After an awesome first two years, the region’s first proper gaming con GameStart is back this weekend, Oct 7 to 9, for more explosive fun. The past years have been a total blast – and this year the show is going to be bigger and better than ever.
- What: GameStart Asia 2016
- When: Oct 7 (2pm to 9pm), Oct 8-9 (11am to 8pm) 2016
- Where: Suntec Convention Centre, Hall 405 and 406
- How much: S$12 for one day, S$30 for three days. Free entry for cosplayers. VIP passes cost S$70, and first 300 visitors each day will receive a goodie bag.
For its latest version, GameStart is bringing back old favourites as well as adding some long-awaited new guests. Mainstays like Sony PlayStation (with the largest booth) and Bandai Namco Entertainment make their grand return, as will Witching Hour Studios, working hard after launching Masquerada: Songs And Shadows.
Ubisoft Singapore is also back, this time with an art exhibition: Explore New Horizons – An Exhibition, which will showcase original concept art from fan-favourite Assassin’s Creed video games such as Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Assassin’s Creed Rogue and most recently Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (all of which were co-developed by Ubisoft Singapore). There will also be a 30min Live Drawing session on Saturday from 1.30pm, as well as a panel discussion on Game Development on the same day at 2pm.
But the convention is going green this year – Microsoft Xbox will finally make their appearance at the show. The upcoming Gears of War 4 will be there in a closed-door preview (and you can win copies if you play). You’ll also get to test the Xbox-PC Play Anywhere system, as well as spend money on Microsoft products.
HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER
And not forgetting eSports. The GameStart floor has always been a hive of activity thanks to these guys, and it looks like we’re going to get some world-class talent again this year. This year PlayStation is the Presenting Sponsor for the South East Asia Major (SEAM) 2016, which GameStart is presenting for the first time.
SEAM is the largest console tournament in South East Asia, and top Street Fighter players will compete for a spot in the world finals. Tournaments for Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR-, BlazBlue Central Fiction and King of Fighters XIV will also be there at SEAM.
The annual FIFA tournament is also back with support from Xbox Singapore, and there will also be the Overwatch Champions Singapore tournament for those FPS fans.
All eSports tournaments will be live-streamed on Twitch!
IT’S DANGEROUS TO GO TO GAMESTART ALONE! TAKE THIS
GameStart won’t just be a time of playing and watching games: The organisers are bringing in “side quests” in the form of Quest cards for players to complete. Finish it to increase your chances at winning the daily lucky draw. Quest locations include the merchandise booths, the Ubisoft art exhibition as well as at the Games Solution Centre (GSC).
The GSC is home to the region’s first PlayStation Incubation Studio, and there will be 16 indie studios for you to check out!
Also: Take a map.
