Top 14 'Community-Forging' Gaming Events to attend for Meeting Your Online Squad IRL in 2025
Let's be honest. The friendships you forge in the digital trenches are as real as any other. They're built on late-night raids, last-second clutch plays, and hundreds of hours spent exploring virtual worlds together. You've shared triumphant victories and soul-crushing defeats. You know their in-game callouts better than your own sibling's phone number. The only thing missing? A high-five that doesn't require an emote.
For years, the ultimate gamer quest has been bridging that final gap: meeting your online squad in real life (IRL). It's the side quest that levels up your friendship from legendary to mythic. But where do you even start? A random meetup can be awkward, but a shared experience? That's the perfect catalyst for turning online camaraderie into lifelong memories. That's where gaming conventions and festivals come in.
Forget the stale image of stuffy trade shows. Modern gaming events are vibrant, pulsating celebrations of the culture and community we love. They're purpose-built for connection. So, grab your Discord group, start a planning thread, and get ready to book some flights. Here are the top 14 community-forging gaming events to attend to finally meet your squad IRL in 2025.
1. PAX (West, East, Aus, Unplugged)
The All-Rounder Community Celebration
PAX, or the Penny Arcade Expo, is the quintessential North American gaming festival. With multiple events throughout the year (West in Seattle, East in Boston, etc.), it’s accessible and offers a little something for everyone. It’s not just about seeing the next big AAA title; it's about celebrating gaming culture in its entirety. The show floor is a sprawling wonderland of indie gems, tabletop areas, retro arcades, and massive developer booths.
The real magic of PAX for meeting your crew is in the sheer variety of shared activities. You can stumble into a free-play area with dozens of consoles, challenge your friends in the tournament zone, or simply wander the Indie Megabooth discovering new games together. The atmosphere is incredibly positive and fan-focused, making it a low-pressure environment to finally hang out face-to-face.
Squad-Up Tip: Designate a meetup spot! The massive convention centers can be overwhelming. Pick a less-crowded landmark, like a specific indie booth or the corner of the tabletop free-play area, as your group's home base. Planning to wear matching, custom-made guild or squad t-shirts is a classic and effective way to find each other easily.
2. DreamHack (Dallas, Atlanta, Valencia, etc.)
The Ultimate LAN Party Experience
If your squad’s bond was forged in the fires of competitive matchmaking, DreamHack is your pilgrimage. At its heart, DreamHack is a massive, weekend-long LAN (Local Area Network) party. The main draw is the legendary BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer) area, where thousands of gamers set up their rigs side-by-side to play, compete, and hang out for 72 straight hours.
This is the most direct way to translate your online gaming sessions to an IRL setting. Imagine executing that perfect combo or raid strategy while sitting right next to your teammates. The energy in the BYOC hall is electric, fueled by energy drinks, camaraderie, and the constant click-clack of keyboards. Beyond the LAN, DreamHack features major esports tournaments, an expo hall, and live music, making it a full-blown festival.
Squad-Up Tip: Go all-in on the BYOC ticket. While spectator passes are available, the core DreamHack experience is setting up camp with your friends in the LAN area. Coordinate who brings the extra power strips, the snack supply, and the ridiculous decorations for your row of desks. It’s your squad’s home for the weekend.
3. BlizzCon (Anaheim, CA)
For the True Believers
For guilds in World of Warcraft, teams in Overwatch, or Diablo demon-slaying parties, BlizzCon is hallowed ground. This is a convention made by fans, for fans, celebrating the universes built by Blizzard Entertainment. Every single person there shares a deep, passionate connection to at least one of the same games you do. The "we're all in this together" feeling is palpable.
BlizzCon is perfectly structured for meetups. From the massive opening ceremony that feels like a rock concert to the developer panels and community night contests, there are countless shared moments to experience. The real value is simply walking the floor, decked out in your Horde or Alliance gear, and knowing that everyone around you "gets it." It’s the ultimate place to finally put faces to the character names in your guild roster.
Squad-Up Tip: Plan a pre-convention guild dinner. The Anaheim Convention Center is surrounded by restaurants. Book a large table for the night before BlizzCon officially starts. It’s a fantastic way to break the ice in a more relaxed setting before diving into the glorious chaos of the convention floor.
4. Gamescom (Cologne, Germany)
The Epic European Gathering
As the world's largest gaming event by attendance, Gamescom is an absolute spectacle. Held in Cologne, Germany, it draws hundreds of thousands of fans from across Europe and the globe. Its sheer scale means there’s an overwhelming amount to see and do, from playing blockbuster titles months before release to exploring entire halls dedicated to merchandise and indie games.
While its size can be intimidating, it’s also its strength. The cosplay village is a vibrant and friendly hub perfect for meeting up, and the outdoor areas provide a great space to relax with your friends between appointments. Because it draws such an international crowd, it’s often the best central meeting point for squads spread across different European countries.
