7 Biggest Arcade Gaming Conventions of 2020

Here's where to find the latest and greatest in arcade gaming.

JAEPO arcade gaming convention

Each year, countless events are held for people to come together and share their love of video games. Some of these events are more narrowly focused on certain sect of the hobby — and that’s how we get so many arcade conventions.

Whether you’re a casual player, a hardcore collector, or even a business owner perusing for the hottest items, there’s almost definitely a show for you. Here’s a selection of the biggest and best arcade gaming conventions taking place in 2020.

 

IAAPA 2020

Where: Orlando, Florida
When: Nov. 17 – 20

Now in its 102nd year of existence, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo has solidified its place as the de facto show for out-of-home attractions — and, in recent years, arcade games.

Nearly every major arcade game manufacturer — including Raw Thrills, Sega Amusements and Bandai Namco Amusements — has a presence at the convention, and even some indie developers are able to attend by hopping onto other booths. Just like E3, IAAPA is known for surprise game reveals.

While I myself have never walked the show floor, I’ve heard from those who have that IAAPA is bigger than life in every way. If you want to play the newest arcade games before anyone else, IAAPA 2020 is a must-see event.

 

Amusement Expo International 2020

Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
When: Mar. 9 (Conference), March 10 – 11 (Trade Show)

The Amusement Expo International is the amusement industry’s big spring trade show, beginning its run in March 1980. It’s home each year to the latest arcade games, jukeboxes, chance games and more.

For many arcade gamers, Amusement Expo functions as “IAAPA: Part 2.” Most big hitters from the November convention return to AEI more closely resembling their final builds and some token reveals are sprinkled throughout.

However, that doesn’t mean the convention is any less fun. If you want to try out fresh coin-op equipment for yourself, the Amusement Expo International 2020 is the place to be.

 

JAEPO 2020

Where: Chiba, Japan
When: Feb. 7 – 8

The Japan Amusement Expo is the annual spawning ground of the latest and greatest Japanese arcade games, from Tekken to Dance Dance Revolution and everything in between.

Familiar faces — such as Konami, Capcom, Arc System Works, Taito, Sega and Bandai Namco — show off the innovative concepts they have in development for the Eastern coin-op market. And believe me: There’s some really neat stuff on display.

In fact, that’s the only bad thing about JAEPO. Through no fault of its own, most of the games unveiled at the show will never see the light of day in the West. Even so, I find it wildly exciting to watch here at home.

 

EAG International Expo 2020

Where: London, United Kingdom
When: Jan. 14 – 16

The Entertainment, Attractions & Gaming International Expo is the UK’s premier arcade trade show, bringing in swaths of exhibitors and visitors annually.

EAG will feature the current crop of games from today’s top developers, including Bandai Namco Amusement Europe, Sega Amusements International and Tecnoplay. While many of these products will see worldwide release, some will remain exclusive to Europe, making for an interesting lineup.

Just like IAAPA or JAEPO, EAG 2020 is an important regional trade show. If you want to witness the latest coin-op titles as they’re unveiled, this is a good convention to check out.

 

Pinball Expo 2020

Where: Wheeling, Illinois
When: Oct. 14 – 17

Pinball Expo is arguably the best convention for fans of the age-old silver ball game. The event features a wide assortment of freeplay pinball tables and video games to enjoy on a daily admission basis. You can register to bring your own games, as well.

Stern Pinball, Jersey Jack Pinball, Chicago Gaming Company and other major manufacturers regularly attend the show as vendors, meaning you’ll have the chance to play some of the latest tables.

From what I’ve been told, Pinball Expo is a lot of fun, and the 2020 convention will likely carry on that pedigree. If you want a unique opportunity to indulge in all the pinball you can play, going to Pinball Expo 2020 is practically a requirement.

 

California Extreme 2020

Where: Santa Clara, California
When: Jul. 2020 (dates unconfirmed)

Similar to Pinball Expo, California Extreme is one of the largest conventions for classic arcade games. The sea of video games, pinball machines and coin-operated novelties on display are all set to freeplay for endless enjoyment.

In addition to the various retro experiences available, California Extreme has historically been home to various indie arcade game showcases, including Skycurser, Cosmotrons and Exa-Arcadia.

The convention is typically jam-packed with rare and quirky titles you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. For a blast from the past like no other, California Extreme 2020 is a show you shouldn’t miss.

 

Midwest Gaming Classic 2020

Where: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
When: Apr. 3 – 5

Midwest Gaming Classic, per its website, is a trade show featuring retro and modern home video game consoles, pinball machines, arcade video games, tabletop RPGs, computers, table top board games, crane games, collectible card games, air hockey and more.

Though not explicitly arcade-centric, MGC is a celebration of all things gaming that coin-op players will still surely enjoy. Last year’s show featured recent releases from Raw Thrills, a Cosmotrons “Cosmolympics” tournament and the reveal of Jersey Jack’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory pinball.

MGC is a huge event, so anything could happen. Even if new arcade games aren’t announced, though, Midwest Gaming Classic 2020 will most certainly be worth attending.

 

BPAA International Bowl Expo 2020

Where: Aurora, Colorado
When: Jul. 1 – 6

Although a bowling industry trade show may seem like an odd choice for arcade gamers, the BPAA International Bowl Expo has in recent years become a crucial destination to experience new games.

Bowling alleys and arcades have always been intertwined to a certain degree. But as the “bowling entertainment center,” or BEC, concept has gained prominence, coin-operated game manufacturers have made a point to bring their best goods to Bowl Expo — sometimes even brand-new products. Bandai Namco, for instance, unveiled Pac-Man’s Pixel Bash at Bowl Expo 2018.

While it may not be the most conventional arcade gaming convention, Bowl Expo 2020 is still worth checking out.

READ NEXT:
Biggest New Fighting Games of 2020 & Beyond
Biggest RPGs Of 2020 And Beyond
Biggest Nintendo Switch Games Of 2020 & Beyond

Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site. We cover gaming news, movie reviews, wrestling and much more.