G-Star Korea Gaming Expo Booth Design & Operation Tips

.

G-Star is the biggest game expo in Korea, held annually at BEXCO in Busan. The event attracts thousands of gamers, with long lines forming even before the exhibition opens, making it one of the most popular gaming events and festivals in the country.

Having managed the exhibition planning and operations for major game companies like Webzen, Tencent, Wemade, and Shift Up over the past 11 years, we have accumulated significant experience. Here are some key tips we consider essential when preparing for G-Star.

.

G-Star Korea Booth Design & Concept

Designing an effective and engaging booth is crucial for a successful exhibition at G-Star. Here are some key tips and important considerations for creating a standout booth concept.

• Define Your Theme and Identity

Establishing a clear and strong theme that aligns with your game’s identity is essential. This includes designing spaces that enhance engagement and make visitors feel like they are stepping into the game’s world. High-quality visuals, costumes, and props should be meticulously crafted to reflect the game’s characteristics and immerse visitors in the game.

• Seamless User Flow

Plan the layout to ensure a smooth flow for visitors from entry to exit. A well-organized layout that guides visitors through various interactive zones and activities ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience. Make sure the transition between different sections is smooth, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the game’s world without confusion or congestion.

• Immersive and Interactive Experiences

Create an environment where visitors can deeply engage with the game. Incorporate interactive elements such as life-sized character displays, demo stations, themed environments, and captivating storylines to effectively convey the game’s atmosphere. Consider adding features like photo booths, character voting areas, and stamp tours, where visitors can collect stamps through different activities to receive merchandise.

By focusing on these elements, you can create a booth that not only attracts attention but also provides a memorable and engaging experience for all attendees.

.

Cosplay Tips

• Professional Cosplay

G-Star is also a cosplay festival. Nowadays, even amateur cosplayers have high-quality costumes. Poor preparation can leave a negative impression. For Webzen, we collaborated with professional cosplayers suited to the subculture game genre. Korea’s top cosplay model, ‘Aza Miyuko‘, portrayed the character ‘Cecilia‘ from the game Terbis. Professional cosplayers not only wear costumes but also deeply study the characters to perform with synchronized expressions, poses, and movements. This dedication drew significant attention from gamers and impressed even the game creators.

• High Quality of Costume

There’s a saying, “The devil is in the details.” It means that thorough attention to detail is crucial. Working with our costume and weapon production partners, we had to play the role of the devil, meticulously inspecting and replicating even the smallest details. From wrinkles in costumes to minute color differences, nothing was overlooked. We conducted multiple tests and rehearsals with cosplayers until the day before the G-Star opening.

Invisible details matter. Our professional spirit aligned with the cosplayers, who passionately studied every detail, from character movements to narration. Though it was a painstaking process, the result was an unparalleled level of detail that created a profound impact.

Merchandise Tips

• Merch Lists Flood the Web

When G-Star opens, bloggers and YouTubers quickly post about the event’s merchandise, sparking competition. For attendees, obtaining merchandise is a source of happiness, and for fans, it’s a cherished collectible. Therefore, merchandise is not just a product but a medium for conveying brand experiences.

• Merch For Event Participation

For the Flint-Astra exhibition, we planned eight types of merchandise, including blankets, stickers, removable stickers, magnets, large mouse pads, tumblers, prism card tags, and playing cards. We categorized items from C-level to S-level to boost event participation.

• Connecting Booth Events Using Merch

Webzen also paid close attention to merchandise quality. From Webzen Friends brand products to unique IP-themed goods, we prepared a ‘Webzen Menu’ to showcase over 15 types of merchandise at a glance. We pre-planned user pathways connecting outdoor booth events, popularity voting, demo zones, and social media events, designing a stamp event that allowed gamers to enjoy collecting merchandise as part of the booth experiences.

Planning a Stage Event for G-Star Korea

Planning effective stage events is crucial for a successful G-Star exhibition. Here are some key tips for creating engaging and memorable stage events.

• Designing Engaging Stage Programs

First, designing stage programs is essential. Engaging programs attract and retain visitors, encouraging them to stay longer and return. To avoid empty seats and a dull atmosphere, curate interesting content with intriguing guests and activities like OX quizzes, mini-games, tournaments, and lucky draws. It’s also important to be flexible and ready to adjust the program based on the live audience’s reactions.

• Hiring a Skilled MC

Second, hiring a skilled MC is vital for managing stage events. Having multiple scripts and cue sheets ready for unexpected situations ensures better preparedness. An MC who enjoys gaming, connects well with the audience, and thinks on their feet can keep the energy high and effectively manage the crowd, making the event more dynamic and engaging.

• Conducting Thorough Rehearsals and Simulations

Lastly, conducting thorough rehearsals and simulations is crucial for ensuring both safety and fun. Comprehensive rehearsals and scenario simulations help in planning for smooth and safe events. Balancing entertainment and safety through proper planning provides an enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Implementing these strategies will make stage events at G-Star both captivating and secure, leaving a lasting impression on all visitors.

Previous: G-Star 2024: the Largest Gaming Convention in Korea (Link)

Next: G-Star Korea Essential Tips for Exhibitors (Coming soon)