THE ULTIMATE GAMING PLAYGROUND

The Entertainment Zone at gamescom asia 2023 was a dynamic celebration of gaming culture, featuring an impressive lineup of international and regional game publishers, indie studios, and local gaming heroes. These included 4Divinity, Arc System Works, Epicsoft Asia, Make Waves, Neopets, and many more. 

A new Indie Wavemakers area, which spanned both the Entertainment and Trade Zones, served as a platform for independent game studios to display their creations, engage with audiences, and garner feedback on demos. With over 100 game titles up for play across the entire festival space, gamers were spoilt for choice.

 

The event also hosted the CAPCOM Pro Tour 2023 Offline Premiere, an international Street Fighter 6 tournament, which drew hundreds of players to compete for a spot in the upcoming world finals.

Specialised sections, including a Retro Games Zone and Board Games Zone, further enriched the Entertainment Zone. At the Main Stage, visitors enjoyed a star-studded line-up of guest appearances and performances, including a Cosplay Fashion Show, voice actor panel, and exclusive meet-and-greet sessions.

Michele Bertoni, Studio and Product Director at Chamber 8 Studio, who was an exhibitor and speaker at gamescom asia said: “It’s awesome to see how excited people in Singapore are for everything related to tech and game development. The ecosystem is growing fast. We want to be here because of the opportunities that the region offers." He also praised Singapore’s accessibility and technological infrastructure, which make it a prime spot for such a global gathering.

UNLOCKING NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND PARTNERSHIPS 

The returning Trade Zone saw a 30% increase in attendance from last year with over 4,200 trade visitors, establishing gamescom asia as the region’s leading B2B gathering for video game professionals.

At the heart of the Trade Zone was the Trade Exhibition, a vibrant space for developers to showcase their latest projects, and for publishers and investors to discover groundbreaking gaming innovations and nurture partnerships. Over 80 made-in-Southeast Asia Games were showcased, with some 200 participants gaining valuable facetime with prospective publishers and investors through the speed networking programme. With the gamescom biz mobile app, an AI-supported matchmaking platform, visitors and exhibitors alike could easily make new connections, plan meetings, and find leads.

Adrián Rubio, International Trade and Investment Advisor at the Economic & Trade Office of the Spanish Embassy in Singapore, said: "Compared to other countries, it’s easier to make partnerships and connect with people here, since we use English as a common language." The event was a good opportunity for Rubio to promote games from Spain to Southeast Asia and beyond, while also growing his understanding of the Asian market.

During the Trade Conference, attendees also had the chance to learn from over 80 global industry experts across more than 40 talks and panel discussions. Delving into the latest gaming trends as well as perspectives on Asia’s diverse ecosystem, business strategies, and more, these knowledge-sharing sessions offered inspiration and insights to navigating the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

The resounding success of gamescom asia 2023 was made possible with the support from government agencies, including the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB), along with leading trade associations such as the Singapore Games Association (SGGA). It is a testament to Singapore’s thriving gaming industry and capability to host large-scale international events, further strengthening its position in the global gaming landscape. The stage is set for next year's edition, which will also be held here from 17 to 20 October 2024.

Key Event Facts