"gamescom asia × Thailand Game Show 2025" kicks off in Bangkok — Southeast Asia's largest integrated B2B and B2C gaming event, aiming to transform from a "nation of players" into a "nation of creators."
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999901/20251017018/
Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Noguchi | 2025/10/17 04:06 (UTC)
From October 16 to 19, 2025, the “gamescom Asia × Thailand Game Show 2025” is being held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand. This event marks a significant transformation as the previously Singapore-based “gamescom Asia” and the long-established Thai favorite, “Thailand Game Show,” have merged into Southeast Asia’s largest gaming convention.
The venue spans over 30,000 square meters across four halls, with more than 200 participating companies. Attendance is expected to exceed 200,000 visitors over the four days — a scale unmatched in Southeast Asia. This year’s gamescom Asia has been designed as a “hybrid” event combining both B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) elements, creating an inclusive format that appeals to industry professionals, developers, and gamers alike.
At the opening ceremony, Lars Janssen, Chairman of the German Video Games Industry Association, stated, “This is the first time gamescom Asia and Thailand Game Show are being held jointly in Bangkok — it’s truly exciting.” He and Managing Director Felix Falk both noted that the integration with Thailand Game Show has infused the event with even greater energy than during its previous Singapore editions.
Felix Falk (left) and Lars Janssen (right), German Video Games Industry Association Image Gallery No.002 thumbnail / gamescom Asia × Thailand Game Show 2025 kicks off in Bangkok — A hybrid event integrating B2B and B2C, aiming to shift from a “nation of players” to a “nation of creators”
“Being able to realize gamescom’s vision of a ‘360-degree gaming festival’ in Bangkok alongside our Thailand Game Show partners is truly rewarding,” Falk said. This year’s event introduces a dedicated business section, expected to strengthen ties between European and Southeast Asian markets. “Southeast Asia is an incredibly fascinating and rapidly growing emerging market — witnessing its development is exhilarating, and the future looks bright,” both officials expressed with optimism.
gamescom has already established itself as a global brand, with events held in Cologne, Germany; “gamescom LATAM” in São Paulo, Brazil; and developer-focused conferences such as “gamescom DEV.” With Bangkok now joining this lineup, gamescom’s presence across the Asia-Pacific region is set to grow even stronger.
Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin Image Gallery No.003 thumbnail / gamescom Asia × Thailand Game Show 2025 kicks off in Bangkok — A hybrid event integrating B2B and B2C, aiming to shift from a “nation of players” to a “nation of creators”
Representing Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) and the Department of International Trade Promotions (DITP), Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin provided detailed insights into government initiatives supporting the local gaming industry.
Thailand’s gaming market has now surpassed 35 billion baht (approximately 16 billion yen) in size, maintaining a remarkable annual growth rate of 15–20%. The country boasts over 30 million gamers, with gaming-related spending reaching $1.1 billion last year.
DEPA and DITP are implementing diverse programs to support Thai game developers and entrepreneurs — acting as bridges between financial institutions and creative studios to facilitate funding; advancing digital talent development initiatives tailored for the games industry; and actively supporting participation of Thai developers at international events like Tokyo Game Show, G-Star, and gamescom, providing valuable global exposure. “We firmly believe that people are the key drivers of any industry,” emphasized Nimmanphatcharin.
This year, Thailand is poised to become the first country in Southeast Asia to pass a Game Industry Promotion Act. This legislation will strengthen business environments, protect consumers, and establish a comprehensive career framework spanning developers, animators, content creators, and related organizations — creating an ecosystem that supports every facet of the industry. “Our vision is to position Thailand as a global destination for gaming — securing its status as a viable alternative hub within this region or even worldwide,” Nimmanphatcharin declared with ambitious resolve.
Kittipong Prucksa-aroon Image Gallery No.004 thumbnail / gamescom Asia × Thailand Game Show 2025 kicks off in Bangkok — A hybrid event integrating B2B and B2C, aiming to shift from a “nation of players” to a “nation of creators”
Kittipong Prucksa-aroon, President of the Thai Games Software Industry Association (TGA), spoke about the historical significance of this event: “For the first time in Thailand’s history, we are opening the doors to a true B2B platform dedicated to the global gaming industry. We’ve created a space where creators, investors, publishers, and institutions can come together as equals.” He described this moment as a pivotal milestone for Southeast Asia rising as a new epicenter of game development.
Thailand has long been known as an enthusiastic player nation — but this event marks the first major step toward becoming a “nation of creators.” The president said, “Today, something even greater is beginning,” highlighting that over 60 Thai studios are participating alongside thousands of talented professionals. “Their projects demonstrate creativity, collaboration, and innovation — proving that Thai developers are fully prepared to take center stage on the global stage,” he added with pride.
The TGA’s mission is to connect, strengthen, and promote Thailand’s gaming ecosystem. Through close coordination with developers, investors, government agencies including DEPA, DITP, and the Ministry of Culture, the association aims to build a competitive, sustainable industry and position Thailand as Southeast Asia’s gaming hub. Addressing attendees, he urged local studios: “Share your own stories — let people across the region and around the world discover Thailand’s creativity, resilience, and spirit of collaboration.”
Indie game corner within the business area Image Gallery No.005 thumbnail / gamescom Asia × Thailand Game Show 2025 kicks off in Bangkok — A hybrid event integrating B2B and B2C, aiming to shift from a “nation of players” to a “nation of creators”
This year’s event is structured to serve both B2B and B2C audiences across separate days. October 16–17 are primarily dedicated to business activities, focusing on industry networking and commercial negotiations. From October 17 through the 19th, entertainment zones open to general visitors feature hands-on game trials, stage events, and fan experiences.
The entertainment zone will welcome major companies such as Bandai Namco, Capcom, and Ubisoft. Around 80 indie titles are also scheduled for exhibition, offering ample opportunities to discover fresh works from global emerging developers.
Thailand Pavilion featuring Thai developers Image Gallery No.006 thumbnail / gamescom Asia × Thailand Game Show 2025 kicks off in Bangkok — A hybrid event integrating B2B and B2C, aiming to shift from a “nation of players” to a “nation of creators” Image Gallery No.007 thumbnail / gamescom Asia × Thailand Game Show 2025 kicks off in Bangkok — A hybrid event integrating B2B and B2C, aiming to shift from a “nation of players” to a “nation of creators”
Fan-oriented activities include cosplay contests, esports competitions, autograph sessions with voice actors and influencers, and live performances — turning the event into a space not just for “playing” games but also for experiencing them and connecting with others.
At this year’s gamescom Asia × Thailand Game Show 2025, we will be highlighting games developed by Thai studios as well as presentations aimed at industry professionals.
Queen Sirikit National Convention Center Image Gallery No.008 thumbnail / gamescom Asia × Thailand Game Show 2025 kicks off in Bangkok — A hybrid event integrating B2B and B2C, aiming to shift from a “nation of players” to a “nation of creators”