Video Game Arena: From Casual Play to Fierce Tournaments

If your idea of a good time includes a controller in hand, late-night laughter, and maybe a few competitive grudge matches that end in hugs, then M.A.G.E. 2025 has you covered. The Minneapolis Anime and Gaming Event—happening October 31 through November 2, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis—is one of those cons where you can literally stay up until 2 a.m. gaming, talking fandom, or debating which Final Fantasy had the best soundtrack (spoiler: they’re all good).

While M.A.G.E. is known for its anime, cosplay, and special guests, the Video Game Area is where a lot of the weekend’s magic happens. It’s not some massive arena packed with LEDs and sponsored commentators—it’s a welcoming, open-late hall where gamers of all kinds come together to play, compete, and just have fun.

Tournaments: Friendly Fire with Real Bragging Rights

For players who want to test their skills, M.A.G.E. hosts several tournaments throughout the weekend. They’re well-organized but approachable—no professional background required. Registration typically happens on-site at the gaming desk or through the convention’s event app, and sign-ups fill quickly, so don’t wait until the last minute.

Tournaments vary by day, but you’ll likely see Smash Bros., Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe headlining the lineup. The matches are straightforward, and the prizes aren’t about big money—think bragging rights, small merch, and maybe a medal. What really makes these events fun is the community energy. People cheer, swap strategies, and offer encouragement whether you win or get completely wiped in the first round.

First-timer tip: bring your own controller if you have a favorite one. It’s not required, but most regulars prefer using their own gear for comfort and familiarity. And yes, wireless controllers are fine—just remember to unpair them when you’re done (the staff will thank you).

Late-Night Marathons: The Unofficial Afterparty

When other convention rooms close for the night, the gaming area is still buzzing. The hotel lights dim, the energy shifts, and suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you’re five races deep into a Mario Kart losing streak you can’t walk away from.

These late-night marathons are a M.A.G.E. tradition. You’ll see groups huddled around screens, stacks of snacks nearby, trading rematches until someone finally admits defeat—or falls asleep mid-game. It’s one of those con experiences that doesn’t make the schedule but ends up being a highlight anyway.

If you want to stay sharp, bring snacks or energy drinks, but balance it with actual meals and water. The ConSweet offers free ramen, rice, and soda for attendees, so you’ll never go hungry during your late-night sessions.

Balancing Gaming with the Rest of the Con

It’s easy to get trapped in the gaming zone for hours, but part of what makes M.A.G.E. so fun is the variety. You could spend a morning at a fan panel, an afternoon browsing the vendor hall, and an evening back in the gaming area—all without repeating a single activity.

Here’s what else you’ll want to check out while you’re there:

The Cosplay Contest

If you’ve ever thought about dressing up as your favorite character, the Grand Costume Contest is your chance to show off. It’s a full production, judged by top costumers from around the country, with awards for Best Craftsmanship, Best Performance, and Best in Show. Even if you don’t enter, the audience energy is contagious—expect cheers, laughter, and a deep appreciation for how much effort goes into every costume.

And yes, you can absolutely cosplay and game. Just… maybe skip the ten-foot wings if you’re planning to squeeze into the Smash Bros. area.

Artist Alley and the Vendor Hall

M.A.G.E.’s Artist Alley is the creative heart of the con. Rows of artists display prints, handmade crafts, comics, and fan art. You’ll find everything from original manga to stickers and enamel pins. Many artists also take commissions, so you can walk away with a personalized piece of art featuring your favorite character.

The Vendor Hall next door is a collector’s dream. Think walls of plushies, imported snacks, rare figures, gaming gear, and retro merch that makes your wallet cry. The variety is huge—if you’re into anime, gaming, sci-fi, or even steampunk aesthetics, you’ll find something here that fits your vibe.

Pro tip: Bring cash for small purchases, and a sturdy tote bag for all the treasures you’ll end up hauling back to your room.

Tabletop Gaming

If you need a break from screens, the tabletop gaming room is a perfect alternative. Run by the team at Gnome Games, it features board games, card games, and one-shot D&D campaigns. You might stumble into a round of Werewolf, try out Munchkin, or even join a massive life-size game of Catan.

It’s one of the easiest ways to meet new people, especially if you’re flying solo. Most groups are open to drop-ins, and volunteers are around to help explain the rules.

The Maid Café

Yes, the Royale Maid Café is back, and it’s exactly what it sounds like—a themed café experience where maids and butlers serve snacks, play games, and bring a bit of wholesome chaos to your table. It’s lighthearted, silly, and one of those “you just have to try it once” experiences.

Tickets are sold on-site, and the café fills up fast, so plan early if you want to experience the royal treatment.

The Escape Room

For something completely different, step into Escape from the Cabin of the Cackling Man—an immersive horror puzzle experience inspired by cursed retro games and urban legends. You and your team will try to solve clues before midnight while uncovering a creepy backstory involving an old gaming controller and a mysterious ritual.

It’s spooky, clever, and just challenging enough to make you feel brilliant when you finally crack the final code.

Musical Events and Late-Night Dances

Every evening at M.A.G.E. turns into a party. The main stage hosts concerts, balls, and EDM dance events that keep energy levels high long after most conventions would have wrapped up for the night. You can expect everything from nerd-themed live music to the formal Fantasy Ball, where cosplayers trade sneakers for dress shoes and waltz the night away.

If you’ve got energy left after the dance, you can always head straight back to—yep—the video game area.

Room Parties

M.A.G.E. has a reputation for lively room parties, which are officially approved gatherings hosted by attendees. Each one has its own theme—maybe a fandom trivia night, maybe a chill space with retro playlists and board games. If you plan to host one, you’ll need approval in advance to make sure it’s in a designated area, but if you’re just attending, they’re great for meeting new friends in a relaxed setting.

