What a blast! UK Games Expo 2025 delivered and I loved it. Usually it’s my opportunity to do some schmoozing with new clients, but this time I went as a plain old punter. It was awesome. I might have snuck the odd email address out to interested parties, but mainly this year it was about seeing what’s out there and playing some demos.
So here’s a few of my highlights from the games I tried!
Seti
Seti or the Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligence is a big old sprawling game. It’s a Euro style game where you’re using resources to pursue end game goals and develop your player board and abilities. Not only did it seem delightfully complex (I do like a heavy game with big decisions to make), but it got extra cool points for having real life research projects as cards you can discover and play. Also cool points for the rotating solar system. Loved the way the board goes together, and though we didn’t get too deep in (just one round) but the secret aliens that shape the late game are very cool.
I have since picked up Seti and I will be playing a full game this weekend!
Wyrmspan
Sadly I was so excited about playing this game, I forgot to grab a pic, so I just nabbed a piece of art from Google for flavour…
As a Wingspan owner and lover, Wyrmspan is something that has been on my radar for a while. I think ironically though, I’ve been put off it, worried it was a simple reskin of a game I’ve played a lot of.
Thankfully, though it shares many of the same principles, there’s a lot of meat on the bone here. Enough that I plan on replacing my copy of Wingspan with this. I mean for a start, themewise… dragons or birds is a no brainer for me. But it’s the addition of some cool mechanics such as the cave and explorer system that gives a really nice “engine building” kick to the game. Moreso than the activation lanes on Wingspan.
Planning on picking this up once SETI gets a few games under its belt…
Zensu
Pretty happily surprised by this one. I’m pretty big on theme, and usually wouldn’t spend any time trying abstract games, but this was sat laid out waiting to be played. We smashed (I got decked) a game out within about five minutes, but I could see there was tactical depth here that you could sink your teeth into. I also saw an opportunity as a parent…
In Zensu it’s mega simple, it’s kind of like draughts/checkers, where you can leap over your opponents pieces to take them. But… Each piece has four numbers, a movement allowance in each direction, forward, back, and each side. You must however, move exactly that number, so if you’re too close to the edge of the board, it’s a no go. This makes for real planning ahead. You and your opponent are aiming to get one piece into the “end-zone” of the other, so I have found myself trying to create “death lanes” to try and entice my opponent into, only to leapfrog them into doom.
The numbers on the pieces are where I saw the parental opportunity. With an eight and four year old at home, it’s tricky to find games that are both engaging and understandable for them both. This was a perfect fit. My four year old can practice numbers and counting, and my oldest can develop his tactical brain in a short game, that allows you to make mistakes and just set up again pretty quickly.
This was a UK Games Expo buy for me.
Honorable mentions
These last couple I didn’t play but looked amazing. I loved the art style and the look of the rules for Altay and I spotted a new Lord of the Rings game, which was a co-op in the vein of Pandemic (Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship). Very keen to give that a blast.
Friendly faces
Another highlight is seeing friends old and new at the Expo. One in particular I got to spend some time with is Adam from Artefact Games. Adam took me under his wing when I was releasing my own game Hero Master about five years ago. He even drove me to Germany! Since then we’ve become great friends.
So excited and proud of what he’s achieved with his growing company. The stand is growing too. If you want some kickass dice boxes for your D&D games, make sure to check Dice Tomes out here.
Hi I’m Jamie!
I work on fantasy and sci-fi maps for various clients from authors to game publishers. I have had some great clients working on both established IPs and new settings. I’m always interested in hearing about more projects I might be needed on, so feel free to drop me an email to info@thenobleartist.com
If you’re looking for a fantasy artist, feel free to snoop through my illustration portfolio or head straight over to contact me for work. You’ll find my email address and some handy forms which guide you through some of the starting info I’ll need to be able to quote for you. Typically I’m booked up a month ahead of time, but do drop me a line if you have anything time sensitive. Sometimes I’m able to move things around in a pinch. Hope to hear from you! In the meantime, stay informed of my new work and availability and sign up for the mailing list.
