It was weird. If you were at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center back in 2018, you probably saw it—or at least heard the shouting. We’re talking about the toomanygames com chris chan crossover that nobody really asked for but everyone ended up witnessing.
Chris Chan (Christine Weston Chandler) has been a fixture of the internet's basement for decades. But seeing the creator of Sonichu in the flesh is a different beast entirely. Most people know the name from the endless "Comprehensive History" documentaries on YouTube, but the TooManyGames incident was a rare moment where the online chaos spilled into a real-world gaming convention. It wasn't just a "fan meeting a creator" moment. It was a mess.
The 2018 Incident: More Than Just a Bad Interaction
Honestly, the whole thing started because some of the convention organizers—specifically Justin Silverman and the Screenwave Media crew—decided it would be a "good idea" to have Chris there. They essentially invited her. Some fans call it a "setup" for content; others say it was just a lapse in judgment. Either way, Chris showed up.
Things went south fast.
The main issue wasn't just "being weird." It was a total lack of boundaries. Reports from the floor and later accounts from the staff confirmed that Chris was being way too "handsy" with attendees. We're talking about unprompted touching and trying to kiss people who just wanted a photo. You can't do that. Not at a gaming con, not anywhere.
The "Hedgehog" Defense
When security finally stepped in to kick her out, the reaction was pure internet gold (or tragedy, depending on how you look at it). Chris didn't just walk out. She had a full-blown meltdown right there on the convention floor.
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The most famous part? She reportedly dropped to the ground and curled into a ball—the "hedgehog defense." It’s the kind of thing you read about in a 4chan thread but never expect to see in front of a booth selling retro SNES carts.
- The Cause: Violation of physical boundaries/consent.
- The Result: A lifetime ban from TooManyGames.
- The Fallout: A massive PR headache for Screenwave.
Why Do People Still Search for toomanygames com chris chan?
You’ve probably noticed that even years later, this specific event keeps popping up in search results. Part of it is the sheer infamy. But there’s a darker layer to it. People often confuse the 2018 "TooManyGames" meltdown with the events of 2021.
In 2021, Chris was arrested for some truly horrific allegations involving her mother. Before that arrest happened, she was trying to raise money to go to another convention—Everfree Northwest (a My Little Pony con). People get the names mixed up. They search for "toomanygames" because that was the last time she was really "public" at a major gaming event before the legal walls closed in.
The Screenwave Connection
You can't talk about this without mentioning Screenwave Media and Cinemassacre. Justin Silverman, a prominent figure at TooManyGames, has been criticized for years for his association with Chris.
There's a photo that circulates constantly—Justin sitting next to Chris Chan. For a lot of fans, this was the "jump the shark" moment for the convention's reputation. It felt like the organizers were "prodding the cow" for views. It’s a messy piece of internet history that shows the thin line between documenting a "lolcow" and actively exploiting someone with clear mental health struggles.
Honestly, it’s a cautionary tale for any convention organizer. When you invite an "internet celebrity" whose entire fame is based on being a spectacle, you’re inviting the spectacle too.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of people think she was banned because of her "Sonichu" medallions or just for being "autistic." That’s not true.
The ban was about safety. When you have thousands of people in a room, you can't have someone—regardless of their internet status—touching people without permission. The toomanygames com chris chan saga ended because the staff had to prioritize the safety of the regular ticket-holders.
The Aftermath and 2026 Context
Where are we now? Chris is out of jail as of 2023/2024, following a long legal process in Virginia. But the gaming community hasn't forgotten. You won't see her at TooManyGames again. The convention has moved on, trying to distance itself from the "drama-farming" era of the late 2010s.
If you’re looking into this today, it’s a deep dive into how "cringe culture" evolved into something much more serious. It’s not just about a guy in a striped shirt anymore. It’s about legal boundaries, the ethics of internet fame, and the responsibilities of event organizers.
Actionable Insights for Con-Goers:
- Respect Boundaries: Always ask before touching a cosplayer or a "guest," no matter how famous (or infamous) they are.
- Vet Your Guests: If you're running an event, understand that "clout" from controversial figures usually comes with a heavy price in security and reputation.
- Support Originality: TooManyGames is actually a great convention for indie devs and retro collectors—don't let the "Chris Chan" lore overshadow the actual talent that shows up there every year.
Stay safe out there, and remember that "internet famous" doesn't mean "above the rules."