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.

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. 🕹️✨

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.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) has made esports history. At this year’s Esports World Cup (EWC 25), the game’s Mid Season Cup (MSC) drew over 3 million peak concurrent viewers, making it the most-watched tournament in EWC history, according to Esports Charts.

Riding this momentum, MOONTON Games has announced details for the upcoming M7 World Championship (M7) — including a new format and slot allocations.

M7: A Return to Indonesia

The M Series makes its way back to Jakarta, Indonesia in January 2026. Considered the spiritual home of MLBB esports, Indonesia will host the largest M Series to date:

• 22 teams in total
• USD 1 million prize pool
• New Wild Card format — 8 teams compete for 2 Main Stage slots
• Japan’s return to the M Series after a long absence

This change opens opportunities for newer regions while showcasing Indonesia’s role as the heart of MLBB esports.

Why Indonesia Matters

Indonesia has consistently been MLBB’s strongest market — from packed stadiums during MPL Indonesia to record-breaking viewership numbers. At EWC 25, over 45% of MSC’s hours watched came from Indonesian language broadcasts, proving how central the region is to MLBB’s global success.

Government support is also evident. Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Ario Bimo Nandito Ariotedjo, recently highlighted the energy at MPL Indonesia Season 15, where fans filled arenas and outdoor watch zones — comparable to the country’s biggest sports finals.

Esports Charts on MLBB’s Growth

Esports Charts CEO Artyom Odintsov noted:

“MSC not only set a new record for the EWC series, but was one of the most-watched events in MLBB history. With this in mind, MLBB could be the new face of the EWC.”

Looking Ahead to M7

For Indonesian teams, M7 carries extra weight. The country last lifted the M Series trophy in 2019, and competing on home ground adds pressure — and pride. For global fans, M7 represents both competition and culture, with Jakarta set to become a stage for MLBB’s worldwide community.

With MLBB now holding the crown as the most-watched title in EWC history, all eyes will be on Jakarta next January.

In a spectacular celebration of anime’s global influence, Solo Leveling has officially been crowned Anime of the Year at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, held in Tokyo. With a record-breaking 51 million votes cast worldwide, fans came together to honor the top creators, performers, and productions that have shaped anime into the pop culture juggernaut it is today.

Singapore fans, part of the ever-growing Southeast Asian anime community, were among the millions who participated in the vote — a testament to anime’s surging popularity across the region.

🏆 

Solo Leveling

 Dominates the Night

The Korean webtoon-turned-anime juggernaut Solo Leveling didn’t just win Anime of the Year — it swept the awards with a total of six accolades, including:

• Best New Series
• Best Action
• Best Ending Sequence (“request” by krage)
• Best Main Character (Sung Jinwoo)
• Best Score (Hiroyuki Sawano)
• Best English Voice Artist Performance (Aleks Le)

Sung Jinwoo’s dark, intense journey from weak hunter to world-shaking shadow monarch clearly resonated with fans around the world — especially with those who love high-stakes, beautifully animated power fantasies.

💥 

Attack on Titan

 Honored with First-Ever Global Impact Award

While Solo Leveling won big, Attack on Titan was celebrated for its cultural legacy. The long-running series received the inaugural Global Impact Award, recognizing its monumental contribution to anime history. Director Yuichiro Hayashi of MAPPA accepted the award on behalf of the entire creative team, following the release of Attack on Titan: THE LAST ATTACK, which brought the epic saga to its gripping conclusion in late 2024.

🌟 Star-Studded Celebration in Tokyo

Hosted once again by beloved voice actress Sally Amaki and veteran presenter Jon Kabira, the ceremony at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo was a true fusion of East meets West.

Presenters included an eclectic mix of global celebrities and anime superfans like Kacey Musgraves, Finn Wolfhard, J Balvin, Rina Sawayama, and Chloe Kim — showing just how far anime’s cultural reach has extended beyond Japan.

Fans were also treated to high-energy performances by Creepy Nuts (performing Mashle’s “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born”), FLOW (with the nostalgic “DAYS” from Eureka Seven), and LiSA, who brought the house down with a medley that included Demon Slayer’s iconic “Gurenge.”

🎉 Other Major Winners at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards

• Film of the Year – Look Back
• Best Continuing Series – Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc
• Best Drama – Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
• Best Romance – Blue Box
• Best Isekai Anime – Re:Zero Season 3
• Best Comedy – Mashle: The Divine Visionary Candidate Exam Arc
• Best Anime Song – “Otonoke” by Creepy Nuts (Dan Da Dan)

Frieren and Dan Da Dan also had strong showings, with Frieren taking home awards for Best Drama, Best Background Art, Best Director, and Best Supporting Character (Fern). Meanwhile, Dan Da Dan won for Best Opening Sequence, Best Character Design, and Best Anime Song.

