Sunday, October 22, 2023
Gamescom Asia 2023: A Snazzy Entertainment Zone With Capcom, Sony Playstation, Ubisoft, and more!
gamescom asia first in-person Entertainment Zone, which ran from 21 and 22 October 2023 at Suntec Convention Centre, .
Red Dot Diva checked out the show together with gamer buddy Edward yesterday on 21 October 2023. Even if you are not that into games, you will find the convention hall super eye-catching, with the colourful LED lights and brilliant wall-to-wall giant screens on the main and competitive stages. Gotta say, gamescom asia has probably the most gorgeous looking showfloor and stage setup that Red Dot Diva has seen so far in a local large scale festival.
In this year's show, there are over 100 games titles and over 200 board games for enthusiasts to try out. The latest AAA games showcased include Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (PlayStation), and Capcom's Dragon's Dogma. Ubisoft had a fantastic looking booth hyping up their action-adventure pirate game, Skull and Bones. Gaming fans can also enjoy playing Just Dance 2024 (PlayStation), S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (4Divinity), Atomic Heart (Epicsoft Asia), and Assassin’s Creed: Mirage (Ubisoft). And if you prefer indie games, there was a indie village with publishers from all over the world like Battlebrew Productions, Junkfish, Ogre Head Studios and Tantanmen Games.
Other than the game booths, attendees could catch the short panels by industry players on stage, get to meet and greet cosplayer guests, and be a spectator of the thrilling Capcom Pro Tour 2023 Offline Premiere Singapore tournament.
Red Dot Diva's gamer friend Edward offers his Top 3 highlights of gamescom asia's Entertainment Zone - https://reddotdiva.blogspot.com/2023/10/gamescon-asia-2023-highlights.html. Do you agree with his choices?
Hopefully, next year there will be even more fun and exciting gaming content!
If you were unnable to make it to gamescom asia 2023, check out Red Dot Diva's walk-through video at gamescom asia on 21 October 2023 to see what the show is like:
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RELATED GAMESCOM ASIA 2023 ARTICLES
Gamescom Asia 2023's Entertainment Zone To Shift To Physical Format (19 to 22 October 2023)
Gamescom Asia 2023 - Capcom Announced For Inaugural B2C Entertainment Zone
Gamescom Asia - Grab Your Tickets For The Entertainment Zone!
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gamescom asia is the satellite event of gamescom, the world's largest event for computer and video games and Europe's largest business platform for the games industry. Both events are organized by Koelnmesse, one of the world's largest trade fair companies.
For more information and the latest updates, visit gamescom asia website, or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Discord, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
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If you enjoy Red Dot Diva's content, feel free to help her endeavours going by showing your support through ko-fi. Thank you!
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Power Up With Gamescom Asia 2023: Top 3 Highlights Of The Entertainment Zone!
This year's gamescom asia runs its first in-person Entertainment Zone, from 21 and 22 October 2023, at Suntec Convention Centre.
Red Dot Diva checked out the show together with gamer buddy Edward yesterday on 21 October 2023. Even if you are not that into games, you will find the show hall really eye-catching with the colourful LED lights and grand wall to wall giant screens on the main and competitive stages.
Here is Edward's write-up on top 3 highlights of the Entertainment Zone!
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Hey there, fellow gamers! Picture this: an epic journey into the heart of the gaming universe, where your beloved games come to life in ways you've never imagined. gamescom asia is a four-day event that is a testament to the gaming industry's dynamism, a dream come true, even for a casual mobile gamer like me. It's not just a convention; it's an adventure waiting to happen. With every step I took into the highly anticipated event, I was greeted by a vibrant neon world. I got to explore, discover, and celebrate my love for gaming alongside thousands of like-minded enthusiasts. From the latest game releases to the chance to meet the voice actors behind them, gamescom asia promises an experience that's thrilling, immersive, and undeniably unforgettable. These are my three highlights from an intrepid Day 3 adventure at the Entertainment Zone.
