G-Star Korea Gaming Expo Booth Design & Operation Tips

.

G-Star is the biggest game expo in Korea, held annually at BEXCO in Busan. The event attracts thousands of gamers, with long lines forming even before the exhibition opens, making it one of the most popular gaming events and festivals in the country.

Having managed the exhibition planning and operations for major game companies like Webzen, Tencent, Wemade, and Shift Up over the past 11 years, we have accumulated significant experience. Here are some key tips we consider essential when preparing for G-Star.

.

G-Star Korea Booth Design & Concept

Designing an effective and engaging booth is crucial for a successful exhibition at G-Star. Here are some key tips and important considerations for creating a standout booth concept.

• Define Your Theme and Identity

Establishing a clear and strong theme that aligns with your game’s identity is essential. This includes designing spaces that enhance engagement and make visitors feel like they are stepping into the game’s world. High-quality visuals, costumes, and props should be meticulously crafted to reflect the game’s characteristics and immerse visitors in the game.

• Seamless User Flow

Plan the layout to ensure a smooth flow for visitors from entry to exit. A well-organized layout that guides visitors through various interactive zones and activities ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience. Make sure the transition between different sections is smooth, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the game’s world without confusion or congestion.

• Immersive and Interactive Experiences

Create an environment where visitors can deeply engage with the game. Incorporate interactive elements such as life-sized character displays, demo stations, themed environments, and captivating storylines to effectively convey the game’s atmosphere. Consider adding features like photo booths, character voting areas, and stamp tours, where visitors can collect stamps through different activities to receive merchandise.

By focusing on these elements, you can create a booth that not only attracts attention but also provides a memorable and engaging experience for all attendees.

.

Cosplay Tips

• Professional Cosplay

G-Star is also a cosplay festival. Nowadays, even amateur cosplayers have high-quality costumes. Poor preparation can leave a negative impression. For Webzen, we collaborated with professional cosplayers suited to the subculture game genre. Korea’s top cosplay model, ‘Aza Miyuko‘, portrayed the character ‘Cecilia‘ from the game Terbis. Professional cosplayers not only wear costumes but also deeply study the characters to perform with synchronized expressions, poses, and movements. This dedication drew significant attention from gamers and impressed even the game creators.

• High Quality of Costume

There’s a saying, “The devil is in the details.” It means that thorough attention to detail is crucial. Working with our costume and weapon production partners, we had to play the role of the devil, meticulously inspecting and replicating even the smallest details. From wrinkles in costumes to minute color differences, nothing was overlooked. We conducted multiple tests and rehearsals with cosplayers until the day before the G-Star opening.

Invisible details matter. Our professional spirit aligned with the cosplayers, who passionately studied every detail, from character movements to narration. Though it was a painstaking process, the result was an unparalleled level of detail that created a profound impact.

Merchandise Tips

• Merch List Spread Fast

When G-Star opens, bloggers and YouTubers quickly post about the event’s merchandise, sparking competition. For attendees, obtaining merchandise is a source of happiness, and for fans, it’s a cherished collectible. Therefore, merchandise is not just a product but a medium for conveying brand experiences.

• Merch For Event Participation

For the Flint-Astra exhibition, we planned eight types of merchandise, including blankets, stickers, removable stickers, magnets, large mouse pads, tumblers, prism card tags, and playing cards. We categorized items from C-level to S-level to boost event participation.

• Connecting Booth Events Using Merch

Webzen also paid close attention to merchandise quality. From Webzen Friends brand products to unique IP-themed goods, we prepared a ‘Webzen Menu’ to showcase over 15 types of merchandise at a glance. We pre-planned user pathways connecting outdoor booth events, popularity voting, demo zones, and social media events, designing a stamp event that allowed gamers to enjoy collecting merchandise as part of the booth experiences.

Planning a Stage Event for G-Star Korea

Planning effective stage events is crucial for a successful G-Star exhibition. Here are some key tips for creating engaging and memorable stage events.

• Designing Engaging Stage Programs

First, designing stage programs is essential. Engaging programs attract and retain visitors, encouraging them to stay longer and return. To avoid empty seats and a dull atmosphere, curate interesting content with intriguing guests and activities like OX quizzes, mini-games, tournaments, and lucky draws. It’s also important to be flexible and ready to adjust the program based on the live audience’s reactions.

