South Korea is gearing up for its largest gaming event, G-Star 2024, which is set to take place from November 14 to 17 at BEXCO, Busan. This year's event marks the 20th anniversary of G-Star and promises to be the largest yet, showcasing the latest advancements and new releases in the gaming industry.
According to the Korean Games Industry Association, G-Star is recognized as the premier international game exhibition where global gaming enthusiasts and industry professionals come together to experience new games and learn about the latest trends. The event has been hosted annually since 2009 and will continue to be held until at least 2028, reinforcing Busan’s status as the host city.
Under the slogan "Expand Your Horizon," G-Star 2024 will feature numerous activities, including gaming exhibitions, business consultations, international game conferences, indie game showcases, and cosplay competitions. This year, major players like Nexon, which is sponsoring G-Star for the first time in seven years, are participating, along with prominent gaming companies from 44 countries, showcasing 3,359 booths and engaging 1,375 local and international gaming firms.
One of the highlights of G-Star 2024 is the dedication to indie games along with major releases from large companies. Established names like Nexon, Netmarble, Krafton, and Pearl Abyss are expected to present their latest titles. For the indie gaming segment, Steam will make its debut at G-Star with over 60 indie games displayed, emphasizing creativity and innovation within the gaming sector.
The opening ceremony scheduled for November 14 at 10:00 AM will include notable figures, including Busan’s mayor, Park Hyung-jun, who is also the chairman of the G-Star organizing committee. Ensuring the safety of participants is of utmost importance, with enhanced security measures planned for the event, such as prior online ticketing to avoid overcrowding.
Attendees will also have access to the G-Conference (G-CON), running from November 14 to 15. This year’s conference boasts one of the best lineups to date, featuring key industry figures discussing AAA titles, console development, and various subjects impacting the gaming world.
Each day of the conference will highlight significant contributors to the industry, including directors and producers from renowned game franchises. Notable sessions will include discussions on popular games like "Final Fantasy VII" and insights from leading figures such as Yoon Myung-jin from Neople and Yoshinori Kitase of Square Enix. The conference serves as a platform for networking and collaboration among gaming professionals from all over the world.
G-Star 2024 is not only about game showcases and conferences; it will also feature the G-Star eSports Cup 2024. This eSports tournament will provide opportunities for pro gamers and influencers to compete and engage with fans, taking place on November 16 and 17.
This year, G-Star is particularly focused on fostering international relationships through initiatives like the ASEAN Pavilion. This exhibition aims to present games from eight ASEAN countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia, promoting their creative works and technology on this global stage. Strengthening connections and opportunities for regional developers and investors is key to this initiative, which includes B2B meetings and capacity-building workshops.
The ASEAN exhibition will serve as both a showcase for innovative games and technology created by burgeoning developers, as well as facilitating important meetings between ASEAN participants and international businesses. Alongside this, various workshops are planned to help ASEAN game companies penetrate the global market.
Through these efforts, the organizers hope to capitalize on the growing demand and interest within the Asian gaming market, which is expected to grow at more than 8% annually.
Moving forward, G-Star aims to offer not just the latest gaming technology and innovation, but also experiences, connections, and valuable insights for both creators and gamers alike. With intensive preparations and enhanced guest services, the organizers are confident G-Star 2024 will be memorable.
Park Hyung-jun, the mayor of Busan, remarked, “This year’s G-Star is set to be the largest yet, and we are committed to making it more than just another event. It will be unique and filled with special experiences for both the companies participating and the guests. We are ready to showcase our city as the gaming hub it has become over the years.”