Meet the Team Behind Tyneside Games Expo

We wanted to introduce the people working behind the scenes to bring the Tyneside Games Expo to life. Each member of the team brings their own passions, perspectives, and gaming histories. Together, we’re shaping an event that we hope will become a highlight of the UK gaming calendar.

We asked everyone the same five questions. Here’s what they had to say.

Jackson

What motivated you to get involved?  

There's over a million people living in Tyne and Wear, but our nearest conventions are Harrogate and Edinburgh! Jeremy and I had talked about setting one up a few years ago, but then Gareth did, so we were off the hook!

First tabletop love?  

I can't remember much from my childhood, I remember playing Carrom, Monopoly, Risk, Parcheesi, and Warhammer Fantasy Battle though. More recently I got back into board games around 2000 with Zombies!!!, Citadels, The Lord of the Rings co-op game, and Carcassonne to begin with. I've also played Magic on and off between 1995 and 2005, plus a bit of D&D.

Current gaming obsession?  

Designing print at home roll and writes! I'm on number 6!

Character class?  

I always used to play Ranger, but Paladin is probably more accurate - I'm very lawful good!

Aspirations for the event?  

To turn it into a great regional event with a national presence like TTS or AireCon.

Jeremy

What motivated you to get involved?  

Initially (and quite boringly) it just felt like we needed something like this in the region.

First tabletop love?  

Dungeon's and Dragons (sort of)...Ooo! and Dark Tower - my friend had this when we were kids and for some reason I just wanted to play it over and over again...but then when Warhammer RPG came out that became an obsession - loved the detail of The Enemy Within campaign...then later on got addicted to Space Hulk.

Current gaming obsession?  

I'm fascinated with the idea of 'roleplay' and how it is (and isn't) utilised in games, and I love designing games based on my interests, so I guess my current gaming obsession is the game that I'm currently designing (Grist for the Mill)...however if I had to go mainstream then I guess my family is currently playing nothing but FLIP 7 at the moment.

Character class?  

If this is some sort of fantasy RPG then I've recently been contemplating the role of a Surgeon! I think the potential for comedy and or horror and the way in which one could engage with other characters within a roleplay setting would be phenomenal. Surgeon 0 XP - it writes itself!

Aspirations for the event?  

I'm really looking forward to the event becoming something that is really family based with a great vibe and being something that people not only actively look forward to as part of their annual events calendar but also something that genuinely engages people and contributes positively to life in the northeast.

John

What motivated you to get involved?  

I love the Tyne and Wear area and I love games; I want there to be somewhere in the region that we can come together as a community and play!

First tabletop love?  

This is a ridiculously hard question. I think it’s a tie between playing my first tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG), Call of Cthulhu, or perhaps Axis and Allies as an undergraduate student at university? But I did also adore The Game of Life as a wee kid.

Current gaming obsession?  

Right now it’s Mothership. Such a great TTRPG and such a huge community around it, loads of amazing material, all so beautifully presented. I’m in deep trouble with that game.

Character class?  

Teamster. Just a normal person doing work and not getting paid enough!

Aspirations for the event?  

I want it to be fun to come for a few hours or for two full days. I want to have a reason to stick around and keep gaming!

Sarah

What motivated you to get involved?  

I’ve been exhibiting at other shows for a few years now, and as an exhibitor there are things I wish other events would do, so I wanted to be part of the team to (hopefully!) make it a positive experience for attendees and exhibitors alike!

First tabletop love?  

Eldritch Horror

Current gaming obsession?  

Arkham Horror- the new chapter 2 has recently been released

Character class?  

Bard- I love music and it’s a big part of my life

Aspirations for the event?  

I would love to see our event become a staple of the UK gaming calendar

Stacey

What motivated you to get involved?  

For the past 10 years, UKGE has been the one of the weekends I look forward to the most, but travelling there every year is time consuming and expensive. Of course there are other options, like AireCon and TTS, but I've always thought those that had a local convention were very lucky. When Farplace started an expo in the North East in 2024 I couldn't have been more excited. The idea of it disappearing in 2026 made me very sad, so I jumped at the opportunity to get involved and make sure it continued!

First tabletop love?  

My family played a lot of board games when I was younger. The classics like Monopoly, Cluedo, and Payday. I always loved playing those games but didn't discover the scope of the tabletop gaming world until my early 20s when someone got out San Juan at the coffee table one night. After that, one trip to Travelling Man and I had a problem...

Current gaming obsession?  

I'm hooked on miniature painting at the moment. I love bringing my RPGs to life with figures on the table. I'm also slightly obsessed with the Sorcery: Contested Realm TCG.

Character class?  

I'm the forever GM for my group. Likely due to my love of organising everyone. Is there a character class for that?

Aspirations for the event?  

I'm hopeful that this passionate group of organisers can grow the event each year until it becomes a key event on the North East's convention calendar.