As an introverted gamer, the idea of attending a convention can feel both exciting and daunting. Packed halls and a constant buzz of energy – it’s a lot to take in! But conventions are incredible spaces for connecting with like-minded people, discovering new games, and learning from industry experts. In this Gaming Convention Survival Guide for Introverts, I’ll share my strategies for making these events even more enjoyable!
Table of Contents
Why Gaming Conventions Are Relevant for Introverts
In general, gaming events are crucial for networking, innovation, and community engagement in the video game industry. They allow developers and publishers to showcase new games and get direct feedback from gamers. They celebrate gaming culture and bring together enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds.
As an introvert, I appreciate that conventions offer structured social interactions through panels, workshops, and gaming sessions. This allows me to engage in meaningful discussions and activities with others around our shared passion for gaming. They also allow me to delve deeper into topics that interest me and explore new games and technologies.
Understanding Introverts: Traits, Challenges, Comfortable Situations
Traits
We introverts tend to be more inwardly focused, drawing energy from activities we do alone rather than social interactions. That doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy hanging out with friends. We simply prefer to have meaningful conversations with close friends rather than spend time making small talk with large groups. We often prefer listening to speaking and recharge our batteries by spending time alone or in quiet environments.
Psychological Background
Genetics, neurological factors, and your environment can influence whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. Introverted personalities can run in families, suggesting that it may be hereditary.
Introverts have also been found to have a more active prefrontal cortex, which is involved in deep thinking and planning.
Neurologically, introverts and extroverts respond differently to stimuli. Because we’re more sensitive to dopamine, we’re more likely to be overstimulated by social interactions and external environments.
Early life experiences and upbringing also contribute to whether a person becomes introverted or extroverted.
Challenges in Daily Life and at Gaming Conventions
Speaking from my own experience, I personally find it challenging to navigate highly social or fast-paced environments, such as crowded parties or busy conventions. I’m easily overwhelmed at large social events such as parties or festivals and often need to spend several days alone after such events to recharge.
The small talk and quick interactions required for networking are also challenging. I would much rather have more in-depth conversations with people about specific topics. Public speaking is perhaps one of my worst nightmares, as being the center of attention can be particularly daunting for introverts.
Most of these things are present at gaming conventions. If you attend in person, you’ll have to deal with a crowded exhibit hall, noisy gaming areas, and possibly meet-and-greets and networking events, depending on the type of attendee you are and your chosen activities.
Comfortable Situations in Daily Life and at Gaming Conventions
As mentioned earlier, we thrive in small, intimate settings where we can make deeper connections. We also enjoy activities that can be done alone, such as reading, writing, playing games, or hiking. Events with a clear structure, such as workshops, classes, or tours, can be more comfortable for us. Quiet, non-stimulating environments such as libraries, off-peak cafes, or nature trails are ideal.
That doesn’t sound like a gaming convention, does it? Well, yes and no. While large gaming events like gamescom tend to be highly crowded, they often offer spaces and activities suitable for our personality type. You can participate in gaming tournaments, workshops, or demo sessions where you can focus on the game itself and interact with others in a structured, game-related context.
Attending smaller, more intimate panels, workshops, or Q&A sessions with game developers or other enthusiasts allows us to participate meaningfully without feeling overwhelmed. There are often quiet lounges and retreats, but more on that later.
Preparation Strategies: What to Do Before the Convention
Virtual Attendance vs. In-Person
Many gaming events now offer virtual attendance options. You can stream events like the opening night live of gamescom from the comfort of your couch and not have to deal with large crowds and overwhelming noise and lights. You may be unsure whether to attend online or in person. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you make this decision:
- What do I want to get out of the convention? Are all the things I am interested in available online?
- What games will be featured? Will there be new titles from my favorite developers that I want to try out in person?
- Will there be special merch I can only buy at the convention, or will the artists have online stores that I can use instead? Do I know people who will be attending who could pick up some loot for me?
- Are there any content creators I might want to meet in person?
- Are there any big eSports events with my favorite teams I want to see live? Or am I content to watch them online?
- Would my friends come with me, or would I go alone? Would I feel comfortable with either option?
- Can I maybe take a few days off after to recharge?
Consider your accommodation
Staying at the convention hotel or one close to the venue can be a game-changer. It will probably be more expensive, but in most cases, it’s worth it. It provides a convenient retreat when you need a break, ensuring you can quickly recharge before jumping back into the action. You can use it to decompress or even take a quick nap if there’s no activity that interests you for a few hours.
It also helps you get more sleep since your commute to the convention site is very short. Sleep is vital during these convention days, so make sure you get enough of it. You may even want to choose a hotel that has its own restaurant so you don’t have to worry about finding a place to eat. Alternatively, you can have food delivered to your hotel room and comfortably relax.
💡 Tip: If you’re looking for the best hotels for conventions like gamescom, EGX, or Polaris, check out our dedicated guides! Each one includes an exclusively curated Google Map with top picks for hotels, restaurants, shops, and more.
