Global Industry Leaders Gather in Pangyo to Shape Korea’s Console Game Future
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) announced that the Console Game Developer Conference 2025 (CGDC 2025) — Korea’s first international console game developer conference — will take place from November 6 to 7 at DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo.
Under the theme of “Connecting Data, Markets, and Experience,” the event aims to inspire domestic developers who have persevered in a limited infrastructure environment, while fostering deeper collaboration between global console industry experts and Korean talent.
A Gathering of Console Game Legends: From Yoshida Shuhei to Okamoto Yoshiki
CGDC 2025 will feature a lineup of world-renowned speakers spanning the full spectrum of console development, from planning and production to publishing and market analysis.
On November 6, keynote speaker Yoshida Shuhei, former President of Sony Interactive Entertainment, will open the event with insights on the evolution of the console and indie game ecosystem. Additional sessions will include:
- Inafune Keiji, legendary producer behind Mega Man and Resident Evil 2
- Emmanuel Rosier, lead console market analyst at Newzoo, is presenting the latest global console data trends
- Hwang Jae-ho, CEO of MintRocket (Dave the Diver), shares lessons from the studio’s 5-million-unit global success
On November 7, Okamoto Yoshiki, former Executive Director of Capcom and producer of Street Fighter II and Monster Strike, will deliver the day’s keynote on creative longevity in console development. Other featured speakers include:
- Yuichiro Shimada, Senior Manager, Sega Publishing Korea
- Matteo Sapio, CSO of Poncle (Vampire Survivors) Japan
- Hayashi Katsuhiko, CEO of Famitsu Group, on Japan’s evolving console media landscape
A special joint session by Masayuki Itani and Kousuke Masaki from Happinet — publisher of Lies of P in Japan — will explore distribution and retail strategies in Japan’s console market.
Sharing Real-World Korean Development Experiences
Domestic console pioneers will also take the stage to share first-hand insights:
- Koo Chang-sik, CEO of CFK, one of Korea’s first console-focused studios
- Yoo Seung-hyun, CEO of WonderPotion (SANABI), discusses the challenges and lessons of releasing a successful console title
Their sessions aim to give aspiring developers practical strategies to navigate Korea’s still-emerging console landscape.
Building Global Networks for Korean Console Developers
KOCCA Acting President Yoo Hyun-seok emphasized the broader vision of the event, stating:
“This conference was created to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange among console game developers worldwide. We hope it will mark a turning point for Korean studios to enhance their competitiveness and take leadership roles in the global console market.”
Registration and Participation
The Console Game Developer Conference 2025 (CGDC 2025) is open to the public, and admission is free. Registration is available via the official website: cgdc.kr.
With high-profile global speakers, data-driven insights, and developer-focused sessions, CGDC 2025 is set to become a landmark event for Korea’s console gaming industry — bridging local talent with the world’s most influential creators.
