gamescom asia 2024 kicked off with a series of exclusive insights from key figures in the gaming industry, outlining the future of game development in Southeast Asia. The event opened with a fireside chat featuring Shawn Layden, former Chairman of PlayStation Worldwide Studios and now a strategic advisor at Tencent Games. Layden shared his journey from PlayStation to Tencent and emphasized the growing role of Asian developers in Western markets, underscoring the importance of AA games and faster development cycles led by smaller, innovative teams.

Layden encouraged developers to focus on emerging markets like Southeast Asia, noting the region’s potential for growth and its significance to the global gaming ecosystem. "Consider the markets in Asia—they are expanding rapidly," Layden remarked, reinforcing the need for more players engaging with games worldwide.

Xbox’s Agnes Kim followed with an exciting look at the ecosystem of developers in Southeast Asia, showcasing upcoming titles such as SEDAP! by KopiForge and Let's Build a Dungeon by Springloaded from Singapore. The session provided a glimpse into what’s next for Xbox in the region, including exclusive game launches planned for 2025.

The day also highlighted the success story of The Exit 8, a 2023 indie hit that was ported to VR on Meta Quest. Matthieu Youna, Head of Publishing at MyDearest, shared insights into the transformation of the game, offering advice for developers looking to transition their "flat" games into the VR space.

Finally, the Invest Circle, a networking platform for developers, publishers, and investors, saw a surge in participation, reflecting the growing momentum of Southeast Asia’s gaming market. Gamescom Asia’s PRIMETIME livestream further cemented the region’s rising influence, showcasing exciting game announcements in multiple languages, including English, Thai, Bahasa Indonesia, and Vietnamese.