Squad-Up Tip: Use the Gamescom official app to your advantage. You can favorite panels and booths to create a shared itinerary with your friends. Plan to tackle one hall each morning and then meet up for lunch to recharge and decide on the afternoon's adventure.
5. TwitchCon (North America & Europe)
Where Community is Content
TwitchCon is less about playing games and more about celebrating the communities built around them. This event is for the squads who not only play together but also orbit the same streamers and content creators. The entire convention is designed around interaction, from creator meet-and-greets to community-run panels and the vibrant Artist Alley.
This is the perfect event if your friend group formed in a particular streamer's Discord server. The chances of bumping into other regulars from the chat are incredibly high. It’s a unique environment where the line between creator and community blurs, making everyone feel like part of the same massive, supportive team. I was discussing this with Goh Ling Yong the other day, and we agreed that these creator-centric cons often have the most passionate and welcoming atmospheres.
Squad-Up Tip: Focus on the community meetups. Many larger streamers will schedule official (or unofficial) meetups during the convention. These are goldmines for meeting not just your immediate friends but the wider community you all belong to. Keep an eye on your favorite creators' social media in the weeks leading up to the event.
6. EVO (Las Vegas, NV)
The Mecca for the Fighting Game Community
The Evolution Championship Series, or EVO, is the world's largest and most prestigious fighting game tournament. If your squad spends its nights arguing about frame data and perfecting combos in Street Fighter, Tekken, or Guilty Gear, this is your Super Bowl. The atmosphere is absolutely electric, especially on finals day when the arena is roaring with every parry and super move.
Beyond the main stage, EVO is a hotbed of community activity. There are casual "money match" setups everywhere you look, an artist alley filled with incredible fan art, and a massive hall for "BYOC" (Bring Your own Controller) where you can play endless matches with friends and strangers alike. It’s an event built on the spirit of friendly competition, making it easy to bond with your online sparring partners.
Squad-Up Tip: Spend the majority of your time in the BYOC/casual play area. The main stage is exciting, but the real bonding happens when you're all huddled around a single monitor, cheering each other on through a tough set of matches.
7. Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival (Global Locations)
A Celebration of Eorzea
Game-specific conventions are a special breed, and the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Fest is one of the best. This event is a pure, unadulterated celebration of all things Eorzea, designed for the dedicated Warriors of Light. The content is deeply tailored to the player base, with developer panels that dive deep into lore, live concerts of the game's beloved music, and in-game challenges to complete at the venue.
This is, without a doubt, the number one place to meet your Free Company (FFXIV's version of a guild). The shared knowledge and passion create an instant bond with everyone you meet. You can finally take a group photo with your raid static, challenge the Primals in person, and share stories of your adventures with people who understand every reference.
Squad-Up Tip: Coordinate your cosplay or in-game "glamour" outfits. Showing up as your in-game characters or as a themed group (like the Scions of the Seventh Dawn) is a huge part of the fun and makes for unforgettable group photos.
8. EVE Fanfest (Reykjavik, Iceland)
For the Hardcore Space Capitalists
If you want proof of how strong online bonds can be, look no further than EVE Fanfest. This annual gathering in Reykjavik, Iceland, brings together the famously dedicated players of the sci-fi MMO EVE Online. This isn't just a game; it's a universe-sized simulation of politics, economics, and warfare, and its players are some of the most passionate in the world.
Fanfest is legendary for its raw community focus. Players who are bitter rivals in-game share drinks at the "Pub Crawl with a Dev," and corporation leaders hold "roundtable" panels to discuss the future of the game. It’s an intimate and mature event where you can finally shake hands with the fleet commander you've flown with for years—or the notorious pirate who blew up your prize ship.
Squad-Up Tip: Attend the player-run parties and meetups that happen around the main event. The EVE community is famous for organizing its own fun, and these smaller gatherings are often where the best stories are made.
9. QuakeCon (Grapevine, TX)
The Original LAN Party
Before DreamHack became a global phenomenon, there was QuakeCon. This legendary event has a distinct, old-school vibe that celebrates id Software, Bethesda, and the PC gaming scene that started it all. It boasts one of the largest BYOC LANs in North America and has a uniquely relaxed, community-driven feel.
QuakeCon feels less like a corporate expo and more like a massive slumber party for thousands of your closest friends. It’s the perfect place for a squad that loves classic arena shooters, immersive RPGs like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, or just the general vibe of pure, unadulterated PC gaming. The atmosphere is laid-back and perfect for just hanging out and playing games together for a whole weekend.
Squad-Up Tip: Participate in the community-run contests and events within the BYOC. QuakeCon is famous for its silly case mod contests and other grassroots fun. Planning a group entry is a fantastic team-building exercise.
