Busan, South Korea – The highly anticipated global game exhibition, ‘G-Star 2023,’ is set to commence from November 16 to 19 at BEXCO, Busan, marking a momentous return to full-scale operations for the first time in four years. The event, heralded as the largest in its history, is organized by the Korea Association of Game Industry (K-GAMES), the G-Star Organizing Committee, and the Busan IT Industry Promotion Agency
‘G-Star 2023’ is not just any gaming event; it is an international exhibition where attendees can experience the latest games first-hand. This year, the exhibition boasts an impressive lineup of 3,328 booths from 1,037 companies across 42 countries. The event is structured into various segments including a game exhibition, business consultations, G-CON (a gaming conference), a subculture game festival, an indie game showcase, and esports events.
The event’s slogan, “Expand Your Horizon,” aptly reflects the diverse and expansive nature of this year’s exhibition. Notably, major game companies such as WeMade (the main sponsor for the second consecutive year), NCSoft (returning after 8 years with seven new titles), Netmarble, Google Play (a platinum sponsor participating after three years), and Smilegate, are set to captivate the gaming community with their latest PC, mobile, and console games.
In addition to the main exhibition, ‘G-Star 2023’ offers a plethora of side events for attendees, including the WeMade Festival Night and Subculture Game Festival. Highlights include a lighting drone show and fireworks event by WeMade, set to light up Haeundae Event Square and Beach on the evening of November 18. A unique plogging event, where participants can collect trash in biodegradable bags followed by a reward of fish cake skewers, is also planned.
The Subculture Game Festival, a new addition focusing on the emerging genre of subculture games, is expected to garner significant attention. Furthermore, a joint event by Nexon and EA Sports, the ‘FC Online Festival,’ is among the most anticipated events.
The G-CON conference, known for its high-profile lineup of speakers, will feature industry giants such as Kang Shin-chul of WeMade, Ha Jung-woo of Naver Cloud Center, and Shinji Mikami, the creator of Capcom’s ‘Resident Evil’ series. The conference will cover 38 sessions across three tracks at the BEXCO Convention Hall.
Local Busan companies are also participating in the ‘Busan Joint Pavilion’ in the B2B section at BEXCO Exhibition Hall 2, aiming for global market expansion. These 23 companies are showcasing 30 contents, engaging in business activities such as overseas market expansion and investment attraction.
With an expected influx of visitors, the city and the organizers have significantly strengthened safety management and security regulations. The event will feature sectioned morning and afternoon entries, 100% online pre-ticket sales with separated ticket collection points, and road closures for visitor safety and convenience. Approximately 600 personnel, including security, operation staff, and support from the city, police, and fire department, will be deployed to ensure a safe and smooth event.
Mayor Park Heong-joon of Busan emphasized the city’s commitment to injecting vitality and safety into ‘G-Star 2023’, ensuring it becomes a historic gaming show. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 10:00 AM on November 16 at BEXCO Exhibition Hall 1, with dignitaries including Busan’s Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs, Lee Seong-gwon, and G-Star Co-Chairman Kang Shin-chul.
For more information about the event, please visit the official G-Star website (https://www.gstar.or.kr/) and follow their updates on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and blog.
