Singapore is finally getting the video gaming convention it needs, and deserves, and we are excited silly for it. Forged in the likeness of some of the great gaming conventions of our generation; the Tokyo Game Show and Penny Arcade Expos (PAX), GameStart Asia is the all-embracing exposition that the region has been yearning for some time now. If you’re looking a reason to visit GameStart this weekend call off your search because we’ve got you ten. 

Games, games, games

There will be games, and oh there will be plenty. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Far Cry 4, Minecraft, The Evil Within, and we’re barely scratching the surface with these four titles. If you want a whiff of what’s big and what’s to come in the video game industry, you’ve come to the right place. 

Click here to check out the full list of games. 

Greatness awaits

Next gen is officially this gen, and all those “next gen” games that dazzled you at E3 will be making an appearance right here at GameStart. Sony’s bringing in the cavalry, promising 30 playable games at their massive interactive Playstation booth ranging from crowd favourites, Little Big Planet 3, to hugely anticipated blockbuster exclusives in The Order 1886, Bloodborne, and many more. 

Inglorious(ly sick) bundles!

If an excuse to buy a new gaming console or rig is what you’re after you’re in luck. Sony Playstation and Microsoft’s Xbox are sweetening those console bundles with mobile phones, complimentary online subscriptions, and even video games, just for you. And if console gaming isn’t really your thing, don’t worry, Singtel (in partnership with Aftershock PCs) has got a little something for you PC gamers too. 

Be kind rewind with Versus City

Want to relive the good old days of Contra, Street Fighter 2, or Mega Bomerman? Explore retro gaming with Retro DNA, GameStart’s pre-millennia gaming exhibition by Versus City. Immerse yourself in the games and culture that made 21st century gaming what it is today. Whether you’re a sucker for nostalgia or just looking to cultivate an appreciation for the hoary, you’ve got to check this out. 

Asia’s first look/hands on!

Play EVOLVE, Bloodborne, The Order 1886, and many more! At GameStart you will get the opportunity to be one of the first in Asia (or even the world!) to sample some of the most promising games yet to be released. It’s time South East Asia saw some triple-A first play action.

Movers, Shakers, and Producers 

Rub shoulders with industry leaders and celebrities. Esteemed video game developers, Ono Yoshinori (producer of the Street Fighter Series) and Masaaki Yamagiwa (producer of Bloodborne) are just some of the few speakers holding dialogs at the two day conference. If its glitz of the Esports kind that you’re after rest assured, there will be plenty of that too.

Mind if I roll need?

GameStart has its very own loot system and it’s packing some serious swag. All ticket holders are entered into the daily lucky draw and winners can walk away with a whole slew of goodies ranging from video games to the latest gaming consoles. In addition, the first 300 visitors to GameStart each day will receive a randomized loot bag too. Did we mention that Blizzard will be giving out Hearthstone card packs and beta keys to Warlords of Draenor too?

Revel in the spirit of competition

If the luck of the draw doesn’t favour you why not earn it instead? There will be several Esports tournaments running within the GameStart premises with the biggest being the Capcom Pro Tour Asia. Other contests include Singapore’s largest FIFA tournament, and the finals for Naruto, Gundam Extreme VS FB, Soul Calibur, and more. Winners of PS4’s DRIVECLUB challenge might even earn a ride round the compound in a supercar! 

Because Cosplay

Fantastic beasts, mighty heroes, glorious champions, and nefarious villains from all walks of video gaming lore, culture, and literature will congregate once more. If you’ve made a hobby of dressing up as your favourite video game character you’re in good company, but if hero spotting is what you enjoy more, you’ll be in for a treat! 

Unlock the achievement

If anything, going down to GameStart this weekend makes you a pioneer. This convention is the first of its kind and you’d want to say that you were there right at the beginning. This is a monumental victory for video gaming in Singapore so come on down and celebrate it with us. Do it for the (sense of) achievement. We’ll see you there.

GameStart 2014 | 25-26 October
Suntec City Convention Centre 
Tickets: $8.50 (1 day pass), $15 (2 day pass)