W.A.S.D lands as a smash hit. Network N invests.W.A.S.D lands as a smash hit. Network N invests.

Author: Rouncan

April 19, 2022

Successful new launch W.A.S.D (named after the keys used to play games on a keyboard) closed the doors on Saturday as a resounding success. Providing a rich mix of hands-on pre-release code, talks from developers in the games industry, the Games London Finance Market and a lively student theatre, as many new and undiscovered indie games attracted over 5,000 attendees over the three days. 

W.A.S.D was the first UK games event post-Omicron and gamers flocked to Tobacco Dock in London to get hands-on with a broad range of great games from all over the world. 

Metro reported, “fostering a sense that W.A.S.D could swiftly become the UK’s answer to PAX East, the annual US-based video games show hitherto hailed as the centre of the indie universe.” 

Featuring games from globally renowned developers W.A.S.D presented global firsts from Team 17 (Marauders), Devolver (Trek to Yomi and Cult of the Lamb) and SEGA (Two Point Campus). Over 125 games from the smallest indies to the world's biggest developers wowed attendees in the middle of London Games Festival. 

Graeme Struthers, Co-Founder at Devolver said, “Eclectic, diverse, engaged, friendly and fun to be with. The level of engagement and interaction with the attendees was fantastic. Seeing our games out in their hands was fantastic. I speak for all our team and developers, we absolutely loved W.A.S.D and have booked our space for next year.” 

For the first time at Tobacco Dock, London Games Festival hosted Games Market London within the event. Over 1,000 meetings took place in the UKs number one forum for studios to pitch to games investors, cementing W.A.S.D as the beating heart of the festival. 

Event Director Matt Styles commented, “It was great to restart gaming events with such a joyous occasion in the heart of London Games Festival. All the feedback has been how much people enjoyed being back out in the world.” 

Following the success of the new event, Roucan is proud to announce that Network N have bought a major stake in the business. Already the media partner of the event with world leading PC games site PCGamesN, there are a number of strong synergies between the two businesses, delivering growth to both parties.

David Lilley, Founder of Roucan said, “this is great timing for Roucan and we’ve got plans for next year’s show already. Network N have been a great media partner for the show and we’re delighted to be teaming up with them in an even bigger way.” 

Tim Edwards, CEO of Network N said, “We’re delighted and humbled to be partnered with Roucan as they build their business. WASD was a triumph. And it’s just the start of Roucan’s journey.” 

Roucan and Network N will work closely together on future events and initiatives to cement Roucan as the most exciting events start-up in the games industry. To that end there will be another brand new event launch announced in the next couple of weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for another announcement coming from Roucan. 

^About

^{Network N Media is the home of PCGamesN, The Loadout, Pocket Tactics, Wargamer and The Digital Fix. Network N Media’s brands reach 20m gamers and entertainment fans a month.} 

^{Rouncan Events and Content is run by the people behind some of the most successful games events ever produced in the UK.}