• Hiring a Skilled MC

Second, hiring a skilled MC is vital for managing stage events. Having multiple scripts and cue sheets ready for unexpected situations ensures better preparedness. An MC who enjoys gaming, connects well with the audience, and thinks on their feet can keep the energy high and effectively manage the crowd, making the event more dynamic and engaging.

• Conducting Thorough Rehearsals and Simulations

Lastly, conducting thorough rehearsals and simulations is crucial for ensuring both safety and fun. Comprehensive rehearsals and scenario simulations help in planning for smooth and safe events. Balancing entertainment and safety through proper planning provides an enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Implementing these strategies will make stage events at G-Star both captivating and secure, leaving a lasting impression on all visitors.

Previous: G-Star 2024: the Largest Gaming Convention in Korea (Link)

Next: G-Star Korea Essential Tips for Exhibitors (Coming soon)

G-Star 2024: the Largest Gaming Convention in Korea

by a 12 years experienced G-Star agency

---

1. G-STAR 2024 KOREA

What is G-Star Korea?

G-Star is Korea’s largest gaming convention, which has been held annually since 2005. It takes place from the third Thursday of November to that coming Sunday, coinciding with the Korean SAT period. This year, G-Star 2024 will be held from November 14th to 17th.

• B2B: November 14th(THU) to 16th(SAT) 10AM-6PM
• B2C: November 14th(THU) to 17th(SUN) 12PM-6PM

Where?

G-Star is held in Busan, not Seoul. The event is hosted at Bexco, Busan’s largest convention center, and features a variety of activities such as the introduction of new game IPs, gaming competitions, game demonstrations, and business meetings. G-Star has established itself as a pivotal event in the gaming industry, attracting both local and international participants and visitors.

G-Star’s 20th Anniversary

This year marks a special milestone as G-Star celebrates its 20th anniversary. To commemorate this occasion, G-Star’s organizing committee is preparing an extensive campaign that promises to be the highlight of the event.

2. Key Features of G-Star

Subculture Game Festival

G-Star hosts its very own event called the Subculture Game Festival. This event celebrates the diverse and vibrant subcultures within the gaming community. It features activities like fan meetings, autograph sessions and various interactive events. It’s a space where gaming enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the rich culture that surrounds their favorite games.

Game Lovers Are Here🔥

As you may already know, Korea is the birthplace of e-sports. In Korea, there are gaming rooms equipped with hundreds of cutting-edge computers, found in neighborhoods everywhere. They are called PC Bang. Every Korean teenager has spent part of their youth in these places. Ah, and even as adults, many still do.😂

Just Right After Korean SAT

G-Star is strategically scheduled right after the Korean SAT (Suneung) exam. This timing is intentional, as a significant portion of the event’s attendees are students. The convention offers special events and gifts for students who bring their exam identification, making it a popular post-exam celebration for many young gamers.

(Tips: If you are an exhibitor, plan merchandise events for them!)

3. G-Star Trend

G-Star 2023 Major Companies

In 2023, G-Star saw participation from major companies such as Smilegate(Lostark), NCSoft(LLL), Netmarble(Demis Re:Born), Krafton(Dark and Darker) alongside international giants like Bandai Namco(Final Fantasy) and EA SPORTS(FC24). These companies showcased their latest games and technologies, highlighting the event’s global appeal.

• Main Sponsor: Wemade
• Special Sponsor: Google Play

.

Multiplatform(Mobile, PC, Console)

G-Star has evolved to reflect the growing trend of multiplatform gaming. The convention features games and products across mobile, PC, and console platforms, catering to a diverse range of gaming preferences and ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Bigger and Bigger

Each year, G-Star continues to grow in size and influence. The G-Star 2023 saw a record number of 197K attendees, with even more space allocated for displays and events. This trend of growth indicates the increasing importance of G-Star in the global gaming industry, as it continues to attract more participants and visitors from around the world.

42 Countries, 1037 Exhibitors, 3328 Booth

This year, the early registration for exhibitors closed in just 30 minutes, showing a heated response and raising expectations that it will break previous records in scale.

.

4. G-Star Agency

G-Star’s success is also attributed to the expertise of its exhibition agency. We are an experiential marketing company that not only handles global game shows like GDC, Gamescom, and Tokyo Game Show, but also G-Star. Our greatest strengths lie in solid execution and exhibition planning tailored to user preferences and trends. When planning game exhibitions, we ensure that the initial vision matches the final results and that the operations run smoothly from start to finish.

