Anyone who has a passion for games will undoubtedly have gone to one of the biggest gaming conventions in Southeast Asia, and last weekend the annual Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit celebrated its 10th year at the World Trade Center – Signifying new beginnings and showcasing some of the latest and greatest that the world of video games and technology has to offer!
Running for a whopping three days from November 3 to 5, this year’s ESGS brought a lot to the table in terms of showcasing new game titles and holding eSports events to decide the grand champion. In addition to games such as Mobile Legends, League of Legends, Genshin Impact, and other popular mobile games and PC titles being played, several other traditional titles were also showcased – with the likes of Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 7 giving fighting game enthusiasts something to root and cheer for while matches were being decided at the Fighting Game Arena and Main Stage.
Gamers also had the chance to try out some of the newest titles coming to pc and consoles, with the likes of SEGA and Bandai Namco Games being among the special exhibitors invited to ESGS 2023. SEGA came to the event strong with lots of giveaways and games to showcase – with the likes of Sonic Superstars, Persona 5 Tactica, Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, and Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth present for fans to try out. Meanwhile Bandai Namco Games offered players a chance to play a demo of Tekken 8. As one of the most anticipated games coming out early next year, about half of the launch character roster were playable in the demo – with the likes of Jin Kazama, Kazuya Mishima, Jun Kazama, Ling Xiaoyu, Hwoarang, Paul Phoenix, and Marshall Law present for players to select and test out their new moves.
In addition to games, of course other major brands and companies looking to present their latest products and promos were there, with Globe dominating the main entrance and offering some exclusive prizes and packages to subscribers and attendees. Then there was Samsung showcasing their newest OLED HDTVs, and Sony of course demonstrating the power of the PlayStation 5 as well as the many games and peripherals that can be used with the console. Most of the venue however was dedicated to promoting eSports and gaming as a recreational and career venture – with the likes of Tier One and Rumble Royal occupying the middle of the convention floor and promoting many of their titles by having appearances by guest cosplayers and holding contests that attendees could join in and get a chance to win exclusive prizes.
There were also a good number of special guests present in ESGS 2023 – with international influencer and creator Spicyuuuu leading the pack as well as appearances by local talents such as Anj Gaming, HippoChii, Nyaaati, Gangstacks, and even John Weak himself. There were even guest performers in The Itchyworms and Mayonnaise – bringing some more hype and energy to an already stacked convention filled with games, cosplay, and lots of other fun activities. There was also an artist alley where people looking to buy stickers, prints, and other gaming merch could go over to at the WTC tent area – which also featured exclusive ESGS items and merchandise that you could purchase as souvenirs and memorabilia to bring home from the event.
Overall, my experience at ESGS 2023 was pretty straightforward and focused entirely on the games themselves. Getting to try new titles such as Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Tekken 8 were definitely the highlights, but it was also great to see many familiar faces from the gaming and cosplay communities and see them take to their craft and passions by enjoying themselves in the convention floor. It definitely was a fun filled weekend to remember, while also showing that there are still areas and concerns raised by some attendees that proved there’s still plenty of room for improvement
ESGS was held from November 3 to 5 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Manila.