This weekend the biggest video game expo in Canada rolled into Toronto. Enthusiast Live Gaming Expo (EGLX) took over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for some wall-to-wall gaming action. Fellow Best Buy writer Jon Scarr and I took in all the sights and sounds, coming away impressed with what the show had to offer. We were treated to live demos, esports tournaments, developer panels and previews for new and unreleased games. Let’s dive in and look at some of the highlights of the show!
Ubisoft Canada
Ubisoft had quite a large showing at EGLX anchored by Watch Dogs : Legion gameplay previews and an in-depth developer panel. The 3rd installment of the series is looking ambitious as ever, allowing you to play as just about any NPC in the game. In an interesting twist which looks to really change things up in the series, there will be no lead protagonist. Instead, players can now recruit just about anyone they see in-world to control and help complete various missions.
The previous installments in the series were based in Chicago and San Francisco but the latest game has us heading across the pond. The new setting of a post-Brexit London, England looks gritty and dystopian. At EGLX, fans were treated to live theatre experiences for the game all weekend long.
Jon and I were able to sit down with Ubisoft Toronto’s Live Producer, Lathieeshe Thillainathan about what to expect come the game’s launch. He had some great insights to share. Watch Dogs Legion is coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and Google Stadia on March 6, 2020.
The Ubisoft Canada booth also featured some tense showdowns with fans facing off in Ghost Recon: Breakpoint and Brawlhalla. The Ubisoft-related competition didn’t stop there as Rainbow 6 Siege and the R6 Canadian Nationals owned the mainstage.
Rainbow 6 Nationals Grand Finals
Just down the corridor from Ubisoft’s main booth an adrenaline pumping firefight was being waged to determine a new champion. The top four Canadian Rainbow 6 teams duked it out all weekend long on their own dedicated stage. The stakes were huge with a $15,000 prize pool on the line and competition was tight. It all came down to Team Canada vs. Yes with the defending champs Team Canada winning 6-3.
Nintendo of Canada
The house of Mario had a massive showing at EGLX showcasing key titles in their 2019 holiday line-up. Nintendo was able to get attendees into the Halloween spirit with playable demos of Luigi’s Mansion 3. I had a chance to go hands-on and loved Luigi’s latest spooky adventure. The cute, cartoony graphics are some of the best I’ve seen on the Nintendo Switch.
I am a big fan of Luigi’s sidekick Polterpup, I can’t wait to delve further into Luigi’s quirky adventure. It looks to be a real treat instead of a trick come its release on October 31st.
The booth also featured demos of the newly released The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Untitled Goose Game. My personal favourite RPG of this gen, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition was also on display. I can’t wait to dive back into Geralt of Rivia’s adventures on the go with the Nintendo Switch Lite, I highly suggest checking out the Witcher 3 if you haven’t already.
Xbox Canada
Microsoft had a booth that featured many of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate’s offerings. It was a mix of Xbox and PC Gaming rigs that had attendees squaring off with titles like Gears of War 5 and Forza Horizon 4.
Part of Xbox’s big push with Xbox Game Pass has been offering unique indie experiences with the service. At EGLX they showcased Human Fall Flat and Ark: Survival Evolved showing off the variety of titles the service has.
They also had an iconic “throne of games” that I was able to snap a few pictures with!
Until Next Year!
It’s always exciting to see a massive show like EGLX find growth and success in Canada. It’s a celebration of gaming that benefits fans, developers and the gaming industry. Whether coming to see your most anticipated upcoming game, professionally compete, or meet n’ greet a gaming celebrity EGLX has it all!
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Great work as always Dapper!
My son and I had a blast there.
Thanks Wayne, sorry I missed you at EGLX! I’m happy to hear you guys had such a great time, there is so much to see and do. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next year!
It sounds like you two had a great time checking out these games! I am intrigued by the story in Watch Dogs Legion, and I’d really like to play Luigi’s Mansion 3. EGLX sounds like a great show to visit. Maybe one day I can make it out there!
You named my two top picks for “game of the show” right there. I’m really looking forward to Watchdogs Legion and Luigi’s Mansion 3 was so much fun to play. Hope you can make it out next year Ian!
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