G-Star 2024 Celebrates 20 Years as Korea’s Largest Gaming Expo

Busan, South Korea – G-Star 2024, South Korea’s largest and most influential gaming exhibition, opens today at BEXCO in Busan. Marking its 20th anniversary, this year’s event celebrates two decades of gaming innovation and industry collaboration with the largest-ever international turnout, featuring over 1,375 game companies from 44 countries. The four-day event runs from November 14-17, drawing industry leaders, gamers, and developers from around the world to experience the latest in PC, console, and mobile gaming.

Since its inception in 2005, G-Star has grown from a domestic showcase in Seoul to a global gaming expo with its current home in Busan, where it’s set to stay until at least 2028. With close to 200,000 visitors annually, G-Star has positioned South Korea as a critical hub for the global gaming industry. This year, organizers have expanded the scale of the event to accommodate more participants than ever, setting a new benchmark in both attendance and content.

In a significant development, leading Korean game publisher Nexon has returned as the main sponsor after a seven-year hiatus. Nexon’s showcase is one of the most anticipated, featuring a broad array of new K-game titles across its 300 booths, the largest setup in G-Star’s history. Notably, Nexon is joined by other major Korean developers such as Netmarble, Krafton, Pearl Abyss, and Lionheart Studio, each bringing diverse genres and platforms, from PC to mobile to console games.

Adding an international dimension, Steam, the world’s largest digital gaming platform, is participating in G-Star for the first time, hosting a dedicated indie game showcase titled “G-Star Indie Showcase 2.0: Galaxy Powered by Steam.”This 300-booth exhibit will introduce visitors to 60 indie developers, giving them hands-on experiences with unique indie games. The Steam Deck, Steam’s portable gaming device, will also be featured in a dedicated area where fans can explore indie games in a new, immersive way.

Reflecting its slogan, “Expand Your Horizon,” G-Star 2024 offers an array of attractions that promise a comprehensive look at gaming’s future. The event encompasses a traditional game showcase, a series of business networking opportunities, and exclusive programs like G-CON (Global Game Conference), which invites both international and Korean gaming luminaries. High-profile speakers include Kou Shibusawa, Chief Producer of Koei Tecmo Games, and Nicolas Doucet, Director at Team Asobi. Their talks are expected to offer insights into game development, market trends, and challenges. Organized into 42 sessions across three tracks, G-CON is regarded as a must-attend for industry professionals.

Gaming fans can also look forward to the G-Star Game Cosplay Awards on November 16, where popular cosplay teams will bring beloved gaming characters to life, with a special “All-Star Cosplay Championship” scheduled for November 17. Meanwhile, eSports enthusiasts will flock to the G-Star Cup 2024 Overwatch Tournament, held at Busan eSports Stadium. This tournament features former pro gamers and influencers competing in Overwatch 2, providing entertainment for fans of competitive gaming.

To showcase and support the Korean gaming industry, G-Star 2024 includes the Busan Joint Pavilion, which highlights 23 local game developers with a total of 29 game titles. This initiative offers small to mid-sized companies a chance to engage with international investors and publishers, helping them reach global markets. The Busan Pavilion also represents a gateway for Korean games to find distributors and partners worldwide.

The Busan Joint Pavilion has previously yielded tangible results for local developers; in 2023, companies at the Pavilion secured 193 partnerships and publishing deals with international giants like Kakao Games and SEGA. Such collaborations have helped local studios gain visibility and funding, with some developers, like Everbloom, recently securing a publishing contract in Taiwan.

With over 197,000 visitors anticipated, event organizers have implemented comprehensive crowd control and safety measures. G-Star 2024 will operate entirely on pre-purchased online tickets, minimizing on-site transactions and promoting a smooth, orderly flow. Additionally, entry times are staggered at 10 a.m. and noon to ease crowd density at key entry points.

For additional safety, the main road leading to BEXCO will be closed in both directions, and about 500 security and support personnel will be deployed, working closely with local authorities to ensure a safe environment for all attendees. Public transportation routes have been adjusted to accommodate the road closure, and clear signage will guide visitors to and from the venue.

Busan’s long-standing relationship with G-Star has not only boosted its local economy but has also positioned it as a prominent center for gaming and technology. Busan’s Mayor, Park Hyeong-jun, remarked, “Celebrating 20 years of G-Star demonstrates the global respect the Korean gaming industry has earned. We are committed to making this year’s G-Star a memorable experience for everyone while supporting the growth of our local developers.”

As G-Star 2024 opens, attendees and fans are encouraged to explore the bustling event halls filled with cutting-edge gaming experiences and a taste of the future of gaming. For schedules, program details, and ticket information, visitors can access G-Star’s official website or follow updates on social media.