You cannot miss Xiaohai and his box of obfuscation |
1: Capcom Pro Tour 2023 - Singapore Offline
Man, you won't believe the sheer excitement of attending a live Street Fighter tournament! It's a whole different ball game compared to just watching it on Twitch or catching Youtube replays. Being in that arena, you can feel the hype building up as fans like me gather to see our favourite players live in action. The place is buzzing with energy, and it's not just the impressive drive rushes and mind boggling reads that get your heart racing, it's the whole atmosphere. The crowd's reactions, the collective gasps, and the wild cheers make each match an unforgettable experience. But what's even cooler is the chance to meet your gaming idols.
I managed to catch Xiaohai, kakeru, and moke in action, legends I’ve been cheering for from my couch. Not too pleased that Daigo was knocked out of the tournament - if only he had not stuck with Ken, his first character of choice since SF6 launched. If you cannot attend, head to this linke to watch the live coverage of the Grand Finals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ylqxv75-y-k
2. Indie Wavemakers
I am weak against match 3 games …
One of the most heartwarming aspects of gamescom asia is the spotlight it shines on independent game makers. It's a chance to step off the beaten path and uncover hidden gems. These indie developers pour their hearts and souls into crafting unique and innovative mobile games that often fly under the radar. Here, you'll find the chance to chat with these creators, hear the stories behind their games, and even get a sneak peek at their latest projects. It's a chance to celebrate their passion for gaming and, who knows, you might stumble upon your new addiction, created with love and creativity, right there on the convention floor.
gamescom asia truly embodies the spirit of inclusivity, making sure that everyone, from gaming giants to indie underdogs, gets their moment to shine. It's an exhilarating and heartwarming experience that adds a whole new dimension to the joy of gaming.
My top two picks:
* Rogue Match (the extraplanar invasion)
* Bō (Path of the Teal Lotus)
Pew pew! |
3. Retro City Tabletop Arcade
And let's not forget the nostalgia-inducing old-school arcade section at gamescom asia. Stepping into this retro wonderland is like taking a delightful trip down memory lane. With the neon lights, the sounds of classic cabinets, and the unmistakable clacking of buttons, it's an instant time machine to the golden era of gaming. Here, you can immerse yourself in timeless classics like Double Dragon, reliving the days when pixels ruled the gaming world. You'll find yourself surrounded by a bustling crowd, battling your way through beat 'em ups and high-score challenges. It's not just about the games; it's about revisiting the roots of our gaming passions, where the excitement was simple and pure.
The old-school arcade at gamescom asia is a cherished reminder of why we fell in love with gaming in the first place, and it's an absolute must-visit for any gamer seeking a slice of nostalgia and a chance to share these timeless experiences with a new generation of players.
And that’s it. I know there’s a massive Capcom booth with Dragon Dogma 2 and Ace Attorney but I’ll leave those for you to uncover!
So, fellow gamers, whether you're here for the latest mobile marvels, the underdog indie gems, the nostalgia of old-school classics, or the thrill of meeting your heroes, gamescom asia is where you belong. It's not just an event; it's a testament to the boundless passion and camaraderie that define our shared gaming journey.
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gamescom asia is the satellite event of gamescom, the world's largest event for computer and video games and Europe's largest business platform for the games industry. Both events are organized by Koelnmesse, one of the world's largest trade fair companies.
For more information and the latest updates, visit gamescom asia website, or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Discord, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
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If you enjoy Red Dot Diva's content, feel free to help her endeavours going by showing your support through ko-fi. Thank you!
Friday, October 20, 2023
Diva's Review: MAMMA MIA! Makes You Feel Like A Disco Dancing Queen - So Fabulous and Fun!
Are you a super trouper ABBA fan?
Even better still, are you a super trouper ABBA fan, who has also been dreaming of a Greek holiday? Well then, MAMMA MIA!, a joyous jukebox musical created by producer Judy Craymer, will be the perfect experience for you!
MAMMA MIA! first played in Red Dot Island in 2014, and returned for another time in 2018. This time, the show is back on a limited run from now till 5 November 2023 at the Sands Theatre. The English-language International Tour premiered in Dublin in September 2004. Since then, the troupe has visited 41 countries, performing a total of more than 3,500 shows. Over 7 million people from all over the world have watched the MAMMA MIA! musical. That's phenomenal!
