The pulsating energy of G-STAR 2023 took Busan by storm, transforming BEXCO into a haven for gamers of all ages. Beyond the dazzling displays from industry giants like NCSoft, Smilegate RPG, and Netmarble, it was the diverse mix of attendees that truly set this year's event apart.
Here are the key user insights:
1. Family-Friendly Gaming: G-STAR 2023 showcased a significant rise in family attendance, indicating a growing trend of parents engaging in gaming activities with their children. This highlights a shift in the gaming landscape, as parents seek to create shared experiences and memories through diverse game genres suitable for all ages.
2. Cross-Platform Enchantment: Games like 'Lost Ark' from Smilegate RPG demonstrated the industry's commitment to providing a seamless cross-platform gaming experience. The adaptation of this massively multiplayer online role-playing game for mobile, PC, and VR platforms garnered immense interest, showcasing a desire among users for flexibility and accessibility in their gaming experiences.
3. Unexplored Genres: NCSoft's bold foray into the open-world massively multiplayer online shooting game genre with "LLL" caught the attention of attendees. The game's ambitious narrative and high-quality production highlighted a growing interest in unexplored genres, signaling a shift away from conventional gaming norms and a hunger for innovative and immersive gaming experiences.
4. Graphic Prowess and Technological Advancements: The use of advanced technologies, such as Unreal Engine 5, in games like 'Lost Ark,' left a lasting impression on users. Attendees praised the stunning graphics, indicating a demand for top-tier visual experiences in the gaming world. This showcases a continued focus on pushing the boundaries of gaming visuals and technology.
5. Global Appeal of Subculture Games: Netmarble's "The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin" highlighted the increasing global appeal of subculture genre games. With anime-style graphics and a captivating storyline based on a popular Japanese anime IP, the game generated international buzz even before the exhibition. This points to a growing interest in diverse and culturally rich gaming experiences beyond traditional Western genres.
6. Diverse Narrative Experiences: Attendees expressed enthusiasm for games that offer diverse narrative experiences. "The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin" promised a multiverse original story with a unique protagonist, catering to players who seek engaging storylines and exclusive narrative content. This trend indicates a demand for games that go beyond standard gameplay mechanics and prioritize immersive storytelling.
7. Inclusivity Across Age Groups and Professions: G-STAR 2023 welcomed a diverse audience, including families, couples, and professionals from various industries. This reflects the inclusive nature of gaming, breaking away from stereotypes that once associated gaming primarily with a specific demographic. The event showcased gaming as a universal hobby that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.
G-STAR 2023 highlighted a dynamic gaming landscape characterized by a blend of family-friendly experiences, cross-platform innovation, a thirst for unexplored genres, cutting-edge graphics, global subculture game appeal, diverse narrative storytelling, and an inclusive gaming community that spans generations and professions.