The 411 on the Newly Expanded SXSW Gaming Expo 2017

The SXSW (South by Southwest) annual festival that has been here in my hometown of Austin, Texas for the past 24 years in coming up! For my 4th consecutive year as press I will be attending and covering all the SXSW festivals LIVE from March 10th to the 19th. This years SXSW Festivals include: Film, Music, Interactive, and Comedy events. SXSW will also have the newly expanded SXSW Gaming Expo and the new 3 day gaming pass which will include the SXSW Gaming Awards, Esports Tournament Stage, Indie Corner, Tabletop Experience, and Free Open Play Arena.

Since the gaming new portion of SXSW this year below is some great information to gear you up for SXSW Gaming Expo.

Registration New Location and Hours for Gaming Wristband Pick-Up:

Gaming wristbands can be picked up in the Austin Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 5 (enter at 4th & Neches Streets) at the days and times shown. Remember: Upon receiving your credentials, you must wear your wristband on your wrist for security reasons. If your wristband is lost/stolen/confiscated, a replacement will only be issued at the walk-up price.

Registration Desk Hours:

Wednesday, March 15

| 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, March 16 | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday, March 17 | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday, March 18

| 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

The SXSW Gaming Schedule is now LIVE:

You can now view online lists of current 2017 programming! With more panels, sessions, meet ups, special events, and parties than ever, our online schedule will help you navigate your way through the prodigious amount of programming SXSW Gaming 2017 has to offer. Go to schedule.sxsw.com to browse through events to start planning your SXSW schedule today. Note: The SXSW Schedule site includes SXSW Music, Interactive, and Film events that will not be accessible by a SXSW Gaming wristband. I suggest to check your credentials and if you are allowed via the Primary Access section of each listing.

SXSW Gaming Expo Events That You Should Not Miss Include:

  • The SXSW Gaming Opening Party featuring the Cosplay Contest with metal cover band Powerglove | Thursday, March 16 from 8pm – 11pm at the Hilton in downtown Austin.
  • SXSW Gaming Awards presented by IGN and Imaginary Forces | Mar 18, 2017 | 8:00pm – 10:00pm |Downtown Hilton Ballroom
    • The SXSW Gaming Awards celebration of the SXSW Gaming festival with special hosts Xavier Woods and Sonja “OMGitsfirefoxx” Reid
    • Half-time entertainment performance by Rockit Gaming.
    • This year, everyone who tunes into the Gaming Awards on Twitch will be able to have a direct impact on the show as it takes place at SXSW Gaming 2017
    • Primary Access: Platinum Badge, Interactive Badge, Film Badge, Music Badge, Gaming Wristband

  • SXSW Gaming Closing Party Fueled by Monster Energy featuring EDM star Alan Walker | Mar 18, 2017 | 10:00pm – 1:00am | Monster Energy Outbreak House on 5th and Lavaca
    • Doors open at 10:00pm and space is very limited
    • Primary Access: Platinum Badge, Interactive Badge, Film Badge, Music Badge, Gaming Wristband
 Open Play Lounges and PC Arena:
  • PC Arena presented by Logitech and Rocket League | Powered by DreamHack
    • Daily tournaments, tons of prizes, and a welcoming environment for both new and veteran gamers
  • Arcade Bunker | Powered by Arcades4Homes
    • Dozens of the finest classic arcade cabinets and several newly-fitted rigs featuring the latest games
  • Mobile Gaming Dome | Powered by The Slurred Nerd and NVIDIA
    • Daily tournaments, tons of prizes, and an inclusive environment for gamers of all skill levels

If you would like more information about the SXSW Gaming panels and sessions click here. To keep up on the latest SXSW Gaming expo news click here, it will continue to be updated throughout SXSW. For more information about the SXSW Gaming Expo 2017 you can go to SXSW Attendee Services or visit the SXSW Gaming FAQ page.