Set in sunny Greece, MAMMA MIA! is a charming mother-and-daughter story told through ABBA's catalogue of 22 memorable hits, like “Dancing Queen”, “Money, Money, Money”, “Take A Chance On Me” and “Super Trouper”.
20-year-old Sophie is getting married soon, but for her entire life, she has one mystery to solve. Her single mother Donna Sheridan has brought Sophie up on her own, and Sophie has never known who her father is. Stumbling upon her mother's old diary, she found some intriguing information and took the chance to invite all 3 possible men who could be her biological father to her wedding. However, all this was done without her mother's knowledge. And that's when the fun and drama begins.
The 2.5 hour toe-tapping musical is pretty much a non-stop disco party of ABBA's hits, from their ear-wormy dance songs to their ballads. The mainly UK cast was energetic, and gave it their all. Adding to the superb production, is the palpable chemistry shared by the actors playing the key characters, like old friends The Dynamos, and Donna + Sam.
Red Dot Diva thought that lead actor Sara Poyzer who played Donna Sheridan was a standout performer. She had to do a lot of emotional heavy lifting in the musical, and her lovely singing voice was especially moving when she sang “Winner Takes It All”. Oh, the hurt and heartache of a break-up. Memories of the time when you took so darn long to get over someone you thought was The One would just flood over you.
Donna's long time buddies Tanya (Sarah Earnshaw) and Rosie (Nicky Swift) were hilarious as they provided comedic relief throughout the musical. They were fearless and vivacious, and gave Red Dot Diva extra inspiration to live life to her fullest. Credit must also be given to the supporting performers who acted as the Flipper Boys. Those young men would easily steal your heart with their talent, exuberance, and ahem, their shirtlessness!
The basic tale of love and heartache is why audiences all over the world connect strongly with MAMMA MIA!. And yes of course, those unforgettable ABBA songs too! The show ended with a fabulous encore of 3 ABBA songs that would get you up on your feet doing your favourite disco moves.
Don't miss watching MAMMA MIA! You will leave the theatre on a high, and humming an ABBA tune! You can book your tickets here: https://www.marinabaysands.com/entertainment/shows/mamma-mia.html
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Thank you, Base Entertainment Asia for the invite.
MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal and NGM and presented in Singapore by Base Entertainment Asia.
For more information about MAMMA MIA! visit www.mamma-mia.com
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Sunday, October 15, 2023
Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2023 - Comic Book Guests Galore Including Peach Momoko, Chang Sheng, Martin Simmonds, Ario Anindito and More!
For a hardcore comic book fan, you would be looking forward to Red Dot Island's main annual pop-culture event, the Singapore Comic Convention (SGCC). The geek fest returns to Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre on 9 and 10 December 2023 with a bang. There will be two levels for fans to explore during the weekend, with the convention taking up Halls A, B, D, E and F.
Over 30 comic book guests have already been announced for the event. Many are under the agency stable Scott's Collectables, who also made their presence at SGCC last year. The agency is bringing in 13 artists and creators, including returning guests Martin Simmonds, Alan Quah, Kael Ngu and Lee InHyuk. Filipino artist Stephen Segovia, Stephanie Hans, Ingrid Gala and many more will be joining them this time round. It has been several years since Stephen Segovia is back on our shores. Red Dot Diva cannot wait to say hello to him again.
The guest announcement that was most exciting to Red Dot Diva however, was Marvel Comics' artist Peach Momoko. It was like O.M.G. She is going to be at SGCC??! Peach Momoko is insanely popular, and Red Dot Diva expects that the line for her signings is going to be long. There was an incident in NYCC 2022 where a fist fight almost broke out between retailers and fans at her booth. She was signing for free, and the retailers and influencers also lined up over and over again, making it difficult for Peach Momoko's fans to meet her to get stuff signed. It is a special opportunity for fans that Peach Momoko has agreed to be a guest at SGCC. Please do be kind to Peach Momoko and fellow attendees, and allow her fans at the convention to get a memorable moment with her. Don't be that person. Let's make SGCC a wonderful experience for Peach Momoko and her team.
