Category Archives: Event

Singapore Comic Con 2025: Five Halls of Pop Culture Madness Await This December!

The biggest pop culture weekend of the year is almost here — Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2025 lands at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre from 6 to 7 December, and it is shaping up to be the largest edition ever.

Spanning five massive halls across Level 1 and Basement 2, SGCC 2025 covers more than 250,000 square feet of pop culture celebration, bringing together over 400 exhibitors and brands from around the world. Whether you are into comics, toys, trading cards, anime, or collectibles, this is the event to be at.


Meet the Artists, Legends, and Icons

SGCC continues its tradition of spotlighting creativity and artistry, with an impressive lineup of both international and local talents.

Fans can look forward to appearances and live sessions by renowned artists including Stanley “Artgerm” Lau, Simone Bianchi, Simone Di Meo, Adi Granov, and Warrick Wong.

Also joining the celebration are the Power Rangers Time Force duo Jason Faunt (Red Ranger) and Erin Cahill (Pink Ranger), who will participate in meet-and-greet sessions and panels throughout the weekend.

From live sketch showcases to Q&A sessions, SGCC 2025 offers rare opportunities to watch masters at work and gain insights into their creative process.


Stage Highlights: Cosplay, Performances, and Live Shows

The main stage will be packed with fan-favourite programs all weekend, featuring everything from performances to special appearances.

Key highlights include:

  • Cosplay Competition – One of SGCC’s biggest draws, featuring some of Singapore’s best cosplayers bringing iconic characters to life.
  • Ani-Idol Performances – Showcasing live renditions of beloved anime songs and character themes.
  • Ultraman Stage Performance – A live-action spectacle for fans of Japan’s enduring hero.
  • Special Godzilla Appearance – The King of the Monsters makes a thunderous return to the convention floor.

Whether you are cheering for your favourite cosplayers or reliving your childhood fandoms, SGCC’s stage programming promises non-stop entertainment.


Trading Cards and Tabletop Take Over Basement 2

Collectors and card gamers should head straight to Basement 2, where two major community events will run alongside SGCC this year.

Bandai Card Fest 2025 will feature demos, tournaments, and exclusive merchandise from popular Bandai card games such as One Piece Card Game and Dragon Ball Super Card Game.

Next door, Collexi-Con brings together artists, trading card vendors, and fan communities for two full days of trading, collecting, and collaboration.

From rare pulls to exclusive drops, Basement 2 will be a hotspot for anyone passionate about the trading card scene.


Collectibles, Figures, and Event Exclusives

The SGCC show floor is a paradise for collectors, with brands unveiling exclusive merchandise, prototype displays, and first-look reveals.

Some key highlights include:

  • Bandai Hobby (Booth L1-B07) – Exclusive Gunpla kits and hands-on Gunpla workshops.
  • Heat Boys (Booth L1-C05) – Debuts of the new MechaHeat Spartacus and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael 40th Anniversary Ver. figures.
  • Luo Xiao Hei (COL Group x Genesis Frontier) – Southeast Asia debut of Luo Xiao Hei merchandise, based on the beloved Chinese animation.
  • KAYOU – SGCC debut featuring Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Free Fire trading card collections.
  • Bandai Namco – Showcasing S.H.Figuarts Ultimate Shining Ultraman Zero and Son Goku & Dragon 40th Anniversary Edition.
  • The Falcon’s Hangar – Featuring top brands such as Hasbro, Threezero, Yolopark, and ZD Toys.
  • Vincka San (Booth L1-AA189) – Launch of her first Transformers artbook with 31 hand-drawn illustrations.

Every corner of the show floor will feature something new, exclusive, or collectible — perfect for fans looking to expand their collections or discover the next big release.


Learn, Create, and Connect

Beyond the exhibits, SGCC remains a hub for aspiring creators and fans alike.

The Work-In-Progress (W.I.P.) Programme returns with creator panels, comic and game pitch sessions, and industry discussions designed to inspire and support local and regional talent.

It is an opportunity for artists, writers, and indie developers to connect directly with professionals, share their work, and explore new collaborations.


Plan Your Visit

Dates: 6–7 December 2025 (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: 10am – 8pm
Venue: Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 1 & Basement 2
Tickets: Available now via sistic.com.sg/events/sgcomic1225

For updates on guest announcements, exclusive drops, and event schedules, follow @SGComicCon on social media or visit www.singaporecomiccon.com.


Why You Should Not Miss SGCC 2025

  • The largest SGCC ever, spanning five exhibition halls
  • Over 400 exhibitors across comics, games, toys, and collectibles
  • Exclusive merchandise and new product debuts
  • Appearances by Power Rangers Time Force cast members
  • Live shows featuring Ultraman, Godzilla, cosplay, and anime performances
  • Trading card events and tournaments with Bandai Card Fest and Collexi-Con

From creative showcases to collectible hunts, Singapore Comic Con 2025 promises an unforgettable weekend for every fan.

gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show 2025 Draws Over 200,000 Visitors

The Southeast Asian gaming scene just hit a major milestone. The first-ever joint edition of gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show 2025 drew an impressive 206,159 visitors over four thrilling days in Bangkok — setting a new attendance record and positioning Thailand firmly on the global gaming map.

Held from 16 to 19 October 2025, the mega-event brought together gamers, developers, publishers, and industry heavyweights under the theme “World of Gaming.”

🎮 A New Era for Gaming in Southeast Asia

The show was a spectacular convergence of two powerhouses: gamescom asia and Thailand Game Show. It featured 294 exhibitors, 5,590 business professionals from 81 countries, and more than 200 indie titles, making it Southeast Asia’s largest gaming festival to date.

