Visitors Flock to Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show 2026 in Record-Breaking Event

Southeast Asia is becoming a hotspot for international gaming events, and the latest figures from Bangkok prove it. Once a regional celebration, Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show now attracts developers, publishers and investors worldwide. Beyond the latest game releases, this year’s event created new business opportunities. With international participation soaring, the region is strengthening its position as a global gaming hub.

Record international turnout

From October 29 to November 1, Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre welcomed an impressive 219,546 attendees from 113 countries. Organisers called it their most international edition yet, and the numbers certainly back that up.

A total of 335 exhibitors and pavilions participated, up from 294 last year, with 64% coming from outside Thailand. Covering 38,519 square metres, the massive exhibition also brought together 20 national pavilions and industry delegations, including representatives from Germany, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.

Business opportunities expand

Of course, there was more happening behind the scenes than simply showing off new games. For developers and publishers, the event offered valuable opportunities to connect, collaborate and potentially secure their next big deal. During the first two days, the business area attracted 6,923 visitors from 78 countries, marking a 24% increase from 2025. Interestingly, more than half came from overseas, while 509 developers, publishers and investors joined dedicated networking activities.

Adding to the experience, DOOM co-creator John Romero headlined a conference featuring 81 speakers from 27 countries, reflecting on decades of game development. Publishers such as Team17 and Focus Entertainment also shared what kinds of projects they were interested in supporting, giving aspiring studios a better idea of where opportunities might lie.

Major games take spotlight

Away from the business discussions, fans had plenty to get excited about. With 582 playable titles, including 347 indie games, the area was packed with things to discover. Among the top upcoming video game releases featured were Final Fantasy VII Revelation, Persona 4 Revival, Stranger Than Heaven and Total War: WARHAMMER 40,000. Meanwhile, CAPCOM gave fans a closer look at Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, with producer Ryozo Tsujimoto introducing the new Skybound Eyrie locale.

But established franchises weren’t the only ones getting attention. Celebrating gaming industry innovations and emerging talent, the Asia Game Talent Showcase gave 20 student finalists a chance to present their creations. Thailand’s Team Xilosopher took home Talent of the Year for God Lies Above, while the Philippines’ Handuraw Studios won Best Narrative for Kapit Buhay.

More than just games

Away from the showfloor, the festivities continued with ACE, a new pop culture festival celebrating anime, comics and entertainment. Fans also enjoyed a cosplay competition featuring THB 300,000 in prizes, while CAPCOM’s Pragmata claimed Game of the Year at the Thailand Game Awards. And the excitement wasn’t limited to those attending in person. Livestreams and digital content generated nearly 34 million views worldwide, giving even more people a taste of the action.

So, what’s next? Organisers have already confirmed that Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show will return to Bangkok from October 21 to 24, 2027. With international partnerships growing and fresh game development talent finding its audience, Southeast Asia’s place on the global stage is becoming harder to ignore.