We have extensive experience managing both indoor and outdoor booths and have organized mega-scale tournaments such as WCG and dubbed the Olympics of gaming, making us specialists in participatory events. Successful exhibitions stem from strong reactions, and in the realm of gaming marketing, the immediate reactions of gamers at the event are highly impactful.

With Eidetic Marketing’s headquarters in Korea and a multilingual team proficient in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese, it is of no wonder that our global agency participates annually in G-Star.

.

.

Recommended Content

• G-Star Game Booth Ideas for Successful Gaming Conventions [Link]

• 2023 G-Star Works [EA SPORTS, WEBZEN]

Gamescom Tips for Exhibitors A-Z, from Parking to Store

.

Essential Tips from a Gamescom Agency

---

Gamescom Tip 1: Entrance for Exhibitors

If you have received your Gamescom ticket via email, it’s a good idea to save the ticket image on your phone. When entering the exhibition hall, note that the entrances for exhibitors and visitors are different. Show your mobile ticket to the staff and enter through the exhibitor line (EXH line).
The visitor entrance line can be extremely long. 👯👯👯👯👯

Once inside the venue, you’ll see a scanner for QR codes, similar to a subway turnstile. If you arrive before the official opening time, use the far-left lane designated for exhibitors. Simply tag your mobile ticket’s QR code at the scanner, and your ticket will be printed, allowing you to enter immediately.

.

Gamescom Tip 2: Prepare a Name Tag Case

.

Gamescom provides only a lanyard but does not include a name tag case. If you attach the paper ticket directly to the lanyard and wear it around, it can quickly become tattered and torn as you walk around the exhibition. Be prepared to bring a name tag case in advance, keeping your ticket intact!

.

Gamescom Tip 3: Parking

During Gamescom, when exhibitors and visitors flock to the event, finding parking can become quite a challenge. There are several parking lots around the exhibition center, and purchasing a parking ticket in advance can save you a lot of time and hassle. Simply place the ticket on your vehicle’s dashboard, and the parking attendants will check and guide you accordingly.

• • How to Apply: Visit the Gamescom official site and navigate to the Service Shop
• • Parking Fee: If you apply in advance, the total cost for the entire Gamescom period (5 days) is 41 euros. (excl.VAT)
• • Without Advance Application: The daily rate is 20 euros (2023).
• • Construction Period: Free parking.
• • Ticket Receipt: Tickets will be sent by mail from the administrative office.

The parking permit is only valid in original form; copies or photos are not permitted.

The ticket will indicate ‘P21,’ which denotes the specific parking area. After checking the location on the map on the back of the ticket, you can only park in the designated area. The administrative office assigns locations close to the halls for convenience.

.

Gamescom Tip 4: Closest Store

Last year, we were in charge of BMW’s exhibition marketing at Gamescom. On the first day of the event, we prepared some wine and snacks, understanding the local game show culture and proposing the idea to BMW. The enjoyable gathering served as the launch signal for introducing the AirConsole gaming platform featured in the new BMW i5.

If you suddenly need a wine opener🍷 or additional snacks🍪, head to Lidl, a German grocery chain located just a 5-minute walk from the exhibition center. Most items you might need but can’t find within the venue can be quickly sourced from Lidl, making it a practical stop for event organizers.

Google Maps

Gamescom Tip 5: Are You Looking for an Iced Americano?

In Europe, it can be challenging to find an iced americano unless you’re at Starbucks. Europeans typically enjoy the pure taste of coffee, so an espresso diluted with water is considered a foreign drink, and “iced” versions are even rarer.

The same holds true in Cologne, where most large restaurants only serve hot coffee. However, there is one exception! You can find iced americano from a self-service coffee machine. 😉

At the entrance between Hall 8 and Halls 6 and 7, you’ll spot a restaurant where Gamescom operates a self-service coffee machine. An iced americano is so popular that it’s often sold out before 3PM. Although it’s not the quickest machine, and there might be a wait, every minute counts. So, be sure to place your order early!

We look forward to another exciting and successful Gamescom this year!

Follow us on our social media and stay in the loop with our latest news and events on the Gamescom Exhibitors Guide!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Previous: 2024 Gamescom Exhibitors Guide (Booking, Schedule, Service)
Next: Where is the best meeting place in the hall and all around?!

