Games Convention Online 2009

GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE

(31 July - 2 August 2009)

Leipzig, 8 June 2009

The world's first ever trade show for browser, client and mobile game, the GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE, celebrates its premiere from 31 July to 2 August. For three days on end, around 50 exhibiting companies, among them gaming portals, publishers and gaming service providers, present a unique gaming event at the Leipzig Exhibition Centre. The exclusive national partner for the industry's new get-together is Korea, the pioneer and trendsetter worldwide when it comes to online and mobile gaming. For its first ever presentation in Europe, the Asian country will introduce itself to the public at the GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE with around 15 companies. They include NHN Games, Korea's biggest gaming portal, as well as further leading game publishers.

"As the market leader in online and mobile gaming, Korea is already several years ahead in terms of know-how and technology. With its presentation at the GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE, trade and private visitors can see the future development of the European market and at the same time, tap into new ideas," says Silvana Kürschner, Strategy Director GC Global.

Korea will be a sensation at the GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE for more than just its gaming prowess. The design look of the collective stand highlights the special status of the tiger nation: a pavilion arranged as a traditional Korean tea garden seduces gamers into a world of hitherto unknown heroes and mysteries. Manga games are particularly popular in Korea and will delight the Leipzig public. In addition to the Korean presentation in the public area, there will also be another pavilion in the Business Center at the trade show, where admission is restricted to officially recognised trade visitors and representatives of the media.

"For Korean publishers, the GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE is the gateway to the European online gaming market. Leipzig gives us the opportunity for the first time to show ourselves to gamers and to make contact with representatives of the industry," Il Kim is pleased to note as director of the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), an agency under the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Together with KOTRA, the Korean foreign trade company, and SBA, a Seoul-based foreign trade agency, the KOCCA is organising the Korean participation at the GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE.

About Seoul Business Agency

The Seoul Business Agency (SBA) is a Seoul Metropolitan Government-funded organization formed to provide comprehensive and systematic support for small and medium venture business in Seoul in order to help improve business circumstances and boost their competitiveness.

About KOTRA

KOTRA is Korea's national trade and investment promotion agency, mandated to support trade and outbound investment by Korean companies as well as the entry and successful establishment of foreign business into Korea. Since its establishment in 1962, KOTRA has been committed to promoting mutual prosperity between Korea and her trading partners by facilitating international commerce and investment. Through KOTRA's 97 overseas Korea Business Centers in 70 countries, the organization provides business matchmaking, industry marketing and research, and trade and investment promotion.

About the GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE

The GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE is the first independent platform in Europe for what is currently the game industry's most dynamic market: browser, client and mobile games. From 31 July to 2 August 2009, publishers, gaming portals and gaming service providers from all over the world will be in Leipzig to introduce themselves.

The trade show's concept is based on two separate areas. The focus is on the Business Center with professionally organised matchmaking for trade visitors and an integrated dialogue conference. The public exhibition halls are where it's at for gamers. As well as taking part in many events and show matches, they can try out the very latest online and mobile games. Gaming communities are also offered a range of presentation opportunities. The GCO is accompanied by an interactive online event. Throughout the three days of the trade show, gamers have access at www.gamesconvention.com to a variety of exhibitor offers, TV streams, blogs and forums.

Contact for the Press:

Torsten Anke, Press Officer

Phone: +49 341 678-8198

Fax: +49 341 678-8182

E-mail: t.anke@leipziger-messe.de

Internet:

www.gamesconvention.com

www.leipziger-messe.de