Now into its 4th edition, GameStart 2017 is coming to Suntec Singapore with more space, more days (kinda), and much more variety for us gamers to enjoy. GameStart has been Singapore and Southeast Asia’s premiere gaming convention since its inception, and the updates announced on Wednesday (Oct 4) at its press conference have us feeling very excited. There’s a lot to unpack, but here’s a general look at what’s happening at GameStart, and why you have to go this year.
33% MORE SPACE
Last year’s and 2015’s GameStart took up two halls at the Suntec Convention Centre, already double the size of version 1.0 in 2014. But this year there will be three (3!!) halls of gaming action at Suntec, taking up a total of 6,000 sqm. What’s going to fill up all this space? For starters, there’s a new tabletop zone where you can get into some analog action – yes, GameStart is moving past the digital domain.
And there’s going to be an area for nosh – The Drinkery – which even comes with alcohol. Here you’ll get to order food, grab a drink, and try out the Samsung Gear VR.
But if you’re still into that PC and console action, PlayStation is coming with two booths this year, totalling 596 sqm, and more than double the size it had in 2014. One booth will feature the SEA Major eSports tournaments – a hit last year, while the other will allow you to go hands-on on games such as Dissidia NT Final Fantasy, Bravo Team and Gran Turismo Sport – mere days before the actual release. There’s also going to be augmented reality gaming thanks to the guys from HADO Singapore.
The Doujin Market and indie gaming area The Founders Base will also make their return.
MORE COSPLAY GUESTS
Yep – at least 33% more too! Vera Chimera and AstroKerrie from Australia will be here, with Vera Chimera making her return. Joining them is Ying Tze from Malaysia, and we understand that one more guest from Japan will be joining too.
There’s also a really cool NieR cosplay competition on 15 October, and contestants will be judged by the founder of World Cosplay Summit, Tokumaru Oguri. Even better: The special guest judges are game creators, Yoko Taro and Yosuke Saito!
MORE DAYS OF GAMING(-RELATED ACTION)
Well, kinda. The core experience will still take place from October 14-15, where gaming fans can try out all sorts of new, upcoming, or recently released games; as well as catch hot eSports action. But now acclaimed international and local gaming veterans will gather in the inaugural SEA Summit, where they will share their insights on game trends, development, business and marketing. There will be 35 speakers, including game director Yoko Taro and producer Yosuke Saito, who produced NieR: Automata.
So if you’re in the gaming business, or looking to get into it, you should really check this out. Entry is free, but pre-registration at www.theseasummit.com is required. The SEA Summit takes place on Oct 12-13 at Pixel Studios (near Fusionopolis).
AND LOTS MORE!
We’ll be providing more in-depth looks into the different aspects of the huge GameStart 2017, so keep checking back!
GameStart takes place Oct 14-15 at the Suntec Convention Centre Halls 401, 402 and 403.
