Imagine a large hall filled with the latest video games, such as Rock Band and Spore, at your disposal. Imagine attending talks exclusively by representatives of the big guns in the games industry, such as Ubisoft and Lucasfilm Animation Singapore. Now, imagine all of these for absolutely free of charge.

No, these aren’t merely figments of your imagination. Or ideas for a Samsung ad. Games Convention Asia (GCA) 2008 is bringing practically the entire international gaming community right to our little island this very month!

With an exciting line-up of games in the exhibition hall for both casual and hardcore gamers, as well as talks to be given by the industry’s big players for students considering a career in the games industry, there’s really something for everyone here.
 
Except if you don’t like video games, of course.

Games, games, games…

Electronic Arts (EA) is set to make waves at this year’s GCA with its latest collection of gaming sensations from hardcore games such as FIFA 09 to casual ones such as Hasbro’s Littlest Pet Shop (yes, we don’t believe it either).

But here is what we think that will really make gamers simply go ga-ga at EA’s booth:

a)    Rock Band – EA is setting up its very own stage for the highlight of this event! We are not sure if actual spotlights will be put up, but grab your friends and rock on anyway.
b)    The Sims 2 Apartment Life – This latest expansion pack to The Sims 2 is a breath of fresh air compared to the previous bland expansion packs such as FreeTime and stuff packs such as IKEA Home Stuff. Having your Sims living so close next to one another is sure to create plenty of drama.
c)    Spore – Need we say more about it? More than just creating new monsters, you can now finally create your very own unique universe.

Don’t worry if you are the it’s-not-a proper-game-unless-I’m-shooting-someone” type. You can get your hands on the all new Command and Conquer series Red Alert 3, scheduled only to be released in Oct 2008, at the EA booth.

Of course, there will be other video game publishers (both international and local), so if you’re a gamer, GCA is the one place you absolutely have to be.

You’re a student? More perks for you!

Now we know the games exhibition is free, but the conference itself, unfortunately, is not. In fact, it can cost up to S$270! But if you are a student, you’re in luck. You can attend the talks free, on Students’ Day that is.

Set to be held on the last day of GCA 2008, students can attend lectures by distinguished guests such as MIT professor Henry Jenkins and Ubisoft Singapore Technical Director Claude Langlais. The topics scheduled to be discussed range from the future of games and fostering creativity.

And that’s not it. If you are keen to be part of the games industry, the panel discussion “What Gaming Companies Look for in Fresh Graduates” will definitely give you the edge you need to break into big companies such as EA and Ubisoft. Don’t forget to pre-register for Students’ Day online!

Battle of the best gamers

If you don’t wish to play video games in public (we know how easily bruised some egos can get), then watch the professional players battle it out at the World GameMaster Tournament (WGT) Singapore Final during GCA 2008. Our local elite players will compete with one another to be in the finals of one of the world’s largest gaming tournaments!

The winner of WGT will also be given the title of World GameMaster. We know it sounds geeky, but we bet that you’ll be showing off to your friends if you’re crowned World GameMaster.

What: Games Convention Asia 2008
When: Sept 18-20, from Thurs to Sat
Where: Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Official Website: www.gc-asia.sg