Manga artist extraordinaire Chang Sheng (常勝) will be making his way to SGCC 2023 too. The Taiwanese-based artist is the creator of award-winning graphic novel OLDMAN, published by eigoMANGA. His other works include NINE LIVES MAN: TIME'S WHEEL and THE HIDDEN LEVEL. Chang Sheng rarely makes appearances, and he was invited to San Diego Comic Convention 2023 for autograph signings and a panel earlier this year. If you are a fan of Chang Sheng's books, do not miss the chance to meet the man at SGCC!
Local book store Pink Ponk Comics are also bringing in a few interesting guests to the convention. Their list includes Philippines- based Oshred, Malaysian artist Ivan Tao, Marco Santucci, Emma Wu and Maria Laura Sanapo.
Then, there are the fan favourites like Ario Anindito, Artgem, Zu Orzu and Von Randal, just to name a few. You can check out the guests announced so far from SGCC's Facebook Page!
Besides the comic book artists, Ben Abernathy, Executive Editor at DC Comics, will be at SGCC as well. He will be doing portfolio reviews, and conducting talks that weekend. So, for those who are keen to get into the comic book industry, here's your chance to get noticed!
SGCC 2023 is just one and a half months away. There will be a ton of things to see, and so many guests you would want to meet at the convention, but you would most probably be limited by time and/or money. Red Dot Diva advises that you start strategising now, and prioritise your “must-do, must meet” list. Whichever way you decide, don't forget to actually experience the convention and have fun!
Red Dot Diva and her friends from the Glam Bloggers Alliance will be interviewing exhibitors and artist alley folks prior to SGCC. Do look out for more interesting articles to be published leading up the pop-culture event of the year!
SINGAPORE COMIC CON (SGCC) 2023
Where: Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre
Date: 9 & 10 December 2023 (Sat and Sun)
Admission: SGD 35.00 per person per day. SGD 65.00 per person for 2-day tickets.
*Kids under 12 enter FREE! (Each paying adult can be accompanied by a maximum of 2 children under 12)
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Are you a first-timer to SGCC
You can check out mySGCC 2022 Youtube videos to see what you can expect as an attendee!
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Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2023 - Legendary Comic Book Creators Stan Sakai and Julie Sakai Are Heading To Singapore!
Singapore Comic Con 2023 (SGCC) - Tickets Are Available Right Now!
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Sunday, October 8, 2023
SG Toy Con 2023 To Be Held At Leisure Park Kallang, 15 to 17 December 2023
Calling all toy model and miniature collectors. The SG Toy Con is back again this year, and it seems to be getting bigger and better!
This year, SG Toy Con will be held at Leisure Park Kallang instead of the Visual Art Centre at Dhoby Ghaut. The event which is organised by Masterpiece Collectibles and Toyz Network, will run from 15 to 17 December 2023, a week after the ever-popular Singapore Comic Con.
To hype up the toy fair, the organisers are currently running a miniature car model photography contest! The contest prizes consists of Cash and trophies. Check out the details as well as submit your photographs at this link: Photography Contest Submission Form
If you are not already in the toy miniatures scene, what can you expect to see at SG Toy Con? The event features companies and collectors trading a variety of model vehicles like retro SBS buses, Singapore police cars and limited edition trucks, military fighter aircraft models, dioramas, blind boxes, display cases and more.
Red Dot Diva attended the event since its inauguration in 2021, and it was fun to experience another side of toy collecting that she is not so intimately familiar with. Click here to get a visual idea what the marketplace has to offer from Red Dot Diva's visit at last year's show. It is also a great place to grab some last minute year end gifts for your friends and family.
For the last two years, collectors can buy Early Access VIP tickets which include goodie bags consisting of limited edition items a few weeks before the event. So keep an eye out for more announcements on SG Toy Con's Facebook Page!
Dates: 15 to 17 December 2023 (Fri to Sun)
Times: 10 AM to 8 PM
Venue: Leisure Park Kallang
Admission: Free of charge
For more information and updates, head to the SG ToyCon Facebook page!
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If you enjoy my content, feel free to help keep the blog and other Red Dot Diva endeavours going via ko-fi. Thank you for your support!
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