[아이뉴스24 박예진 기자] The season of the game show ‘G-Star’ has returned after the quarantine due to Corona 19 is over. Although you still need to wear a mask, it is expected to exceed the scale of 2019 when considering the size of the exhibition hall and space for additional events, and it is expected to be decorated with a lively atmosphere rather than the limited ‘control quarantine’ like last year.
This year marks the first time in three years overseas that global offline game shows such as Tokyo Game Show and Gamescom were held. However, there are many views that the game show itself has entered a decline as large global companies have been absent in recent years.
There is no reason not to be thirsty for game shows. The unique game events that large companies such as Nintendo Direct, PlayStation Showcase, and Xbox Games Showcase unveil before game shows are attracting attention enough, and the fact that experience points have been accumulated through online showcases during the COVID-19 period also has an impact.
However, it is true that there are areas where each online event cannot fill the scene where game lovers gather. This is because offline game shows not only provide marketing, media connection, and business transaction opportunities, but also breathe together as a festival for gamers.
The reason why a festival is a festival is only felt when the event is over and we return to reality. What distinguishes festivals from exhibitions and expositions where works are simply arranged, exhibited and viewed is the memories shared through a collective experience, and the catharsis and excitement of new works.
In the past period, due to COVID-19 and quarantine measures, both booths and visitors have decreased, and the participation of large companies has been sluggish, but it is not without gain. This is because there were quite a few responses that the opportunity to demonstrate the game increased and it was pleasant, unlike in previous years, when people waited for hours for a few minutes of game demonstration.
This year, G-Star is said to be preparing online content in parallel by utilizing the online experiences of 2020 and 2021, when Corona 19 spread. Even if it goes through trial and error, I hope that it will develop into a ‘festival venue’ where you can wait for the next G-Star with memories and excitement after the end of G-Star.
/Reporter Park Ye-jin([email protected])