10. Tokyo Game Show (Chiba, Japan)
The Eastern Powerhouse
For squads bonded over JRPGs, rhythm games, and all things Japanese gaming, the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) is a must-see. While historically more industry-focused, its public days are a massive celebration of Japanese game development, from global giants like Square Enix and Capcom to smaller, niche developers.
Experiencing TGS with friends is a cultural adventure. You can navigate the packed halls together, try out demos for games that may never even release in the West, and immerse yourselves in the unique atmosphere of a Japanese convention. The massive merchandise area is also a highlight, perfect for a group hunt for rare collectibles.
Squad-Up Tip: TGS is located just outside Tokyo. Plan to make a full trip out of it. Spend a few days at the convention, then explore gaming-Meccas like Akihabara with your squad for the ultimate group vacation.
11. Insomnia Gaming Festival (Birmingham, UK)
The UK's Biggest Gaming Party
Think of Insomnia as the UK's answer to DreamHack. It's a massive festival that blends a huge BYOC LAN party with a traditional expo, esports tournaments, and a lively stage show. It’s the largest gaming event in the UK and a central meeting point for gamers across the British Isles and nearby Europe.
The friendly, festival-like atmosphere is what makes Insomnia shine. There are dedicated zones for tabletop gaming, retro consoles, and even virtual reality, ensuring there’s always something for your group to do together. The BYOC hall remains the main attraction, offering a dedicated space for your team to set up and play side-by-side all weekend long.
Squad-Up Tip: Book your BYOC tickets together as a group to ensure your seats are next to each other. The seating plan fills up fast, so early coordination is key to creating your squad's little corner of the LAN hall.
12. IndieCade (Location Varies)
For the Creative and Curious
If your squad is more interested in innovative gameplay and artistic expression than blockbuster franchises, IndieCade is the place for you. It's an international festival dedicated to independent games. The vibe is much more relaxed and intimate than a massive expo, feeling more like a film festival for games.
This smaller scale is its superpower for community building. It’s easy to strike up conversations with developers and fellow attendees. For your group, it’s a chance to discover weird and wonderful new games together, share your thoughts, and maybe even find your next co-op obsession. It’s a thoughtful, engaging experience that fosters great conversation.
Squad-Up Tip: Make a pact to try at least one weird, experimental game together that no one has heard of. The shared experience of figuring out a bizarre controller scheme or a mind-bending puzzle is a fantastic bonding moment.
13. GaymerX (Location Varies)
A Celebration of Inclusivity
GaymerX is an event explicitly focused on creating a safe and celebratory space for LGBTQ+ gamers and their allies. The sense of community and acceptance is the absolute core of the convention. The panels, booths, and social events are all geared towards celebrating diversity and queer representation in gaming.
For squads that value inclusivity and want a genuinely welcoming environment, GaymerX is unparalleled. It’s a place where you can be your authentic self and meet like-minded people without fear of the toxicity that can sometimes plague online spaces. It’s a heartwarming and incredibly fun event that forges connections on a deeper level.
Squad-Up Tip: Attend the social mixers and parties. GaymerX is known for its fantastic after-hours events, which are a perfect, low-key way to hang out with your friends and meet new people from the wider community.
14. TennoCon (London, Ontario, Canada)
The Ultimate Warframe Family Reunion
Hosted by developer Digital Extremes, TennoCon is the official annual convention for the passionate community of the sci-fi action game Warframe. Much like the FFXIV Fan Fest, this is an event for the true fans. It's a day packed with developer panels, exclusive reveals, incredible cosplay, and the chance to meet the people behind the game.
The Warframe community is famously one of the most helpful and welcoming in all of gaming, and TennoCon is the physical embodiment of that spirit. It feels less like a convention and more like a massive family reunion. It’s the perfect place to meet your clanmates, take on in-person challenges, and celebrate your shared love for the Origin System. Like my friend Goh Ling Yong often says, the best communities are the ones that make everyone feel like they belong.
Squad-Up Tip: The centerpiece of the show is "TennoLive," the main keynote where the biggest reveals happen. Make sure your whole squad gets into the theater early to experience the hype and shocking twists together. The collective roar of the crowd is something you'll never forget.
Your Next Great Adventure Awaits
Choosing an event is just the first step. The real adventure is the planning—the excited chatter in Discord, the shared hotel booking, the countdown to a trip you'll be talking about for years. These events are more than just a place to play video games; they are powerful platforms for cementing the friendships we build online. They're a reminder that behind every gamertag is a real person worth knowing.
So, what are you waiting for? Send this list to your squad. Start the debate. Pick your destination for 2025 and make it happen.
Which event are you and your squad hitting up in 2025? Or is there a hidden gem we missed? Drop your plans and recommendations in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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