2024 Gamescom Exhibitors Guide (booking, schedule, service)

---

Welcome to the comprehensive guide for exhibitors at Gamescom 2024. This guide will provide essential information to ensure a successful and smooth experience at one of the world’s largest gaming conventions.

.

Increasing Exhibitors

As of February 29, 2024, early bird registration for Gamescom 2024 has closed. This year, Gamescom has seen a 21% increase in the number of exhibitors compared to its record-breaking year in 2019. This represents a 28% increase over 2023, with a 66% rise in booked exhibition space. A total of 42 countries have registered early, with many participating through national pavilions. Confirmed participants include South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Belgium, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and Turkey.

.

Gamescom Exhibitors Guide #1
Schedule

The official schedule for 2024 Gamescom is from Wednesday, August 21 to Sunday, August 25.

The event will have separate schedules for the B2B (Business Area) and B2C (Entertainment Area) sectors. Please refer to the following table for details:

• • B2B (Business Area): Open for business meetings and networking.
• • B2C (Entertainment Area): Open for general public entertainment and consumer engagement.

.

Gamescom Exhibitors Guide #2
Exhibition Hall

Gamescom is held at the massive Koelnmesse exhibition center, covering an area of 700,000 square meters, making it the largest gaming show globally. The exhibition is divided into B2C, B2B, merch store, and event areas.

• • B2B Halls: Halls 2-4
• • B2C Halls: Halls 6-10
• • Merchandise Hall: Hall 5
• • Gamescom ONL¹ Event: Hall 7

You’d better download the following Gamescom hall plan images on your phone in advance!

Navigating the vast Koelnmesse center can be challenging, so it is advisable to save the map on your phone. Entry points are located at the east, west, south, and north gates.

Other useful links and downloads

Make sure to determine which entrance is closest to your destination hall. Maps are also available at hall entrances, where “Level 1” and “Level 2” indicate the floors.

Since the B2B area spans multiple floors, plan your movements with ample time, especially if you have scheduled meetings. For shortcuts, refer to the additional post linked in the guide.

Gamescom Exhibitors Guide #3
Booking a Booth

With the early bird period concluded, booth applications now follow regular pricing. Booth costs at Gamescom include rental fees, energy costs, deposits (facility usage fees), and mandatory contributions to the German Trade Fair Industry Fund.

Gamescom Booth prices vary based on type (e.g., corner stand, island stand), so calculate costs on the Gamescom business site before applying.

Booth applications are only accepted online. Note that costs differ if you only rent a B2B booth, so verify prices on the site in advance. Key regulations for booth rental include:

1. B2B rental cannot exceed 1.5 times the B2C rental area.
2. Consumer-related (end-user) game companies must apply for a B2C booth to rent a B2B booth.
3. Booth allocation is at the discretion of the organizer.
4. Deposits (facility usage fees) are settled after the exhibition concludes.

Once your booth rental is confirmed, it’s just the beginning. Ensure you understand booth installation regulations, design restrictions, and undergo the design approval process.
Working with an agency can help navigate these requirements efficiently.

Order services

.

Gamescom Agency: Eidetic Marketing

Eidetic Marketing, the agency behind successful campaigns for HYBE IM and BMW at Gamescom 2023, combines global talent and local trends to help game companies achieve their KPIs. Our strategic planning aligns with on-ground execution, delivering seamless and effective results.

Given the diverse international audience at Gamescom, multilingual staff are crucial. Our global team speaks English, German, Japanese, Chinese, and French, ensuring smooth communication and engagement with visitors. Our positive energy and cohesive teamwork resonate well with attendees.

As a dedicated Gamescom agency, our strengths lie in trend-aligned exhibition planning and robust execution. From operational know-how to dining recommendations, our extensive local knowledge adds significant value.

We look forward to another exciting and successful Gamescom this year!

Follow us on our social media and stay in the loop with our latest news and events related to Gamescom Exhibitors Guide!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Next: Gamescom Real Tips for Exhibitors From Parking to Store

1. Opening Night Live ↩︎

Game Booth Ideas for Successful Gaming Conventions

---

Introduction

Gaming conventions offer developers and publishers a prime opportunity to showcase their products, engage with fans, and build a loyal community. This article explores various game booth ideas focusing on interactive events, cosplay, integrated IPs, user experience, and technology to create a memorable and successful presence.

