Aberdeen’s beloved celebration of all things gaming is set to return this summer, as Video Games Day 2025 gears up for its eighth instalment on Saturday 12 July at Pittodrie Stadium.
Organised by Chris Plant of Total Entertainment Scotland, the event has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated family-friendly experiences, drawing hundreds of attendees annually with its nostalgic charm and inclusive activities. Running from 10:00 to 16:00, this year’s event promises another packed day of entertainment for gaming enthusiasts of all ages.
Returning favourites include over 40 playable consoles ranging from the 1970s to present day, six free-to-enter tournaments, and the ever-popular Mario Kart sessions projected onto the big screen. Fastest lap and high score competitions will run throughout the day, alongside a dedicated Minecraft Room for younger gamers.
As with previous years, the event will also feature a marketplace of stalls selling video games, retro merchandise and collectables, providing an important platform for local businesses in the sector. Free parking and on-site food options make it a full day out for families and fans alike.
Reflecting on the growth of the event in an interview with Aberdeen Business News last year, organiser Chris Plant said: “We completely change all the games and tournaments each year, except for the Mario Kart tournament, which everyone seems to enjoy. I think if we went too big or too often, it would dilute the day.”
Video Games Day 2024 attracted a record 327 attendees, up from just 100 at its inaugural outing in 2017. The event’s continued success has been credited not only to the wide variety of gaming experiences on offer, but also to its welcoming atmosphere and sense of community.
“Playing video games is a social event,” said Plant. “That’s something that’s been lost in recent years with the rise of online gaming. Events like this bring people together again.”
“It’s great to see the event grow each year. From starting off with a few set ups to over 40…”
“For the last 50 years, people have enjoyed playing video games and for a lot of people, it is very nostalgic playing the consoles and games from their childhood. For our younger gamers, I think they enjoy going back and seeing how games were then.”
“A well-made game does not just rely on the graphics it’s about how enjoyable a game is. We really got so great games in the 80s and 90s and many still hold up today. There is a reason games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda are just as popular today as they were then.”
Much of the event’s success also comes down to the tireless efforts of William and Catriona Sellick. William provides the majority of the televisions, consoles and games for the day, as well as designing the floor plan and all associated artwork.
Alongside running the tournaments, he and Catriona play a crucial role in setting up the venue and ensuring the day runs smoothly. Their behind-the-scenes dedication has become an integral part of what makes Video Games Day such a well-loved fixture in Aberdeen’s event calendar.
Tickets for Video Games Day 2025 are priced at £7 per person (+£1.30 booking fee), with under-5s attending free of charge.
Tickets are available now via Eventbrite
