Pokeverse – a Pokémon convention partnered with the Make-a-Wish foundation and that featured the original voice of Ash Ketchum from the Pokémon TV series – has been labelled as a disaster on a scale with Glasgow’s infamous Willy Wonka rip-off experience.
Speaking to Eurogamer today, attendee BintuRina – whose social media posts describing her experience have since gone viral – said the event lacked proper planning and care for its young attendees.
Ahead of the convention, held in Mandaluyong, Manila last weekend, Pokeverse had been described by organisers as “the premier Pokémon-themed expo in the Philippines made by fans for fans!” It was advertised to feature “trainer quests”, “stellar headliners” and “live musical performances”, alongside cosplay contests and game tournaments.