Plan and Set Goals
Personally, I like to structure my days and have a clear schedule or to-do list so I don’t feel overwhelmed. So, I recommend reviewing the convention program and schedule ahead of time and identifying must-see panels, games, and events. Write down the times and see if it’s even possible to do them all or if it’ll take too long to get from one place to another.
Don’t overpack your schedule, and have a backup plan in case something unexpected happens, like panel cancellations or overcrowded rooms. Remember that the goal is to have fun. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to do everything. It’s okay to go at your own pace.
Download the Official App
Many conventions offer official apps that give instant access to the show floor map and schedule. Some even have a scheduling tool that lets you create your schedule right in the app, making it easier to navigate the event and keep track of panels.
Familiarize Yourself with the Venue
This tip goes hand in hand with the previous two. Take a virtual tour of the venue floor plan to locate restrooms, food booths, relaxation areas, exhibit areas, and more. This can help reduce anxiety about finding your way around when you arrive. You’ll also need this information to create a schedule.
Coordinate with Friends
If you’re attending with friends, agree on how you’ll communicate. Set up a group chat in case you have to go separate ways for a while so you can keep track of where everyone is. Be aware, however, that cell service at the venue may be unreliable. So, planning specific meeting times and places to regroup is best. Make sure to communicate your needs to your friends and set boundaries. It’s okay to say no to specific activities and walk the exhibit halls at your own pace.
What to Prepare
Some essential tips are the same for every private attendee at a gaming convention, whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. We’ve outlined them in detail in our Convention Survival Guide, so be sure to check it out to be even better prepared.
In a nutshell, you should bring things like your ID, convention badge, money, water, cell phone and charger, snacks, and entertainment like a book or handheld device. Make a budget and decide how much you’ll spend on merch and food. And be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
💡Tip: Check out our blog with a downloadable packing list to make sure you won’t forget anything!
Gaming Convention Survival Guide for Introverts: On-site Strategies
Headset or Earplugs
If you’re sensitive to noise like me, consider bringing noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. They can help you focus in noisy areas or give you a break from the constant buzz of the crowd. Some companies even offer special earplugs that let you decide what kind of noise to filter out and what you do and don’t want to hear.
Attend and Eat During Off-Peak Hours
Admittedly, this tip isn’t as easy to implement, especially if you’re tied to the times of specific panels or activities you’re excited about. However, attending during off-peak hours definitely has its advantages. The exhibit halls are less crowded, and everything is quieter. This allows you to explore booths, try out games, and interact with exhibitors without feeling overwhelmed.
The same goes for grabbing food! If you want to eat lunch at the convention, try to do it before or after the “rush hour” (about 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.). I recently attended the Polaris convention and was glad I got my pizza at 3 p.m. and didn’t have to wait in line for an hour.
Tips for Networking
Whether you’re an aspiring developer looking for tips from industry professionals, a trade visitor, or want to talk to your favorite developer or content creator, networking is hard for us introverts, no matter the scenario.
Researching the people I want to connect with has helped me in the past. It’s always easier to know who I want to talk to than to approach a random group of strangers. You should also set clear goals and prepare questions you want to ask.
Preparing icebreakers is also a great idea! If you want to talk to some fellow gamers and make new friends, it can be as simple as wearing a shirt from your favorite game or asking them which game they’re most excited to try.
I like to attend workshops, tournaments, or tours at conventions. These events focus on a specific activity, and you’re surrounded by others who share your interest. There is also no open-ended socializing because they have a particular time frame. I also prefer intimate meetups or fan gatherings, which often have a more relaxed atmosphere.
Remember to take short breaks between your interactions to recharge and reflect so that you can maintain your energy levels. Respect your limits, and know that stepping away from intense social interactions is okay!
💡 Tip: We have a whole blog dedicated to networking at gaming conventions with a special section with more tips for introverts!
Regular Breaks and Managing Your Energy
This tip may seem obvious, but even for introverts, it’s easy to get carried away at a convention and forget to take care of yourself. Prioritize taking breaks to recharge in quiet areas or outside the main convention space.
Some venues have adjoining parks where you can enjoy some peaceful downtime and grab a bite to eat. As mentioned, you can also retreat to your hotel if you choose one nearby. If it helps, you can plan your breaks ahead so that you’re sure to take them.
Find Chill Zones
If you don’t want to leave the venue, there are still things you can do when you need a quiet break. Some conventions have designated areas where you’ll still be among other gamers, but they’re all looking for some peace and quiet, just like you.
Try the board game area if you just want to escape the crowds and sit down for a while. Attending a panel allows you to sit back without the need for interaction. Many conventions have a handheld zone where you can bring your handheld console and play games in a more relaxed setting.
Final Thoughts
I hope these tips will help you have a great experience at the convention of your choice! Find the right strategies that work for you and focus on the positive things you’ll get from attending. Remember to listen to your body, respect your needs and boundaries, and take care of yourself!
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