Games Star at Excel, London

News - Brand new expo kicks off

Whilst our team of roving reporters won't be on site until tomorrow, the consumer portion of the GameStars Live event kicked off in London's Docklands today, marking the most expansive gaming event the UK has ever seen. Being held for the rest of the week from today, GameStars Live includes such big name game creators as Nintendo, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Activision, Eidos, Ubisoft, Konami and Nokia. Games across all major platforms feature, including titles getting their first public airing, months ahead of release.

Halo 2, Pro Evo 4, the new Splinter Cell and Metroid Prime 2, not to mention many many more, should all prove crowd pleasers in this landmark event organised by trade body ELSPA - who are clearly gambling big on GameStar's success. An ITV show is being filmed in tandem with the showcase, which also features tournaments and such like.

So those of a gaming persuasion might wish to head east of the city for a change, and we also await with interest the adjoining trade event EGN - which could put pay to the long-running ECTS event in Earl's Court permanently. We'll probably find out tomorrow, anyway. Enjoy.