Game Booth Ideas 1)
Events

Creating successful game booths involves hosting a variety of events that engage attendees and connect them with the game IPs. Attendees can enjoy instagrammable moments throughout the event with the photo booth, cosplay zone, and giant game character displays.

Successful Events for Game Booth

• • Tournaments
• • Autograph Sessions
• • Inviting Streamers
• • Lucky Draw
• • Developer Meet and Greets
• • Photo Booth

Enjoyable experiences throughout these events can increase user retention time at the booth.

Game Booth Ideas 2)
Cosplay

Detailed Design for Cosplay

High-quality cosplay that accurately represents game characters is crucial. Focus on authentic accessories, accurate costumes, and detailed hair and makeup to replicate in-game characters.

Audition for Cosplay Model

Select models who not only resemble the characters but also understand and convey their personalities. Assess character understanding, performance skills, and the ability to match the character’s appearance and demeanor.

👉 TERBIS G-STAR Cosplay

Game Booth Ideas 3)
Integrated IPs

Well Integrated IPs

Maintaining a cohesive brand identity across different games is essential for game publishers. Despite the variety in genres, themes, and characters, it’s important to ensure all games are aligned with the publisher’s branding.

Unified Messaging

Ensure that promotional materials and communications reflect the publisher’s overall brand message and values, using consistent visual elements like logos and color schemes.

Zone Planning

Effective zone planning enhances attendee experience and optimizes space by guiding smooth attendee movement through the booth and ensures easy access to different areas.

Different Styles for Different Hardware

Design each zone to showcase the specific hardware, such as high-end PC setups for desktop gaming, casual setups for mobile gaming, and immersive lounge areas for console gaming.

Game Booth Ideas 4)
User Experience

Brining the Game to Life

Enhancing user experience involves creating a booth that replicates the real game environment, allowing attendees to feel as if they are inside the game. This can be achieved by transforming the digital experience into a physical one.

For example, EA SPORTS is an online soccer game. We created an entrance tunnel similar to the one the players use to access the field. It is complete with realistic sounds like cheering, grass, and flags, to maximize the user experience.

👉 EA SPORTS G-STAR Booth

Game Booth Ideas 5)
Technology

Blockchain-based NFT

Showcase the integration of NFT technology in games, allowing attendees to test new tools and technologies. Highlight successful NFT implementations and provide interactive workshops on creating and managing NFTs.

👉 WEMADE GDC Booth

Expanding Platforms: From Traditional to Automotive

In recent times, the concept of ‘infotainment’ has gained popularity, referring to the enjoyment of various entertainment options within a vehicle. Game platforms are evolving beyond traditional hardware like PCs, mobile devices, and consoles, and are now integrating into automotive systems.

👉 BMW Gamescom Booth

For Successful Gaming Conventions

By implementing these ideas, you can attract a large audience, provide memorable experiences, and build a strong community around your game. Careful planning and execution can make your game booth a highlight of any gaming convention, leaving a lasting impression on attendees and fostering long-term engagement with your game and brand.

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Medium
• Vimeo

[EIDETIC INSIGHT] AI’s Impact on the Design Landscape

by Luke Song

In the dynamic landscape of design, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as a transformative force, reshaping traditional approaches and propelling the field into new realms of innovation. As we explore the intricate interplay between AI and design, a nuanced understanding of key trends unveils the profound impact of technology on creative expression and user experiences.

01. Widespread Use of Generative Design
Generative AI has sparked a paradigm shift in art and design, evident since Midjourney’s groundbreaking win at a 2022 art contest. This pivotal moment marked the dawn of AI’s creative prowess, challenging conventional notions of authorship and inspiration. Midjourney’s capabilities have improved since then and has become prolific in the design scene. Even esteemed firms such as Zaha Hadid Architects has admitted to using Dall-E 2 and Midjourney in their ideation phase.

we generated these images of a robot donning our company name and color.Moreover, tools like Autodesk’s Fusion 360 Generative Design democratize design exploration, empowering creators across disciplines to unlock novel solutions to complex challenges. By fusing AI algorithms with user-defined constraints, the design process accelerates, fostering a culture of experimentation and discovery. Platforms like Runway pave the way for text-to-video generation, promising unprecedented creative possibilities in digital content creation.