🌍 Anime is Global — and Getting Bigger

Crunchyroll revealed that fans from across the globe cast their votes, with high participation from countries like Brazil, India, Mexico, and the UK. For the first time, Canada and Chile entered the top 10 most engaged regions.

“Anime isn’t just entertainment — it’s identity,” said Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll. “These works of art are part of our lives, and this year’s 51 million votes prove just how connected global fans are to this medium.”

🎥 Missed the Show?

Fans in Singapore can catch the full Anime Awards show on demand soon via Crunchyroll’s YouTube and Twitch, Sony Pictures Core, and Sony’s global platforms.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a long-time anime fan or new to the genre, the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards showed just how vast and diverse the anime community has become. From powerhouses like Solo Leveling and Attack on Titan to emotional epics like Frieren, anime continues to evolve and resonate on a global scale.

For Singapore-based fans, the message is clear: Anime is no longer a niche — it’s a movement.

Stay tuned to GameTrader.SG for more anime reviews, fan features, and event coverage.

More information on the winners at Crunchyroll

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Weekend of Pop Culture Adventures!

This weekend, Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre transforms into the ultimate playground for pop culture fans at Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2024, running from December 7–8. Whether you’re a collector, a parent seeking family-friendly fun, or an aspiring creator, there’s something for everyone.

Here are the must-see highlights for SGCC 2024:

Disney Magic Awaits

Head to Booth B2-E01 for Disney’s immersive offerings:

• Shop Iconic Collectibles: From Disney to Star Wars, find exclusive pre-releases and holiday must-haves.

• Disney Cruise Line Adventure: Test your mettle on the Iron Cycle Test Run rollercoaster simulation and preview Marvel Landing.

• Marvel Studios Fun: Snap photos at the Captain America: Brave New World backdrop and join trivia giveaways on the Main Stage.

Dive into Bikini Bottom

Nickelodeon celebrates SpongeBob’s 25th Anniversary at Booth B2-E04 with:

• Interactive games like feeding anchovies at The Krusty Krab.

• An immersive recreation of SpongeBob’s pineapple house.

• Exclusive collectibles and cosplay prizes.

Don’t miss SpongeBob’s first-ever episode screening on the Main Stage with fun giveaways!

Bluey’s Backyard Adventure

Young fans can tackle a real-life Bluey and Bingo obstacle course at Booth L1-D04 and earn exclusive memorabilia. On stage, enjoy the Bluey Live Experience featuring festive fun from the Christmas episode Verandah Santa and a Silent Disco with Bluey and Bingo.

Gaming & Esports Excitement with Mediacorp

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Community Challenge finals are happening at Booth L1-D01. Cheer on players competing for a grand prize of 50,000 in-game diamonds and a trip to the M6 Championship. Pokémon fans can also meet Captain Pikachu in person!

Uncover Hidden Gems

• Blokees (L1-F01): Explore exclusive innovations for pop culture enthusiasts.

• Goldwood (L1-B02): Celebrate Singaporean pride with Mr. Merlion & Friends merchandise.

• Three Zero (L1-D05): Marvel at collectibles from Transformers, Evangelion, and more, plus three exclusive items!

Learn, Create, and Connect

Aspiring creators can attend workshops, panels, and portfolio reviews at The W.I.P. Lab. Highlights include:

• Entertainment Art Masterclass with industry icons Kingston Chan and Damien Soh.

• Innovative Toy Making Workshop with insights into 3D resin printing.

• Portfolio Reviews by Yuko Shimizu, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for budding artists.

Don’t Miss the Main Stage Action

Located in Basement 2 (B2), the Main Stage lineup includes musical performances, screenings, giveaways, and the Cosplay Competition Finals.

Level Up at Creators Con

Celebrate Southeast Asia’s creativity at Creators Con (B2), featuring live music, culinary showdowns, and a feast of talent.

Tridentity x SGCC Lucky Draw

Win fantastic prizes like LEGO sets and MerBubu collectibles by entering the Tridentity Lucky Draw at Booth B2-E02. Draws take place on both days at 6 PM!

Geek Out with Food and Fun

Recharge at the Pop Culture Food Zone (B2) with themed eats while geeking out with fellow fans.

Get Tickets Now!

Dates: December 7–8, 2024

Location: Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre

For tickets and full programming details, visit www.singaporecomiccon.com.

This weekend, step into a world of imagination and creativity. Don’t miss out—join the fun at Singapore Comic Con 2024!