GC Asia Draws More Than 70,000

The first GC Asia, held at the Suntec Exposition Centre in Singapore, closed on Sunday, September 9, 2007, uniting more than 70,000 game enthusiasts from the Asia-Pacific region. The exposition was the first of its kind, offering consumers the opportunity to see and play the hottest games of today and tomorrow while offering trade visitors the opportunity to network and expand their business to new markets.

"GC Asia and the GC Asia Conference mark the international debut for the Leipziger Messe," said Wolfgang Marzin, president and CEO of the Leipziger Messe. "The trade and exposition expertise of the Leipziger Messe team mixed with the regional knowledge and support of our Asia-Pacific partners was key to making the show a must-attend for consumers and game industry executives."

"The expo proved that a show integrating both consumer access and business services was not only wanted, but necessary in the Asia-Pacific region," said Edward Liu, managing director, Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd. Singapore. "Our work with the LMI team enabled us to come together under the common goal of making this a reality and a huge success."

"The combination of the exposition, developers conference, and business center offers the industry direct access to consumers, while giving them the support and space they need to conduct their business in a relaxed atmosphere," said Joerg Zeissig, general manager of the Leipziger Messe International (LMI). "The concept of Games Convention was well received in the region and we consider this year’s premiere show as a resounding success, having attracted a huge audience for a first year show."

Over 10,000 square meters of space were transformed into a high-energy world of computer games by 81 exhibitors from 13 countries, including major industry players Electronic Arts, Nintendo, Konami, Sony, Asiasoft, Nokia, and more. Over 190 games were shown at the exhibition. The show presented games from all genres and platforms including console, mobile, online, and PC games.

In addition to the exposition, the GC Asia Conference brought together 300 game industry experts for a top-notch program of lectures and panels on key issues for the Asia-Pacific region. The topics of outsourcing, mobile games, online games, and casual games were covered in-depth while presenting business opportunities and perspectives from North America, Europe, and Asia.

Games Convention Asia has been strategically organized to address the development needs and opportunities presented by Asia’s rapidly growing digital interactive games industry. Its segmentation into two main areas, the Business Convention and the Public Convention, positions Games Convention Asia as a gateway for European and North American companies to gain better insights into Asia and its fast-paced interactive entertainment market trends. For developers in Asia, the "East-meets-West" platform helps them reach international publishers and distributors.

The GC Asia 2008 will take place in Singapore from October 9th to 12th; with the GC Asia Conference from October 9th to 10th.

Quotes from GCA exhibitors:

Luis K. Tanaka, Branch & Sales Manager, Konami Digital Entertainment Limited (Singapore Branch) representing Nintendo
"It is our first time participating in this event, and it has been very good as other big players are participating as well. Visitors were able to try out games such as Jyuhishden, a new trading card game. We saw many parents with their kids looking for games they can play as a family."

Ivan Seah, Director, Marketing & Communications, Asiasoft Online Pte Ltd
"We’ve established Asiasoft among visitors and industry players. Games Convention Asia has managed to bring in new people, and like Asiasoft, it targets bringing gaming to the masses. We were able to promote many games that have not yet been launched, such as Ragnarok Online 2, currently only available in Korea. Our mini-games were also very popular with our visitors."

Jodie Chan, Assistant Product Marketing Manager, 10TACLE STUDIOS Pte Ltd
"Our brand awareness among the public has increased at Games Convention Asia and we had an overall good crowd turnout. We had the opportunity for visitors to try out upcoming games that have yet to be launched."

Derrick Yeoh, Mikoishi Pte Ltd, Singapore
"GCA is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about the new and exciting games that are coming out in the industry."