02. Personalized Experiences in User Interface Design
AI-driven personalization is revolutionizing user interface design, offering tailored experiences that resonate with individual preferences. From Netflix’s sophisticated recommendation engines to dynamic e-commerce interfaces, AI algorithms analyze user behavior to curate content and optimize interactions. This level of customization enhances user satisfaction and cultivates deeper engagement and brand loyalty.

Exploring AI techniques such as collaborative filtering and natural language processing unveils the intricate mechanisms underpinning personalized experiences. As designers navigate ethical implications regarding data privacy and user consent, transparency and accountability remain paramount in fostering trust and integrity in UI design.

03. Automation and Efficiency in Product Design

In product design, AI serves as a catalyst for efficiency and innovation, streamlining workflows and accelerating time-to-market. Siemens’ NX software exemplifies this trend, integrating AI-driven features like generative topology optimization to empower designers with actionable insights and iterative capabilities. By automating repetitive tasks and harnessing predictive analytics, AI enhances the creative process, allowing designers to focus on strategic decision-making and problem-solving.

04. AI in Experiential Marketing
In the realm of experiential marketing, AI is pushing the boundaries of what brands can achieve, blurring the lines between the digital and physical worlds. Agencies like Jack Morton Worldwide and Invisible North are leveraging AI to create immersive brand experiences that captivate audiences and drive engagement.

From AI-powered chatbots to AR/VR experiences infused with AI-led technologies, brands are embracing AI to create impactful storytelling experiences. By harnessing the power of AI, marketers can create personalized, immersive experiences that resonate with audiences on a deeper level, driving brand affinity and loyalty.

As marketers navigate the evolving landscape of AI in experiential marketing, ethical considerations remain paramount in safeguarding consumer trust and privacy. By prioritizing transparency and inclusivity, brands can leverage AI to create authentic and impactful experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

05. Collaborative Intelligence in Design

IBM’s Watson Design AI embodies collaborative intelligence, where human designers collaborate with intelligent systems to co-create innovative solutions. By leveraging AI-driven insights and recommendations, designers gain new perspectives and uncover hidden opportunities for creativity and innovation. This collaborative approach fosters a culture of exploration and experimentation, driving meaningful change in design practices and outcomes.

As AI continues to reshape the landscape of design, ethical considerations remain at the forefront of innovation. Tools like Google’s Perspective API exemplify the importance of ethical design practices in AI-driven solutions, promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in digital spaces. (AI’s Impact on the Design)

06. Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Implementing Generative AI poses challenges, including data biases and ethical concerns. Ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability is essential to mitigate these risks. Concerns regarding job displacement and creative originality also prompt discussions, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and proactive measures to address these challenges.

07. The Future of AI and Human Creativity

Looking ahead, Generative AI is poised for significant advancements, with systems becoming more sophisticated and creative. Future developments may include AI seamlessly collaborating with humans in creative processes, more intuitive user interfaces, and AI systems interpreting human emotions to create personalized content. The convergence of Generative AI with emerging technologies like quantum computing could lead to unprecedented levels of efficiency and creativity.

While AI continues to advance at a rapid pace, experts agree that humans will remain essential in the creative process. As AI enhances creativity and enables new possibilities, it’s the human element that adds depth and meaning to experiences. Human-AI collaboration, as seen in projects like Deeplocal‘s AI-powered musical instrument, exemplifies how technology can enhance, rather than replace, human creativity.

As AI continues to reshape the landscape of design and experiential marketing, the future holds endless possibilities. From generative design tools that unlock new realms of innovation to AI-powered personalization that enhances user experiences, the transformative potential of AI in design is vast and profound. By embracing AI as a partner in the creative process, designers and marketers alike can unlock new avenues of exploration and drive positive change in the world of design and beyond. (AI’s Impact on the Design)

[EIDETIC INSIGHT] CES 2021: Going Virtual

CES Tech Show Exhibitors

by Kenneth Nienhuser

Source : CTA

From rollable smartphones to graphics cards, AI-powered vacuums to drones, this year’s CES had plenty of cool and interesting technology to take in. It was the first year, also, that CES, the world’s largest consumer-electronics show, was not held in-person since its debut in 1967. This month, we’re looking into the numbers for CES, seeing how this giant show overcame the burden of the global pandemic, and what exhibitors brought to offer at the show.

