**Gamescom Asia Evolves: Moving to Bangkok and Merging with Thailand Game Show**

This year marks a significant evolution for Gamescom Asia, as the third event in the annual Gamescom calendar relocates from Singapore to Bangkok. This change follows a merger with the Thailand Game Show, aiming to deliver what organizers claim will be the largest gaming showcase in the region.

The newly branded event, **Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show**, is designed to offer a robust B2B and B2C experience that unites professionals, publishers, and players. But how are the organizers working behind the scenes to fulfill this ambitious promise?

We caught up with Koelnmesse project director Daria La Valle, who oversees the event, to find out.

### Bridging East and West: A Collaborative Vision

Speaking to *Game Developer*, La Valle shares that the goal behind merging Gamescom Asia and Thailand Game Show is to facilitate widespread knowledge sharing between the East and West. She describes Asia as a “fragmented market” that can be difficult for outsiders to understand, while also acknowledging the challenges Asian developers face when trying to break into Western markets.

“Therein lies an opportunity,” La Valle explains. “Ultimately, it’s not about one region doing better than the other; it’s about global success as the world of gaming converges globally.”

She adds, “Over the past few years, Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show has grown to be the largest B2B show for the games industry in Southeast Asia, with a track record of bringing top international expert speakers to the region.”

### Growing Through Honest Evaluation

Expanding the event is an “ongoing chase,” La Valle admits, one that requires organizers to be candid about their successes and shortcomings to evolve meaningfully in support of exhibitors and attendees.

“Take, for instance, the case of Gamescom Asia launching during COVID,” she says. “We’re not going to pretend that didn’t put us on the back foot and made things really difficult. Despite that, each year we’ve grown in scope, size, and level of participation in both B2B and B2C.”

This year, the move to Thailand introduces significant growth to the B2C side. La Valle emphasizes the importance of maintaining a space that attracts developers globally to collaborate, address industry challenges, form partnerships, and grow together.

“We’re extremely aware of cost pressures for both exhibitors and attendees,” she notes.

### Why Move from Singapore to Bangkok?

Discussing the relocation, La Valle explains the limitations of Singapore’s relatively small market, which limited potential growth on the B2C front.

“With the nature of Singapore being a relatively small market, that meant on the B2C side there was only so much growth that could be achieved,” she says. “We still have a strong relationship with the Singapore government and are really grateful for the support they’ve given the show in its early years.”

She believes making the B2C portion thrive requires a bigger and better consumer show — something Bangkok can provide.

“The Thai games community is a fantastic one, from the gamers to the developers, and they’ve welcomed us with open arms,” says La Valle.

### Supporting Local Developers and Indie Talent

La Valle also pledges that **Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show** will actively support local developers to ensure they are not overshadowed when the industry’s major players come to town.

This commitment comes shortly after some Brazilian developers at Gamescom LATAM publicly criticized organizers in an open letter, claiming mistreatment.

“Indie developers have been key to our success from day one,” La Valle shares. “We’ve always had a dedicated indie area, hosted by some of the region’s leading devs. This year, we have more than 200 developers exhibiting across our dedicated indie areas and country pavilions. There’s really no risk of indies getting sidelined at Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show.”

### Tackling Cost Pressures with Added Value

Aware of the costs associated with attending large events, especially in Asia’s cost-conscious environment, Gamescom organizers strive to deliver tangible value.

“We provide free business visitor tickets to those who pre-register and offer special rates to some trade bodies around the world,” La Valle explains. “We aim to create the best possible show with numerous opportunities for people to meet, collaborate, and network.”

She highlights investments in parties, mixers, and dedicated spaces designed to facilitate connections among attendees.

“Ultimately, we bring in a great audience and put together a great event — something evidenced by several repeat exhibitors from the indie dev community who’ve been with us for years. We’ve literally seen them and their games grow,” La Valle concludes.

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The proof, of course, will be in the pudding.

Stay tuned to *Game Developer* for more coverage from Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show straight from Bangkok over the coming weeks.
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-it-s-about-global-success-gamescom-asia-x-thailand-game-show-director-outlines-vision-for-new-look-event