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas summed it up best during the opening ceremony:

“Gaming is no longer just entertainment — it’s a key driver of the global creative economy.”

Government support was a recurring theme throughout the event, with Thailand aiming to position itself as a global hub for digital and gaming innovation.

🌟 Star Power & AAA Premieres

Gamers flocked to the entertainment area for a taste of upcoming blockbusters. Fans got hands-on previews of major titles, including:

  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
  • Ninja Gaiden 4
  • Resident Evil Requiem
  • Onimusha: Way of the Sword
  • Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection

Capcom even brought veteran producer Ryozo Tsujimoto on stage to introduce Monster Hunter’s next chapter — an electrifying moment for RPG fans.

Meanwhile, the Indie Wavemakers Awards shone a spotlight on rising talent.

🏆 Winners included:

  • Wave Rider Award: Duo Quest by 1+1 Studios
  • Secret Level Award: BLACKOUT – Zero Point by SILOEGI Operation
  • Final Form Award: On Any Journey by Funbrew Games

🕹️ Gear, Cosplay & Esports Extravaganza

Gaming giants like Nintendo, PlayStation, Razer, AMD, Intel, and Xbox lit up the show floor with their latest hardware and accessories.

Cosplayers stole the spotlight too, competing for over THB 300,000 in prizes. The Best Team award went to “AMAZING CAKRA” for their stunning Granblue Fantasy duo performance.

Esports fans were treated to the Zone Zean Game challenge, where players faced off against Street Fighter legend Ho Kun Xian — proving that Thailand’s competitive scene is as fierce as ever.

🧠 Ideas, Innovation & Industry

The business area pulsed with activity as 71 speakers from 20 countries took the stage. Headliner Glen Schofield — known for Dead Space and Call of Duty — delivered a powerful keynote on creativity and resilience in game design.

The pitch competition spotlighted fresh talent, with:

  • Best Visual: Dew by MVRX Games (Sweden)
  • Best Game Design: Of Blood and Descend by Kotakoren Games (Malaysia)
  • Most Anticipated Game: Dimraeth by Mudtek (USA)

🏅 Game of the Year: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

At the Thailand Game Awards, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominated, sweeping multiple categories including Game of the Year, Best RPG, and Best PC/Console Game.

Other big winners included:

  • Best Action Game: Monster Hunter Wilds
  • Best Multiplayer Game: Elden Ring: Nightreign
  • Best Anticipated Game: Resident Evil Requiem

🌏 Why This Matters

The numbers speak volumes:

  • 206,159 attendees from 95 countries
  • 1.22 billion THB in economic impact
  • 8 million hits on the event’s Steam Festival

For Southeast Asia’s gaming ecosystem, this isn’t just another convention — it’s a statement. Thailand is rapidly becoming a serious global player in both consumer and developer communities.

📅 Mark Your Calendars

The next gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show 2026 returns to Bangkok from 29 October to 1 November 2026. If 2025 was any indication, expect an even bigger show next year.

Follow GameTrader.SG for more updates on the biggest gaming events and the latest releases shaping Asia’s vibrant gaming landscape. 🕹️✨

AFASG25 Announces First I Love Anisong Line-Up

Anime Festival Asia Singapore 2025 (#AFASG25) is gearing up for its return from 28 – 30 November 2025 at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. The organisers, SOZO, have revealed the first wave of artistes who will perform at the I Love Anisong Music Festival — one of the biggest highlights of the annual event.


Familiar Faces Returning

  • SPYAIR – Known for iconic anime themes across BLEACH, Gintama, Haikyuu!!, and Gundam, the band returns with their updated line-up.
  • May’n – Celebrating her 20th year as a performing artist, May’n will bring both nostalgia and fresh energy to the stage.
  • Wednesday Campanella – Returning with their trademark experimental sound and visually creative performances.

First-Time Singapore Performances

  • asmi – A rising J-pop voice behind multiple anime theme songs, with tracks that went viral across social media.
  • HIMEHINA – Virtual idols with a reputation for polished music videos and large-scale online performances.
  • Isekaijoucho – A multi-talented creator whose music blends dark, emotional tones with visual storytelling.
  • NOMELON NOLEMON – A newer band already attached to anime projects like Rurouni Kenshin and Mobile Suit Gundam.
  • Shouta Aoi – Recognised as both a voice actor and singer, bringing versatility and strong live vocals.

More Than Concerts

AFASG25 remains more than just music. Visitors can explore:
🎮 Akiba Town – Exhibition hall with showcases, games, and exclusive merchandise.
📺 Day Stage – Featuring talk shows, live discussions, and anime-related content.
🤝 Meet & Greet Sessions – Limited opportunities for autographs, Q&A, and photos with special guests.
🎨 Creators Hub – A curated space featuring international and regional fan creators.
👾 Cosplay Hub – Hosting top cosplayers from across Asia, including several debuting in Singapore.


Ticket Details

  • Cat 3 (SGD 158/day) – Entry-level concert seats plus Day Stage & Exhibition access.
  • Cat 2 & Cat 1 (SGD 178–198/day) – Closer seating with ballot chances for signed posters.
  • 3-Day VIP Cat 1 (SGD 588) – Best available seats, VIP pack, autograph ballot, and priority access.

🎟 Ticket sales begin 20 August 2025, 2 PM (SGT) at Anime Festival Asia’s ticketing page.


Anime Festival Asia has always been the regional hub for anime, cosplay, and gaming culture — and this year’s line-up suggests another strong mix of returning favourites and first-time acts. For fans of anisong, J-pop, or anyone curious about the crossover of music and gaming culture, AFASG25 looks set to close the year on a high note.