Source : CTA

In previous years, the CES show floor was absolutely packed with exhibitors from around the world, stretching over 2.9 million sqft in 2020, with over 4,400 exhibitors fighting for the attention of about 180,000 attendees. This year, due to public health concerns, the venue was moved to the virtual space, and as such, lowered the amount of exhibitors (1,943) and attendees (80,746) by more than half. 

This goes without saying as being quite a hit to the numbers that CES is accustomed to pulling in. The show did succeed, however, on pulling in digital views. With over 3 million conference and keynote views, many audiences outside the attendees of the events were eager to see what CES 2021 had to offer. 

Source : LG

And there was a lot to see. LG unveiled the LG Rollable in a trailer that demonstrated the rollable smartphone’s front side capabilities as the screen grew and shrunk. Razer unveiled a ‘smart mask’ with RGB lighting and rechargeable filters. NVIDIA and AMD also came to battle it out with reveals of new graphics cards for gaming laptops and processors for mobile devices. 

So how did the exhibitors fair in this new virtual space? It’s reported that the show generated over a million leads for exhibitors. Not bad considering the fraction of the costs required for exhibitors to hold their exhibitions virtually compared to the pricey real estate of the CES showroom floor. 

Source : CTA

This does not mean CES 2022 will be held online, as it has already been announced that they will be back in Vegas next January. The lessons learned from this experiment, however, will certainly carry over to how companies and the show itself approach virtual attendees in the future.

CES tech show exhibitors – Our 2023 Posco Exhibition

Go See Our Works – CES Global Exhibition

[EIDETIC INSIGHT] 2021: Metaverse Pt 2: Where We Go From Here

by Kenneth Nienhuser

 

 

Last month, we dived into the ways the Metaverse has become a part of our daily lives, in no small part due to the isolation that resulted from 2020. This month we will discuss the future of the Metaverse, and where things could potentially lead to going forward.

 

 

Telehealth, Virtual Care

The rise of telehealth during 2020 could be accredited both to the pandemic as well as the increase in the use of 5G and VR technology. The ability for doctors to be able to diagnose patients from the safety and security of their own homes, allowing both patient and practitioner to avoid the potentially dangerous contact of the COVID19 virus, is not to be understated, but the potential for this technology reaches far beyond the current pandemic. Nursing homes, rural communities, even areas of conflict, could greatly benefit from having highly trained doctors and nurses lend their diagnosis from afar. 

 

Source : Riot Games

 

5G and Streaming

Streaming services are experiencing boosts in activity from the rise of 5G technology, allowing audiences to stream their favorite entertainment platform anytime, anywhere. This only stands to grow as audiences flocked to streaming services during the pandemic as other forms of entertainment became limited or unavailable. Add that to streaming innovations like the League of Legends Pro View which allows audiences to change their POV during streams to follow the action, and the advancement of VR technology for streaming like Wowza and Delight VR allowing content creators to offer streams in 360 degree views, and streaming will certainly continue to reign as a staple in our lives in the Metaverse.

 

Source : KT

 

Business through Virtual Spaces

Companies all over the world in 2020 had to face the possibility that the future of business may not be face-to-face. It may, in fact, be conducted through the virtual spaces of the Metaverse, as South Korean telecommunications giant, KT, illustrated through their virtual agreement signing with FarEasTone Telecommunications in April of last year. The agreement to jointly develop 5G services between the Taipei and South Korean companies was conducted through KT’s virtual platform, Engage. 

If companies can save money and resources by conducting meetings and important events through digital platforms like Engage or other VR services, surely it would make sense to engage more with this technology as the experiences become more fluid and natural.

[EIDETIC INSIGHT] 2020: Reaching into the Metaverse

by Kenneth Nienhuser

 

Source : newsletter.banklesshq

 

Like something out of a science fiction film, the Metaverse has arrived, becoming an intimately interactive part of our daily lives. 2020 has created a perfect storm of social responsibility and advances in technology to push our virtual-centered lifestyles even farther. Our lives are lived through virtual spaces, in games, Zoom meetings, online classes, and social media platforms. This is why businesses and governments alike have found ways to become an intrinsic portion of our virtual habits, creating experiences and events that meld together our hobbies and social lives with the messages these entities create in the virtual world that links us all together.

 

Source : Virtual Market 4

 

Virtual Spaces and Marketing

2020 has brought in a new era of marketing through the use of virtual spaces. Due to the need for social distancing, which led to the cancelation of many exhibitions and events around the world, major industries that communicated with their consumers through these events reached out in surprising ways to audiences through the use of virtual spaces.

