Gamescom is expanding its global presence with a new international event in Asia, set to take place in Singapore this October. This marks the inaugural year when Gamescom’s full range of events will be operational, following the successful Gamescom Latam earlier in the year and the upcoming return of the original trade show in Cologne. Gamescom Asia, scheduled from October 17 to 20, 2024, will be a key component in this global expansion, with Koelnmesse, the event’s parent company, fully supporting it.
Daria La Valle, project director for Gamescom Asia, has been instrumental in organizing the event, having worked with Koelnmesse Singapore for over a decade. Her journey with Gamescom Asia began in 2019, but the event’s launch was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite selling half of the show floor and securing several publishers before the pandemic hit, the event had to shift online temporarily. La Valle recounts the difficulties faced, including the decision to pivot to online formats while trying to preserve the event’s essence.
The pandemic led to Gamescom Asia’s first hybrid event in 2022, which was notable for being the largest-scale event in the region during that time. In 2023, Gamescom Asia finally achieved its full vision by integrating both B2B and B2C elements.
This year’s event, expected to draw 40,000 attendees and feature over 150 exhibitors, will continue to expand with a significant focus on indie developers, nearly tripling the space dedicated to them from the previous year.
Gamescom Asia 2024 will include notable features such as Capcom’s participation in a Street Fighter 6 esports event, a new section for independent artists, and a cosplay competition.
On the B2B side, the event will highlight a keynote by Shawn Layden and will cater to developers and publishers with a comprehensive conference covering game development and business strategies. Activities designed to connect developers with publishers and investors will also be a central feature.
An important aspect of Gamescom Asia is its Invest Circle, a networking session where developers, publishers, and investors engage in brief, intense meetings to forge potential partnerships. Additionally, a pitch competition will allow developers to present their games for a chance to win cash prizes, further supporting the growth of the Southeast Asian gaming industry.
La Valle highlights the challenges of regional fragmentation within Southeast Asia and the importance of Gamescom Asia as a unifying platform.
By addressing the unique localization needs and diverse cultures within the region, Gamescom Asia aims to create a meeting ground for industry professionals and showcase Southeast Asia’s gaming talent on a global stage. The event’s goal is to solidify its position as a major industry hub and continue growing in size and influence.
