‘We are devastated’: UK Indie Games Show WASD Permanently Cancelled

The beloved UK indie games showcase, WASD, has been permanently cancelled due to rising industry costs. The event, which highlighted the best of the UK’s independent gaming scene, is no longer viable.

Co-founder David Lilley explained to the BBC, “Increasing costs and less demand for stand space means running events is just not viable for us anymore.”

Independent publishing label Lost in Cult expressed their sorrow, saying, “We are devastated to hear the news about WASD. Our first ever bookstand was at WASD. We got eyes on our work from people who otherwise would not have come across us in online spaces.”

WASD was established after the closure of EGX Rezzed, another UK-based show focused on independent games. It was one of the last video game events in the UK open to the public. Now, EGX, the UK’s largest gaming show, is held together with MCM Comic-Con, but attendees noted that the EGX portion was significantly smaller this year, with limited support from major publishers.

The official website for WASD went offline earlier this year, sparking concerns about the event’s future. Fans’ fears were confirmed with the recent announcement of its permanent closure.

The event’s inaugural show featured Vampire Survivors, a BAFTA-winning roguelike, showcasing its significance in promoting indie games.