Virtual Market 4 in Japan was a virtual reality exhibition that used the revolutionary ‘VR Chat’ platform to present and sell wares to its users, mostly in the form of custom cosmetics for user’s virtual avatars. However, this year there was one big auto giant that seized the opportunity to reach audiences through the Metaverse by making a virtual, interactive exhibition space. Audi created an exhibit for the Audi e-tron Sportback, allowing users to take the vehicle for a virtual spin around their custom-designed track. The event had over 700,000 attendees, which makes this the largest virtual event in existence. 

 

Source : Animal Crossing

 

Government and the Digital Planes

Virtual events aren’t just reserved for the likes of private companies; government entities too have been dabbling in the virtual spaces of the Metaverse. These have ranged from simple online exhibits to entire worlds created within video games to spread messages to the citizens of these nations.

During the presidential race, Biden-Harris’s campaign put together a very special reminder for the citizens of the United States to go out and vote with the island they created on the wildly popular Nintendo Switch title, Animal Crossing. The island, named Biden HQ, included intricate details to make the virtual space really seem like a virtual field office for the campaign, including a packed staff office, voting booths with instructions on how to vote, and a virtual Joe Biden wandering around the island.

South Korea’s Blue House had also gotten into the Metaverse this year, utilizing the powerful creation tools of Minecraft to create a virtual world for citizens to visit. Normally, every year, the Blue House opens up for visits from the youth of South Korea on Children’s Day. However, as a result of the global pandemic, this was not possible this year, which led to a very creative solution from President Moon’s staff. The Blue House server was created to give children around the country a chance to visit the Blue House and many other sites virtually, creating a sense of community that would have otherwise been missing if the annual tradition had not carried on.

 

Source : Jepeto

 

Metaverse Music

Culturally, the Metaverse has also evolved. Music Idols are being represented through virtual avatars on online platforms, which create a connection between audiences and members of these groups that has been unfelt before.

Zepeto, the augmented reality chatroom app, has made the famous KPOP idol group, BLACKPINK, their official virtual models earlier this year. After making this official, the group announced it would hold a virtual fansign through the app, as meet and greets were made nigh impossible due to the global situation. The group also created a performance using their digital avatars in partnership with Selena Gomez under the title of “Ice Cream” earlier this year. 

Not to be outdone, gaming has also proven to be an attractive space for artists to release new hits and create virtual concerts. Travis Scott and Marshmello have both found great success with Fortnite. In April, Travis Scott’s Astronomical performance brought almost 30 million attendees online to view the playable concert series, where the larger than life performer debuted his new track “The Scotts” to audiences around the world.

Throughout 2020, our social interactions and popular culture are starting to blend together in a virtual world where governments, companies and popular cultural icons come together to occupy the same space. 2020 won’t be the end of the Metaverse however, as companies and other entities have learned these virtual spaces have high potential for reach and can help make connections with a consumer base that has moved to a more virtual-centric lifestyle.

[EIDETIC INSIGHT] Hi, Speed : iPhone 12 launch Event

by Kenneth Nienhuser

 

Apple has always been keen on innovation and reaching audiences in new ways. Now with the series of launch events and announcements we have seen from them, these strategies are bearing fruit.

 

Source : apple

The iPhone 12 launch event on October 13th revealed 4 new phones, including the new iPhone 12 mini. These phones include 5G capabilities and an improved camera, making them an attractive upgrade for Apple users everywhere. The presentation had the same great production quality that we are used to seeing from Apple, and it seems that even in the COVID-19 pandemic, they don’t seem to be holding back.

The hype certainly paid off. Within the first 24 hours of sales, the iPhone 12 outperformed the iPhone 11 by around 800,000 units, totaling to approximately 2 million units sold. A large percentage of the demand comes from China, where 5G is more readily available for use.

 

But that wasn’t the only event Apple held. A few days ago they held another event. On November 10^th Apple revealed its new hardware with the Apple M1 Chip. The presentation also covered the next in the series of Mac Books, as well as the Mac Mini that will come standard with the M1 chip.

This is important because this transition means that the Mac Books will also be touting 5G capabilities as well, which will certainly appeal to Chinese audiences. Apple stocks have been on the rise since this reveal, and things are looking bright for the Apple brand.