- Small and medium-sized business intensive promotion (B2B), game shows with families (B2C), e-sports festivals, etc.
- A large number of esports leagues and experiential content are introduced
- Kim Dong-yeon, “Call Gyeonggi-do the Game City. Gyeonggi-do is the center of the game industry and experience.”
The metropolitan area’s largest convergence game show, ‘2025 PlayX4’, opened on the 22nd. Hosted by Gyeonggi Province and organized by Gyeonggi Content Promotion Agency and KINTEX, the event will be held for four days until the 25th at KINTEX Exhibition Center 1 in Goyang City.
Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon said at the opening ceremony, “When I was young, I loved comics ‘excessively.’ In middle school, I loved novels, in high school, I loved sports, and as an adult, I loved movies.” He continued, “The things I loved—comics, novels, sports, and movies—all of which had something in common: imagination, and storytelling. I think that’s where I’ve tried to cultivate my imagination for a long time while in public office.”
He added, “Games that combine imagination, storytelling, and experience are our assets and treasures.”
Governor Kim continued, “It is said that Gyeonggi-do is also called the gaming capital. That is because Gyeonggi-do is the center of the gaming industry and experience in Korea,” and emphasized, “Now, games are growing beyond something to be enjoyed and are becoming the future food source for Korea. As the gaming capital, we will not spare any support and role so that Gyeonggi-do can become the home of the gaming industry.”
Governor Kim toured the exhibition hall that day, interviewed high school student developers from Gyeonggi Game Meister High School and young developers from Neowiz, and also demonstrated a mobile game.
PlayXpo is the largest convergence game exhibition in the metropolitan area, and has established itself as a place for the promotion of the game industry and popular experiences beyond simple game introductions. In particular, it creates industrial value through export consultations for small and medium-sized game companies and global business matching programs, and it also organizes various experiential content for family visitors, growing into a festival for all generations.
‘2025 PlayXpo’ presents new possibilities and culture for the gaming industry through experiential content, esports leagues, and global networking programs under the theme of ‘Games, More than That!’
This year, the event featured a variety of performances, including DJ Bagaji’s game OST DJing performance and magician Lee Jun-hyung’s performance, as well as domestic and international game industry insiders attending to heighten the festival atmosphere. In particular, overseas game show organizing committees from China and Japan also participated, pledging cooperation with the Gyeonggi-do game industry and creating a venue for global solidarity.
Visitors can easily enter the venue by pre-registering and receiving guidance from security personnel at the waiting area for Hall 2. During the event, the main entrance and exit will be operated alternately on different days of the week, and a dedicated entrance for re-entry will also be provided for added convenience. The admission tickets provided to pre-registered visitors can be used freely for re-entry regardless of the date or number of times.
The B2B Hall will host export consultations, business matching, AI forums, and game auditions, providing opportunities for collaboration and advancement with global game companies. In addition, programs for industry professionals such as special lectures on game trends, free play zones, and user focus tests (FGT) will also be operated. The ‘PlayX4 × STOVE’ online exhibition hall will also be set up to showcase content that links online and offline.
The exhibition hall will display a variety of content including consoles, PC/mobile, arcades, indie games, and board games, and you can also experience the latest gaming gear. In particular, the Steam Deck Experience Zone is receiving a great response because you can enjoy popular games on a portable device. In addition, there will be various side events such as Challenge Golden Bell, Nostalgic Game Center, Rhythm Game Competition, International Cosplay Competition, and Rhythm Game Competition.
The Gyeonggi Esports Festival will feature a variety of matches, including the National Disabled Competition, National Campus Competition, Family Competition, the ‘Eternal Return Korea Esports League Opening Match’, and the ‘ASL Season 19 Finals’, drawing enthusiastic support both on-site and online.
For information on the event, please contact the operating office (031-995-8237) or visit the official website (www.playX4.com). Some programs can be viewed live on SOOP’s ‘PlayX4 TV’ channel. Parking space is limited, so public transportation is recommended.