Event

CAPCOM Returns to gamescom asia 2024 with a Spectacular Showcase

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The much-anticipated gamescom asia is set to make a grand return this year from October 17 to 20 at Suntec Singapore, promising an exciting lineup of industry heavyweights, interactive exhibitions, and insightful conferences. Now in its fourth edition, gamescom asia continues to solidify its reputation as the premier gaming event in Southeast Asia.

This year, CAPCOM, the renowned global video game developer and publisher, is making a triumphant return to the entertainment area. Attendees can look forward to hands-on demos of upcoming games and the thrilling CAPCOM Pro Tour 2024 SUPER PREMIER SINGAPORE, featuring an official tournament for Street Fighter™ 6. This promises to be a major highlight for both fans and industry professionals.

Adding to the excitement, Shawn Layden, former CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment America (SIEA) and a key figure in shaping the iconic PlayStation brand, will headline the business area conference. Layden will engage in a fireside chat, offering valuable insights and predictions about the gaming industry.

The entertainment area will also feature BAFTA-winning actor Andrew Wincott, the voice of Raphael in Baldur’s Gate 3, who will join the stage programme. This area will be packed with activities, including live stage entertainment, indie game showcases, esports, cosplay, and more, ensuring a weekend full of excitement for all attendees.

The GCL group, along with its games publishing unit 4Divinity, will return to gamescom asia with a showcase of its 2024 titles. These include JDM: Japanese Drift Master, Terratech Worlds, First Dwarf, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.

The business area will open from October 17 to 18, focusing on B2B networking and knowledge sharing. With over 80 industry experts presenting across three tracks, the conference will cover the latest trends in gaming, game design, business, and marketing. Confirmed speakers include representatives from Agate International, Altitude Games, CD Projekt Red, Hooded Horse, MINTROCKET – NEXON, Neopets, Ogre Head Studio, Riot Games, Rovio, SEGA, Team17, and Video Games Chronicle, among others.

The event expects to attract over 40,000 visitors and more than 150 exhibitors. Companies from around the globe, including Australia, China, Europe, Hong Kong S.A.R., Indonesia, Japan, the Middle East, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, and the USA, as well as country pavilions from Singapore, Thailand, and Spain, will showcase their latest games and services.

Daria La Valle, Project Director at Koelnmesse, expressed her excitement about the event, highlighting Southeast Asia’s growing significance in the global games industry. “With the continued support we’ve had over the years and key industry leaders joining us this year, it’s clear that gaming in the region is on a promising path,” she said.

The entertainment area will open to the public from October 18 to 20, offering a weekend filled with interactive experiences, including a performance by J-pop singer-songwriter SHIHORI, featured on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang! ALLSTAR2024. The expanded indie area, in partnership with Indie Wavemakers, will feature dozens of indie developers, with the most voted games competing for the Indie Wavemakers awards.

For more information and updates about gamescom asia 2024, visit gamescom.asia

Manga Anime

Cells at Work Live-Action Movie: Teaser Visual, Trailer, and Cast Unveiled

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Excitement is building for the upcoming live-action adaptation of “Cells at Work,” set to premiere in Japan in December 2024. Fans were recently treated to a teaser visual and trailer, which also introduced the main cast. Mei Nagano stars as the Red Blood Cell, with Takeru Satoh portraying the White Blood Cell. You can catch a glimpse of their performances in the trailer above.

The film is directed by Hideki Takeuchi, with a script penned by Yuichi Tokunaga. The newly released teaser visual showcases the main actors in their costumes, offering a first look at how the beloved characters will be brought to life.

“Cells at Work” is a popular Japanese manga series by Akane Shimizu, serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Shōnen Sirius magazine from January 2015 to January 2021. The series also inspired a spin-off manga, “Cells at Work! Code Black,” which ran from 2018 to 2021.

The original manga was adapted into an anime by David Production, spanning two seasons from July 2018 to February 2021 with a total of 21 episodes. Additionally, the franchise includes a movie and a 13-episode anime adaptation of “Cells at Work! Code Black” by LIDEN FILMS.


You can catch the 2 seasons of Cells at Work on Netflix. The series synopsis:

This is a story about you. A tale about the inside of your body… According to a new study, the human body consists of approximately 37 trillion cells. These cells are hard at work every day within a world that is your body. From the oxygen-carrying Red Blood Cells to the bacteria-fighting White Blood Cells, get to know the unsung heroes and the drama that unfolds inside of you!

Stay tuned for more updates as the premiere date approaches!


General

Exploring Hita, Fukuoka: A Journey into the World of Attack on Titan

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If you’re a fan of the wildly popular manga and anime series “Attack on Titan,” then a visit to Hita in Oita Prefecture is a must. This charming city is not just a quaint Japanese town; it has embraced its connection to the series, thanks to Hajime Isayama, the creator of “Attack on Titan,” who hails from here. In this blog post, we’ll take you through our visit to Hita, highlighting four must-see locations that bring the world of Titans to life.

Interactive Manga at Attack On Titan in Hita Annex Museum

1. Hita Station: Levi Ackerman Bronze Statue

Our journey began at Hita Station, a hub that sets the tone for any “Attack on Titan” pilgrimage. As soon as one stepped off the train, he will be greeted by the bronze statue of Levi Ackerman, one of the series’ most beloved characters. The statue stands proudly in the station plaza, capturing Levi’s steely determination and readiness for battle. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity and a great way to start your visit. The station itself is a blend of modernity and tradition, offering a warm welcome to fans and travelers alike.

2. Attack on Titan Museum at Oyama

Next, we headed to the Attack on Titan Museum located in Oyama. This museum is a treasure trove for fans, offering a deep dive into the world of “Attack on Titan.” The exhibits include original artwork, storyboards, and detailed explanations of the creative process behind the manga. Walking through the museum, we could feel the passion and dedication that Isayama put into his work. The museum not only provides insights into the series but also allows fans to appreciate the artistry and storytelling that have captivated millions around the world.

3. Oyama Dam: Bronze Statues and AR Experience

A short trip from the museum brought us to the Oyama Dam, a stunning location that features bronze statues of the series’ three main characters: Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert. The statues are impressive, capturing the essence of each character as they stand guard over the dam. But what truly elevates this experience is the AR (Augmented Reality) app. Before visiting, make sure to download the app from the AppStore—it’s over 800 MB, with an additional 160 MB of data required upon first launch. Using the app, you can overlay a colossal Titan onto the landscape, making it feel like you’ve stepped into the world of “Attack on Titan.” The dam itself is a beautiful sight, and the combination of natural beauty and AR technology creates an unforgettable experience.

4. Attack on Titan Museum Annex: Near the Beer Factory

Our final stop was the Attack on Titan Museum Annex, located near a local beer factory. This annex provides an immersive manga experience, allowing visitors to delve deeper into Isayama’s creative mind. The exhibits here include detailed explanations of various drawings and how Isayama feels about his work. It’s a more personal and intimate look at the series, giving fans a greater appreciation of the manga’s nuances. Additionally, the annex offers a wide range of merchandise, from exclusive figurines to apparel and accessories. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

Getting There

Hita is accessible by train from major cities in Fukuoka Prefecture. From Fukuoka City, you can take the JR Kyudai Main Line directly to Hita Station, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Oita, the journey is roughly the same duration. We drove a car to each of the destination which is our recommended way of travel.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Hita was a remarkable experience that allowed us to connect with “Attack on Titan” in a unique and immersive way. From the Levi statue at Hita Station to the AR experience at Oyama Dam, every location offered a new perspective on the series. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about the world of Titans, Hita provides an unforgettable adventure that brings the manga and anime to life.