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Indies and international support see G-STAR 2019 break attendance records

Indies and international support see G-STAR 2019 break attendance records

G-STAR, the largest South Korean game exhibition, co-organized by K-GAMES and Busan IT Promotion Agency, made another record in 2019, revealed the G-STAR Organization committee this week.

G-STAR 2019 took place from 14-17 November 2019 at Bexco, in Busan, South Korea.

This year’s event was characterized by the attendance of international game publishers and the active participation of rising Korean game studios.

Supercell participated as the main Diamond Sponsor, showcasing Brawl Stars. The booth was located in the centre of the exhibition hall and attracted visitors immediately. Developed by Helsinki-based Supercell, Brawl Stars is one of the most popular mobile games in South Korea specifically and Asia in general.

Krafton/PUBG participated as the Platinum Sponsor. PUBG presented two exhibitions, one in front of the main hall, and a special space inside called “FACE: PUBG” in the B2C hall, which showcased the artistic achievements of fans.

The first G-STAR Indie Showcase event attracted many indies developers and studios from around the world.

A select 29 indies participated in the competition. Gamers voted for their favourites, resulting in wins for ReRoad from Rabbithole Games and Ratropolis from Kasselgames (first and the second places respectively).

Facts And Figures

G-STAR visitor numbers were confirmed as: 14 November (Thursday), 42,452; 15 November (Friday), 50,216; 16 November (Saturday), 90,234; 17 November (Sunday), 61,407. The grand total was therefore 244,309.

G-STAR 2019 became a major international exhibition. Supercell as the main sponsor shows its importance at a global level.
Mr Shin Chul Kang

The official b2b programs also set records. G-CON increased its sessions to 34, including four keynote talks. There were 4,733 visitors during its two-day conference. 

In the Game Investment Market, 35 developers, five investment companies and 19 publishers participated. In total, 110 investment meeting took places.

The G-STAR Job Market attracted 17 major companies and organizations like Neowiz, Pearl Abyss, NHN Starfish, Rovio, Next Games, Business Finland, and more. A total of 1,053 applicants undertook interviews. There were also career talks for those aiming to take their first steps in the gaming industry.

Mr Shin Chul Kang, the chairman of K-GAMES and G-STAR Organization Committee, said, “The main achievement of G-STAR 2019 is that it truly became a major international game exhibition. A major international game company became the main sponsor of G-STAR for the second consecutive year, which shows the importance of G-STAR at a global level.

“Also, many new publishers and developers became exhibitors and participants. G-STAR appreciates the interest and involvement of the international gaming companies and the games community. We will continuously try to be the best platform to represent the most updated global gaming trends, and the best festival for the international gaming community.”

You can meet representatives of G-STAR at our own Connects and Big Indie Pitch events in 2020.


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Staff Writer