Minister Alvin Tan delivered a speech at Gamescom Asia 2023, emphasizing the promising growth of the gaming and e-sports industry in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Minister of State Alvin Tan delivered an insightful address at Gamescom Asia 2023, held on October 20, 2023, at the Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre. The event was graced by esteemed guests, including Ambassador Mercedes Alonso, Ambassador of Spain to Singapore, Mr. Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director of Koelnmesse, and Ms. Felicia Lim, Vice-Chairperson of the Singapore Games Association (SGGA).
Minister Tan expressed his gratitude to Koelnmesse Singapore for organizing this event and the German Games Industry Association for their support. He extended a warm welcome to attendees from around the world who had traveled far to be part of this event, emphasizing his excitement to engage with fellow gamers and industry partners to explore the latest developments in the gaming and e-sports scene.
The Minister shed light on the remarkable growth of the gaming and e-sports industry in Singapore and the broader region. Research firm Statista projects a substantial annual growth rate of 14% for video game revenues and 10% for e-sports revenues from 2023 to 2027. Singapore’s strategic position as a gateway to the flourishing Asian gaming market, housing over half of the world’s gamers, is underscored. Southeast Asia, in particular, boasts a US$5 billion market with 270 million gamers, making it one of the fastest-growing gaming markets globally.
The third edition of gamescom asia, returning with much anticipation, exemplifies the thriving community of game development studios, publishers, and service providers in Singapore. This year’s event has doubled in size compared to the previous year, with exhibitor numbers surging by over 50%. Minister Tan also highlighted the recent success of the Olympic e-sports Week, a significant international event held in partnership with the International Olympic Committee, which saw over 130 competitors from 60 countries vying for honors in virtual sports.
Acknowledging the invaluable support from both international and local industry partners, Minister Tan spotlighted Capcom, a leading game developer and distributor renowned for titles like Street Fighter and Resident Evil. He commended Capcom for hosting its Capcom Pro Tour Offline Premier tournament at gamescom asia, marking the first time such an event has taken place in Southeast Asia. The Minister also lauded homegrown developers like BattleBrew Productions and The GentleBros, showcasing Singapore’s creativity and innovation on the global stage.
Looking ahead, Minister Tan emphasized the importance of nurturing talent in the gaming and e-sports industry. He highlighted initiatives like the e-sports Academy, established by the Singapore Cybersports and Online Gaming Association, which offers courses and programs to develop skills in e-sports and related fields while fostering leadership and character.
In conclusion, Minister Alvin Tan hailed gamescom asia 2023 as a significant milestone in the growth of the gaming and e-sports industry. He celebrated the vibrant and creative community, expressing pride in Singapore’s role as a space for gathering, interaction, and innovation. Minister Tan extended his best wishes to competitors and fans, while inviting visitors to explore the rich culture and culinary delights Singapore has to offer.
