Zurich Game Show: what to expect at the second Zurich Game Show
The Zurich Game Show is being held in Oerlikon for the second time. With twice as much space, the organisers want to prove to local gamers that they don't have to cross the border to celebrate their hobby.
A few years ago, you could count game events on one hand, but now they are springing up like mushrooms. Gamezfestival, JapAniManga, Luducious, Fantasy-Basel. The latter is organised by the same team as the Zurich Game Show, which is expecting 30,000 visitors this year. Media manager Jenny Michel explains why the two trade fairs do not compete with each other.
The Zurich Game Show is only taking place for the second time. What has changed since the first event?
Jenny Michel, Media Manager: Firstly, the size: we are now almost twice as big. Last year there were four halls, now we are occupying all seven. This is also due to the fact that we now have over 200 exhibitors. At the first edition, the focus was on e-sports. This time it will also be high-calibre when the Swiss national team plays against the Danish team in "League of Legends". But we are now organising many more visitor tournaments. E-sports for everyone is our motto. Modelling has also been added. That didn't even exist last time. But the demand was so high that we've also added to it.
What lessons did you learn from the first show?
We really hit the mark with our trade fair. You can see that, among other things, from the fact that we are fully booked in terms of exhibitors. However, we still need to improve on trade fairs in Germany. We have to show exhibitors that we are marketable. Zurich is very popular as an event location, which is why we only had to do a little convincing. There is a great need for such events. Visitors love being able to touch and try out new hardware and games.
You can also see that the stigma of kids playing games alone in the basement with no friends is slowly disappearing. Now you can see people of all ages and backgrounds who have been brought together by their love of gaming.
What was the biggest challenge?
Definitely the size of the event. We're still the same well-oiled team, but nobody got bored (laughs). We are well prepared for the crowds. If we have underestimated the crowds and are overwhelmed, we are still happy.
What can visitors look forward to in particular?
Certainly the "Fortnite" tournament. The game is a phenomenon and has even overtaken "League of Legends". It's a visitor tournament that anyone can take part in. The response is huge.
We have also invited four international stars. These include Bryan Dechart, who played a major role in "Detroit Become Human", and James Faulkner, who is known from "Game of Thrones". This gives the trade fair an international flair. Personally, I think the "Generation Future Zone" is great. It's dedicated to gamification. This is a topic that is becoming more and more popular and shows how games can also be used for learning purposes in schools. The event is particularly interesting for teachers, parents and children.
And last but not least, there will be 22 game premieres at the Zurich Game Show. This is a novelty and should be an incentive for many to come.
What about security? Unfortunately, this has become an increasingly important topic in recent years
We have always attached great importance to safety precautions. With more visitors, the whole thing is simply scaled up. Our own security team carries out entrance checks. There is also a weapons check for cosplayers. Depending on what props they bring with them, you have to take a closer look.
You organise a very similar event in Switzerland with Fantasy Basel. Aren't you competing with yourselves there?
Fantasy has a broader thematic focus. Cosplay is an integral part of it. In Zurich, there is no Artist Alley and cosplay is limited to games, whereas in Basel, films and comics also serve as a source of inspiration.
At first glance, Fantasy appeals to more people. But who doesn't game these days? Whether on a mobile, PC or console, everyone has played games at some point. The potential audience is definitely huge. It's not just about the absolute core gamers. We also welcome casual gamers who play Snake on their mobile phones. Gaming is part of everyday life. I am convinced that both events will be equally big in the near future.
Being the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.