gamescom asia 2024: Shawn Layden to Headline Business Conference

Headlining the business conference of gamescom asia is Shawn Layden, who was pivotal in helping shape the iconic PlayStation brand. He will set the tone for the gamescom asia conference with a fireside chat on insights and predictions about the games industry.

“We are excited to be part of the evolving status of Southeast Asia as a key market in the games industry. The region is really showing its potential for growth, and with the continued support we’ve had over the years, plus key industry leaders joining us this year, it’s clear that gaming in the region is on a promising path. Additionally, gamescom asia is uniquely positioned as a bridge for gamers who seek a direct connection to their favourite games and their creators.”

Daria La Valle, Project Director at Koelnmesse, organiser of gamescom asia

gamescom asia 2024 expects to attract over 40,000 visitors, and over 150 exhibitors. 

gamescom asia business area highlights gaming excellence with conference programme and pitch competition (17 – 18 October)

Consisting of the business area exhibition and conference, gamescom asia’s business area will offer opportunities for b2b networking and knowledge sharing.

The business area exhibition will be open to all b2b visitors and will feature a dedicated stage for exhibitors to share insights – the Expo Stage, and several networking & recharge areas. Country pavilions and booths from gaming companies and service providers will showcase the latest games and services to publishers, investors and IP owners who are looking for the next big thing in games.

Over 80 industry experts will present at the gamescom asia conference. With three tracks across two days, the conference will cover the latest gaming trends, as well as tried-and-true games design, business, and marketing principles. Confirmed speakers include:

• Agate International (Indonesia), Shandhi Sayogo, Associate Production Director
• Altitude Games (Philippines), Luna Javier, Design Director
• CD Projekt Red (USA), Amir Ghareaghadje, VP of Brand Marketing 
• Hooded Horse (USA), Snow Rui, President & CFO
• MINTROCKET – NEXON (South Korea), Jaeho Hwang, Game Director
• Neopets (Hong Kong), Rebecca Glowacz, Director of Global Licensing & Brand Development
• Ogre Head Studio (India), Zainuddeen Fahadh, Creative Director & Managing Partner 
• Riot Games (Singapore), Louis Ang, Animation Lead 
• Rovio (Finland), Nutt Mongkol, Senior UA Manager
• SEGA (Japan), Justin Scarpone, EVP & Global Head of Transmedia
• Team17 (UK), Jasper Barnes, Head of Game Scouting
• Video Games Chronicle (UK), Andy Robinson, Editor-in-Chief
• …and many more to be announced.

The gamescom asia pitch competition returns this year too, spotlighting top gaming industry talent competing for titles like Most Anticipated Game, Best Pitch, and Best Game Design. More information on entry submission will be released soon.

gamescom asia business area opens to members of the games industry from Thursday to Friday, 17 – 18 October at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. 

More information and updates about gamescom asia business area can be found here. 

gamescom asia entertainment area sees expanded indie area and award-winning stage guests (18 – 20 October)

gamescom asia’s entertainment area will offer a weekend packed with excitement. The area promises to surprise and delight enthusiasts of all levels. 

Visitors can test drive the latest video games from their favourite publishers and indie studios, watch live stage entertainment, and even meet some of their favourite gaming personalities. They can immerse themselves in featured areas like indies, esports, artists, cosplay, board games, retro games, and more.

Dozens of indie developers will be featured in the entertainment area’s expanded indie area – in partnership with Indie Wavemakers. Stamp rallies and attractive prizes will be available for the public and the most voted indie games will eventually be in the running for the Indie Wavemakers awards, celebrated on the entertainment area Main Stage on Sunday, 20 October. 

Exciting highlights of the Main Stage program this year feature BAFTA-winning Andrew Wincott, best known as the voice of Raphael in the celebrated video game Baldur’s Gate 3, as well as a performance by J-pop singer-songwriter SHIHORI, most recently featured on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang! ALLSTAR2024. Stay tuned for more Main Stage programme acts being announced in the coming months.

gamescom asia entertainment area opens to the public from Friday to Sunday, 18 – 20 October at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.