City to host game exhibition for 4 more years
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Extended agreement is stepping stone to permanent host status
G-STAR, pictured here last year, is packed with experiences for visitors every year in Busan.
Busan has succeeded in becoming the host for G-STAR from 2013 to 2016, a four year extension from the original commitment. Busan has hosted the game festival from 2009 to 2012 and will host it again for another 4 years, a total of 8 years in a row. This is a stepping stone to becoming the permanent host.
The Korea Association of Game Industry recently decided to host the event in Busan from 2013 to 2016. The city pointed to its achievements and strong will to host the festival developed over the past four years and so succeeded in becoming host again. Other positives included expanded exhibition facilities such as BEXCO’s second exhibition hall and auditorium and plenty of luxury hotels, including those near Haeundae. Busan’s plentiful experience in hosting international events successfully was another reason it was chosen.
In 2009, 200,000 visitors came to G-STAR, and by 2012, the number rose to 296,000, the highest participation ever. The number of participating companies increased from 198 from 21 countries in 2009 to 434 from 31 countries in 2012. These increases are helping G-STAR become one of the three major gaming events in the world.
By hosting G-STAR for eight years in total, Busan is expecting to attract game companies from the Seoul region and for its gaming industry to develop further. The city estimates the potential economic effect at 400 billion won ($373 million).
“We will develop G-STAR into one of Busan’s famous luxury culture and industry festivals on the same level as BIFF and the Busan Fireworks Festival,” said Hur Nam-sik, Busan City mayor. “The city will also fully support the gaming industry in Busan.”
The source of news: Dynamic Busan