Fan-Run Panels: By the Fans, For the Fans

One of the most unpredictable—and often most entertaining—parts of M.A.G.E. is its lineup of fan-run panels. These aren’t slick corporate presentations or rehearsed celebrity talks. They’re sessions created and led by everyday attendees who are passionate (sometimes wildly passionate) about a particular topic. The result? You never quite know what you’re walking into, and that’s what makes it great.

Sure, there are plenty of panels that dive into anime, cosplay, and gaming lore—those are convention staples. But just as often, you’ll stumble into something completely unexpected. A fan might host a practical session on selling event tickets more effectively, or maybe share their experience with tourist scams to avoid when traveling to Japan. Someone else might walk you through how virtual reality can be used in classrooms, or break down digital marketing tips for growing your art or cosplay brand online.

Then there are the more creative or hands-on topics. A panelist could demonstrate how to make a game from scratch, or talk about how they designed their perfect gaming setup without breaking the bank. Others might get into more lifestyle-oriented territory—like mixing up cocktail recipes inspired by anime characters, explaining the basics of balcony gardening in small apartments, or offering baking tips for con-friendly snacks that won’t melt halfway through the day.

You might even find sessions about AI technology in storytelling, business idea generation, or how to design minimalist spaces that look like something straight off Pinterest. One year, you might get a mini-lesson in basic Chinese for travelers; another year, a casual discussion about going vegan without giving up your favorite comfort foods. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, someone might host a quiet roundtable on women’s rights, or even provide instructions on how to can start a daily meditation routine, or how to create the ultimate minimalist bedroom that’s equal parts cozy and clutter-free.

There’s really no predicting what the fans will come up with next—and that’s kind of the point. The variety keeps things interesting and reminds you that conventions aren’t just about fandom; they’re about community and curiosity, too. These sessions might make you laugh, teach you something unexpectedly useful, or introduce you to people who share your niche interests.

If you ever need a break from the crowds and noise of the main floor, ducking into a fan-run panel is one of the best moves you can make. You could leave with new knowledge, a few new friends, and a notebook full of random facts you didn’t expect to learn at a pop culture convention.

Ticket Information: Save More, Stress Less

Let’s talk numbers. Early registration is the way to go. You’ll not only save a few bucks but also guarantee your spot before badges sell out.

• Weekend Badge: $40

• Day Badge: $30

• Sunday Badge: $15

• VIP Badge: $150 (includes premium perks and exclusive access)

Register online to skip the lines and give yourself more time to actually enjoy the con once you arrive.

Surviving (and Thriving) at M.A.G.E.: Real-World Tips for a Hassle-Free Weekend

Let’s be honest—conventions are a blast, but they can also be chaotic if you don’t plan ahead. Between late-night gaming sessions, last-minute schedule changes, and lines that seem to go on forever, the key to having a great time at M.A.G.E. is staying one step ahead. Here’s how to keep your weekend smooth, comfortable, and fun—without the rookie mistakes.

First things first: book your room early. The Hyatt Regency offers a special convention rate of $135 per night, which is practically a steal for downtown Minneapolis. Staying onsite isn’t just about convenience—it’s about survival. Events at M.A.G.E. often stretch past 2 a.m., and when you can just hop in the elevator instead of trekking across the city at midnight, you’ll thank yourself later. Plus, being close to the action means you can sneak in a nap between panels or costume changes.

If you’re driving, don’t forget to use the parking discount. You can grab a validation sticker from Convention Ops that’ll cut your garage rates down to something more wallet-friendly. Pro tip: keep that sticker somewhere safe—like taped inside your badge holder—so you don’t lose it before checkout.

When it comes to packing, comfort beats fashion every single time. You’ll be walking, gaming, dancing, and waiting in lines that test your patience and your footwear. Sneakers will be your best friends here. Leave the stiff boots and cosplay heels for photoshoots or short appearances, not eight-hour hauls across the con floor.

Speaking of survival—eat real food and stay hydrated. Yes, instant ramen and Pocky are iconic con snacks, but they’re not enough to get you through a full day of programming. Bring a reusable water bottle, pack some fruit or granola bars, and grab an actual meal between events. Your body (and brain) will function way better when you’re not running purely on caffeine and enthusiasm.

Also, bring cash. Not all vendors or Artist Alley creators accept cards, especially smaller or independent sellers. Having a few bills handy means you won’t miss out on snagging that print, charm, or handmade plush you fall in love with. And trust me, you will fall in love with something—probably several somethings.

Lastly, try to balance your time. It’s dangerously easy to get sucked into one area—like the gaming section, where the hours mysteriously disappear—but M.A.G.E. has so much going on that it’s worth exploring everything. Catch a panel, drop by a concert, or check out a guest Q&A. You can always circle back later for another round of Mario Kart or a rematch in the fighting games area.

Con weekends move fast, but with a little prep and a lot of flexibility, you can make the most of every moment. Think of it as con survival, leveled up: plan smart, stay hydrated, and remember—comfortable shoes are the true MVP.

Why M.A.G.E. Belongs on Your Must-Go List

At its core, M.A.G.E. isn’t just about gaming or anime—it’s about community. It’s a place where you can geek out without judgment, meet people who share your passions, and learn something new in the process. Whether you’re there for the tournaments, the cosplay, or the late-night room parties, there’s a genuine sense of connection that makes this event special.

And if your idea of a perfect night involves friendly trash talk over a game of Smash Bros. followed by ramen at 1 a.m.—well, you’ll fit right in.

So mark your calendars for October 31 to November 2, 2025, grab your badge, and get ready to play, explore, and make memories at M.A.G.E.—where fandom meets fun, and every controller has a story.