It’s nearing the end of September and October is just around the corner, and that means GameStart 2018 is rapidly approaching!
Southeast Asia’s Premier Game Convention will be celebrating its 5th year on this October 13 and 14 at Suntec Convention Centre, Halls 401-403.
Organisers Eliphant has announced a series of returning favourites as well as new and exciting content for everyone, including plenty of game showcases, previews, esports, indie games, retro gaming, cosplay and the return of last year’s popular GameStart Tabletop, with 2018’s theme centred around fantasy.
SEA Major (SEAM) 2018 will also be returning, giving esports fanatics even more reasons to attend GameStart 2018, with even more international tournaments set to be held over the two days. Mobile esports with SEA Mobile Major (SEAMM) will also be bringing the big guns with the Shadowverse Contenders Cup for the Southeast Asia & Oceania region.
Esports has been garnering huge interest and publicity in recent years. Coupled with the popularity of mobile gaming and as celebrities openly play games such as Fortnite, gaming is now more mainstream than ever. In GameStart, we have seen a gradual shift in the demographics of GameStart attendees – from hardcore gamers when we first started to a wider variety of visitors, from esports fans, competitive gamers, to families with young children. Our content has also evolved to be more inclusive of different interest groups, such as our partnership with Doujin Market and the introduction of our Tabletop area, which was very well received last year,”
Elicia Lee, Founder of GameStart Asia.
In addition to all the competitive action, 2018 will also play host to new GameStart Masterclasses by internationally-acclaimed game artists for local budding and professional game artists, as well as GameStart Workshops that focus on a range of general gaming-related topics for all those interested in the industry. Trainers include Carlo Arellano, Art Director of Super Evil Megacorp, and Jacqueline AX Jocson, Art Director & Concept Artist.
Overwatch fans have better get their tickets early, for actress Elise Zhang, better known as the voice of Mei in the popular hero shooter will be making her local debut here at GameStart. Zhang is also the voice of Symmetra in the Mandarin version of the game, Lily in Heroes of Storm, and Alleria Windrunner in HearthStone.
Of course, it would not be GameStart without community involvement, and 2018 is no exception with GameStart Cosplay Runway and Doujin Market, Singapore’s largest community-curated youth arts and illustration fair. The fan favourite Secretlab Grand Prix will be held for the third year running, and the competitor with the fastest timing EACH DAY gets to bring home their own Secretlab Chair!
Continuing the vein of improvements each year, GameStart 2018 will also be bringing back the F&B section, the Sanctuary, where a selection of awesome vendors, with great food and tasty beverages including specially selected craft beers, welcomes all within the convention grounds.
Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.
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