MetStudios takes on MCM X EGX

Last week, we took a group of our MetStudios students to EGX and MCM Comic Con London, and what a trip it was! With over 100,000 people packed into the ExCeL Centre, it was a feast of gaming, creativity, and pop culture. We’re still buzzing from the excitement and we’re pretty sure our students are, too. Here’s a little recap of the trip, from unforgettable panels to epic cosplay and so much gaming goodness. 

Cosplay Everywhere!

Walking into Comic Con felt like stepping into a different universe. Everywhere we looked, there were cosplayers who’d poured hours (and probably blood, sweat, and tears) into their costumes. We saw everything from Hollywood-level recreations of classic superheroes to quirky, original character designs that were bursting with creativity. Our students got a first-hand look at what goes into costume design, something that definitely sparked new ideas for those interested in character creation and visual storytelling. 

The Magic of Artist Alley

We spent a good chunk of time in the Artist Alley, and honestly, we could’ve stayed there all weekend. The sheer talent on display was mind-blowing. There were so many different styles and mediums to explore—prints, stickers, enamel pins, even custom sketchbooks. It was incredible to watch our students chatting with these artists, learning about their journeys, and picking up art they connected with. 

A few students (and staff!) walked away with armfuls of prints and merchandise – we’re sure they’re busy decorating their rooms right now! Seeing these independent artists in action was so inspiring for our students, especially those who dream of launching their own art careers someday. 

Panels That Made Us Rethink Our Careers

One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was the lineup of panels. EGX brought in industry pros to talk about everything from starting a career in games to securing funding and landing a job at a big-name studio. Here are some of the panels that stood out the most: 

• “Getting Funding for Game Development” – This panel covered practical tips for indie developers and teams looking to bring their dream games to life. Our students took notes like crazy— funding is one of those things that can feel impossible, but the panellists made it feel just a bit more achievable.
• “Starting Your Career in Games” – For anyone who’s just about to step into the industry, this panel was gold. Real advice, no sugarcoating, just the kind of tips and insights our students needed to hear.
• “Making Licensed Game Art” – This was a fascinating look at the world of licensed art, where artists get to work on established franchises but have to bring their own flair. For our students interested in concept art or character design, it was an exclusive peek into their future career path.
• “Getting Noticed at AAA” – Working at a major studio is a dream for many, and this session broke down what it actually takes to get there. We came away with tips on networking, portfolio-building, and how to stand out from the crowd.
• “Unknown Jobs in Games” – This panel was an eye-opener. There are so many roles in the gaming industry that don’t get as much attention, like user research, localisation, and narrative design. It was a great reminder that there’s more than one way to work in games!

Each talk was a blend of practical advice and inspiration, and we could see our students walking away with ideas about where they’d like to go in their own careers. It’s one thing to hear advice in a classroom, but hearing it at such an important industry event hits different! 

All the Games We Could Play!

Of course, it wouldn’t be EGX without a ton of games to try out. Here’s what we got up to in the various gaming zones: 

• PC LAN Freeplay Zone – Rows and rows of high-end gaming PCs, each loaded up with popular and indie titles. Our students were thrilled to get some hands-on time with these games and see what’s trending in the world of multiplayer.
• Retro Zone – This was like stepping back in time. From vintage arcade machines to classic consoles like the Super Nintendo and original PlayStation, it was a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Some of our students had never played these older games before, so seeing them get into titles from the 80s and 90s was a real treat!
• Multiplay Lounge – The energy here was fantastic, with students gathering around to play classic fighters, old-school strategy games, and more. There were some fierce battles and a whole lot of laughter—it’s safe to say a few friendly rivalries were born in the lounge that day.

One of the biggest highlights was getting to play the newly released Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Honestly, we’d been looking forward to it for months, and we loved geeking out over the graphics and dissecting the gameplay mechanics. 

Tabletop and Beyond: Discovering New Ways to Play

We spent some time in the Tabletop Realm, RPG Zone, and Card Corner, which gave everyone a chance to try out board games, roleplaying games, and collectible card games. There’s something so fun about rolling dice and strategising with friends face-to-face, especially when you’re used to screens. 

There was even Live Action Roleplay (LARP) at The Forest Glade where we could gear up in medieval costumes, wield foam swords, and embrace our characters—definitely one of those “only at Comic Con” experiences! 

Celebrating Indie Creativity with the LeftField Collection

The LeftField Collection was another big highlight. This area celebrates indie game developers and their unique, often experimental projects. We got to play games that push the boundaries of traditional gameplay—titles with bold visuals, unconventional mechanics, and totally original concepts. It was a reminder that creativity in gaming is limitless, and it encouraged our students to think outside the box when it comes to their own projects. 

Wrapping It All Up

By the end of the trip, we were tired but absolutely buzzing with inspiration. The trip wasn’t just about seeing cool games and costumes (though that was definitely a big part of it!). It was a chance for them to glimpse the industry from every angle, make connections, and dream bigger about their own futures. 

We’re so grateful to EGX and MCM Comic Con for putting on such an incredible event, and to all the artists, developers, cosplayers, and speakers who made our day so special. Here’s to more adventures, more learning, and plenty of gaming in the future. 

MetStudios students—you made us proud. We can’t wait to see what you do next!