GameStart is turning 5 this year, and it’s been an interesting journey to say the least. GameStart has overseen the rise of mobile gaming and e-sports in the region and the world, and has helped the industry and individuals build networks and bridges as well as opportunities for aspiring gaming professionals to level up their skills. As it commemorates its 5th anniversary, the biggest gaming convention in Southeast Asia will bring international gaming stars and experts in its most star-studded lineup to date.
We’ve seen the early announcements for GameStart 2018, and at a media preview on 3 Oct, organisers Eliphant revealed even more exciting guests and events that will take place in this year’s edition.
Noted celebrity guests scheduled to appear on the 13th and 14th of October inculde Motohiro Okubo, the producer of Soulcalibur VI, Kanabe Fujioka and Yuya Tokuda, the directors of the popular Monster Hunter: World, as well as celebrity gamer and New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega.
Meanwhile, participants interested in designing their own retro arcade machine and creating fun animations on the go can also attend special workshops at GameStart itself: https://gamestart.asia/events/lessons-by-no-average-joe/
Just like GameStart, we are all about local games here, so we need to tell you about BattleSky Brigade Tap Tap, a build-your-own-world clicker revolving around balloon-riding bunnies and armor-clad goldfish. Soon to be released on Android and iOS, GameStart will provide the first glimpses of this quirky Singaporean game designed by local startup Battle Brew Productions. There will also be an assortment of fresh new local tabletop games on display at both the Indie and Tabletop sections of GameStart.
To celebrate its 5th anniversary, GameStart teamed up with fellow Singaporean gaming gear brand Armaggeddon, to design and create a Limited Edition GameStart X Armaggeddon Gaming Mouse. The mouse features high performance tracking speed of up to 160 inches per second, 5 button + 2-way click scroll, 6,000 frame rate and 7-colour lighting with pulsating effects. The mouse will be available for sale exclusively at GameStart events for S$29.90, and included in all GameStart 2018 VIP goodie bags.
The SEA Major 2018 at GameStart will play host to tournaments for 10 games, with a prize pool of US$50,000 up for grabs. Top gamers like Daigo and Xian, and teams like Resurgence, will be present.
“Since our first edition in 2014, we have seen great momentum and shifts in the gaming landscape,” said Elicia Lee, founder of GameStart Asia, at the media preview. “The explosion of live streaming has changed the way people consume entertainment, and helped to make gaming content a lot more accessible. Esports is no longer limited to a niche audience and we see both tournaments and gaming events being supported by more mainstream brands, and watched by mass audiences. Mobile gaming is now a dominant force, especially in our region, as smartphones makes it easy for both core and casual gamers to access games and content easily.”
“In tandem, GameStart’s content has evolved from only hardcore games to the diverse content offerings that we now have,” she added. “Our visitor demographic has also expanded to include even families with young children. We see an opportunity to provide and facilitate opportunities for our industry, especially the next generation of up-and-coming developers and gamers.”
This is just the tip of the iceberg, as there will be more to be revealed on their website in the leadup to the event. If this has piqued your interest, head on to https://gamestart.asia/events/ to get a headstart on what will be taking place next weekend!
