Leading the charge is Korea, one of the most attractive game markets not only in Asia, but also the world. It’s now the fifth largest region for games overall, behind only the US, China, Japan and the UK.

Korea represents a total of 5.7% of the world game market as of 2016, with the second largest online game market and the fourth largest for mobile games. This year, Korea’s market value for games is expected to exceed $9 billion for the first time.

Why Korea?

G-STAR is striving to become a global game exhibition. Unlike other Asian territories such as China, Korea has a low level of regulation on foreign games, making it easier for overseas developers to launch their titles into the region. Additionally, Korea has a fast internet network, which helps the distribution and uptake of games.

Domestic game companies largely focus on PC online and mobile games, but the console sector is now growing rapidly. Korean users’ response to foreign games – especially AAA titles – is very hot.

How To Get Involved

Developers looking to explore the region’s potential will find an ideal introduction at Asia’s biggest games exhibition, G-STAR. Taking place in Busan this November 14th to 17th, this global game exhibition has become an international hotspot for companies both exporting and importing games.

G-STAR has the highest volume of b2b exhibitors in Asia as well as overseas game exhibitors. While other global b2b exhibitions and game shows decline, G-STAR continues to be an attractive proposition for companies exporting and importing games.

With numerous special events and a networking platform, G-STAR is the central hub for the gaming industry in Asia. As well as a conference schedule featuring key speakers, and the core b2b and b2c exhibitions, there is also an investment market, recruitment fair and more. Via the conference programme, called G-CON, you can meet the key speakers from companies making AAA titles.

2019 also sees the introduction of the Indie Showcase, giving indie devs the opportunity to receive feedback about their games from attendees. This year it’s all about win-win for the indie games scene. It’s a great way for indie developers to get feedback from visitors, who might otherwise not have much contact with gamers themselves.

It is possible to register now at the official site! https://www.gstar.or.kr/eng

Get to know G-STAR before you go

G-STAR is sponsoring activities around Europe in 2019 to raise awareness of the November event.

Working with Pocket Gamer publishers Steel Media, G-STAR presents a free Games Mixer near Gamescom in Cologne this August 21st, where you will hear expert speakers reveal the secrets of the South Korean games industry in a look behind the scenes of one of the most vibrant games markets on Earth. Bookings are now open via Eventbrite.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/g-star-games-mixer-2019-presented-by-pocket-gamer-tickets-65386433583

G-STAR is also supporting Pocket Gamer Connects in Helsinki this October, as well as acting as season sponsor of the international Big Indie Pitch competitions taking place from London to Hong Kong, via Seattle and Helsinki.

https://www.pgconnects.com/helsinki/

http://www.bigindiepitch.com/

To find out how to participate in these activities, please contact Mr Chris James: chris@pocketgamer.co.uk

It features fringe events, a lecture series, exhibition space and all the activity of the largest industry conferences. There are a variety of benefits for indie developers, including a special G-STAR indie showcase this year. Please register through the G-STAR Indie Showcase registration page. (https://www.gstar.or.kr/eng/board/board_user_view.do?bd_idx=219&bmt_idx=9) Steel Media will be running its acclaimed Big Indie Pitch at the venue too, so small and independent studios will have the chance to hone their pitching skills in quick-fire rounds with panels of press, publishers and pundits.

G-STAR features a matchmaking platform to facilitate deals with other trade visitors. And the G-CON conference programme brings speakers from around the world to share insight and experience. Last year’s experts included representatives from EA, Epic, Blizzard, Naughty Dog, CD Projekt Red, Microsoft and loads more.

Discover A Gateway To The Asian Market
We all know that Asia is the biggest and fastest growing region in the games business, and as games industry professionals you really should be getting first-hand experience. The Korean market alone is one of the top five in the world, with some of the biggest names in development and publishing based in the region – think NetMarble, Nexon, Gamevil, Smilegate, Bluehole and more – but G-STAR also attracts top names from even bigger markets like China and Japan plus the rapidly growing regions of South East Asia and India.

Connecting with these companies remotely can be tough, but G-STAR serves as an accessible, one-stop gateway, whether you’re looking for investment, publishing partners or exciting new games to bring west – it’s all here.

There’s no need for visas from most countries, English is widely spoken (with translators on offer to all overseas exhibitors) and the simple meeting system and open expo area make it incredibly easy to find decision makers and make new connections.

It’s not all work, work, work either. Busan is a fun and culturally interesting spot to visit (a major hub of parks, beaches and culture exhibitions as well as a centre for business and industry) and since English is widely spoken in South Korea, it’s a convenient and friendly place to begin your Asian adventure.

Get To Know G-STAR Before You Go
G-STAR will be sponsoring activities around Europe in 2019 to raise awareness of this amazing opportunity. Working with Pocket Gamer publishers Steel Media, G-STAR will be running a VIP mixer at Gamescom in Cologne in August, supporting PG Connects in Helsinki in October, and acting as season sponsor of the international Big Indie Pitch competitions taking place from London to Hong Kong, via San Francisco and Helsinki.

To find out how to participate in these activities, please contact Mr Chris James: chris@pocketgamer.co.uk

ABOUT G-STAR
Organized by the Korea Association of Game Industry (K-GAMES) and co-organized by G-STAR Organizing Committee and Busan IT Industry Promotion Agency, the G-STAR conference is “the best gateway to the Asia games market”. Launched in 2005, this annual South Korean computer and video game trade and consumer show is the one-stop, easily-accessible gateway to Eastern markets, and takes place annually in Busan, South Korea. With one of the most active and developed gaming markets behind it, the biggest players in publishing, development and investment gather at G-STAR every year, to do business and set the industry trends. Register now at https://www.gstar.or.kr/eng