G*Star 2012, Asia’s biggest gaming convention, the world’s largest for online games, is set to begin 1 month from now. Scheduled to be the biggest G*Star ever, there are a few big names missing from the confirmed public exhibition list. Let’s take a look at who they are and the possible reasons why.
1. NCsoft
Perhaps the biggest name missing. NCsoft is most probably concentrating on running the recently launched Blade & Soul, localizing the game for 4 regions, and also hard at work with Lineage Eternal. Does it mean NCsoft will have no blockbuster title for 2013 in Korea? Well, there is still Guild Wars 2 as backup, although nothing was announced for the Korean server.
2. Webzen
With Archlord II entering Closed Beta 1 come end of this month, Webzen should also be concentrating its effort to polish the game and focus on its global ambitions. MU2 should also still be in development, and the thought of this game possibly launching in the same time period as Lineage Eternal is intriguing.
3. CJ Entertainment & Media
CJ has many games coming out over the next few months, including Ghosts ‘n Goblins Online, Monarchy, GunZ 2: The Second Duel, Hounds and a soccer/ football game. CJ is also in the midst of expanding its presence in the Western market. Good choice not to overstretch resources.
4. MGame
Only 1 game announced, which is Yulgang 2. The game just went into the new phase of Closed Beta a couple of hours ago. Just 1 game, and hopefully it does well…
5. Hanbiton
Working on 3 games now, Audition 2, Squad Flow and Hellgate 2 (using the Unreal 3 Engine). Nothing for Hellgate 2 yet, since it was just announced a couple of months ago.
6. XLGAMES
ArcheAge is preparing for Open Beta this December, with the cloud client and tablet client just announced. While a booth at G*Star might further boost its popularity, it would be better to concentrate on game operations. Still nothing on the rumored Civilization Online collaboration with Take-Two Interactive.
7. Big Spoon
Where the heck is Red Blood Online? After a couple of test phases, the game slipped into oblivion, although a Taiwan deal was signed. Hopefully, developer Gorilla Banana Studio is working hard on polishing the game, and not monkeying around.
Other big missing names from the gaming industry include Red 5 Studios (Firefall), Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony. The above information are for the B2C (Business to Consumers) section. The B2B (Business to Business) section, however, has way more booths and companies.
