Disco which I’ve previewed. I have also enjoyed a few plays of Peranakan, Las Vegas, and Thief’s Market – try and hunt out a demo of each of them to see if they might be for you too.
There were a few games that sadly weren’t at press night. The Dealer was one I was particularly disappointed not to see. Also, I wanted to get another look at Class of ’89 and a sneak peak of Ringyō. Luckily I can go see them tomorrow, oh wait, I mean later today!
I had my first play of Jackpot: Set the Reel when my crowdfunded copy arrived two nights ago and I really enjoyed my first play, despite coming last. Other games are returning after successful crowdfunding campaigns too, like D.O.T., Yotei, Fetching Feathers, Spokes, Can’t Go, Muster, and Smallfolk and if any of those are new-to-you be sure to cast your eye over them.
Enough of that introduction… behold! Here is my list of games I discovered at press night…
Personal Demons (3A-574)
If unusual artwork and theme captures your attention like it does mine, then Personal Demons is well worth checking out ahead of its Kickstarter campaign. This tableau building drafting game sees players join a therapy ritual to summon and conquer their inner demons. This looks and sounds incredible, I can’t wait to see more of this one! This is probably the game I am most excited for and I am a little gutted I can’t buy it now!
Railway Porters (3-761)
Despite being aware of the publishers for a while, it was only over the last twelve months that I got to experience the games of Saashi & Saashi. I enjoyed all the other games that I got to try of theirs and Come Sail Away! emerged as one of my favourite games of last year. So, I was super excited to see their latest offering Railway Porters being showcased at UKGE. I might have to try and buy a copy when the halls open tomorrow as I predict this will sell out quickly – I hate running, but this one might be one that I have to actually do exercise for!
Escape the Ghost Train (3A-B59)
Every year I try and find a game that might be a little off the wall and different. Escape The Ghost Train certainly stands out, not least because of its kookie neon styling. A competitive push-your-luck board game with a spooky twist may not be for everyone, but it has certainly grabbed my attention! I loved my introduction to this one this evening and it certainly got me super keen to give this one a spin.
Meadowvale (4-854)
A beautiful game will always attract attention and the card art in Meadowale is absolutely stunning. Traditional hand-printed artwork is at its core but the designers are trying to instil more theme and strategy into this one than the other nature-themed games on the market. The artist-led design is beautifully refreshing at a junction where AI threatens the industry. I expect there to be a lot of chatter about this board game inspired by the British countryside during the show, so be sure to check it out. I am particularly keen to give it a try as I am hoping the tile placement gameplay equals the quality of the artwork!
Drillers (4-502)
Czech Games Edition (CGE) have always released some excellent games, from Codenames to Lost Ruins of Arnak to one of my favourite games I have played for the first time this year: SETI. So when they announced Drillers they had already earnt my curiosity. Multi-use cards always excite me, couple this with some forward planning and some improvement tracks and I am beginning to get excited. I certainly want to learn more about this one in the halls over the coming days.
Mariners (3-962)
After the rip-roaring success of Fame and Fable on its crowdfunding campaign, I was keen to see how this awesome looking game has turned out – I didn’t get to see it though. However, I was just as excited to discover Owen Davey Jones is developing another game called Mariners. This resource management deck builder, oozes the same cool artwork with its own distinct style and I reckon is well worth getting a demo of ahead of its crowdfunding launch in 2027.
Stag (3-692)
I loved how Mycelia oozed passion from its designer’s love of fungi and how thematically accurate the life-cycle was represented. So imagine how my eyes poked out on stalks when I saw Stags, the latest offering from Splitstone Games. I was sold as soon as I saw the rotating board, but the gameplay sounds solid too. Simultaneous action selection with a shifting board, gorgeous production, and beetle showdowns… what’s not to like!
The Terror (4-906)
Putting an emphasis on historical accuracies, The Terror boasts a take that game of bloodshed, betrayal and corruption. Set in the peak of the French Revolution you will be deciding who to send to the guillotine and who you will spare, as alliances shift with betrayal, cunning and deception you are required to outmanoeuvre your rivals. Think a factually correct Courtisans and you’ll have a grasp of the gameplay. All this against officially licensed artwork from period pictures.
Night at the Zoo (3-774)
I played SETI and Galileo Galilee for the first time this year and I have loved both. So I was lured in by the same designer being behind Night at the Zoo. This is definitely a lighter board game than the others designed by Holek and that concerned me at first, but now I have had an introduction to it, I think there is enough there to keep me interested as a family friendly option.
The boys picks
I thought I would see what each of my boys got excited for in the preview too, here is what they picked…
Max (11): “As it is based on a computer game I really enjoy, Plants vs Zombies is my pick. It’s a co-op and I love a co-op, plus the legacy element sounded cool.”
George (15): “I really liked the look of Symbiosis as the gameplay sounded interesting.”
Harrison (18): “All the mechanics of Gaudi called out to me. The fragment section reminded me of other games I like, but all the mechanics sounded like my sort of thing. I thought the rondel was cool where you were rewarded for being in the lead.”
I think this is an excellent choice and would’ve featured it above myself, but it stood out for Harrison and so I thought he could tell you about it!
Final thoughts on UKGE 2026
Remember you do not need to come home with a haul of games. Many of these games are already available and cheaper online than in the UK Games Expo halls – even with postage, so be prudent, patient and don’t get carried away! The bring and buy may have some great older titles that could even be better than the shiny new releases for a more budget friendly price. Also check out and support some of the small indie stalls, as well as the industry’s behemoths!
Of course the most important thing is to enjoy the event, however you want to!
Oh and be sure to say hi if you see me stomping the halls, I might even have a little badge for you!
But now I am off to bed to dream of board games!
