ESGS 2017 to celebrate global, PHL gaming with eSports, demos, and more

The Esports and Gaming Summit (ESGS) 2017 is almost upon us, giving gamers a lot to look forward to towards the end of October.

One of the Philippines and Southeast Asia’s largest gaming celebrations, ESGS is now on its fourth year. ESGS 2017 is set to take place from October 27 to 29 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Compound, Pasay City. Doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.

Like every year, several renowned international game companies, as well as rising stars in the local game industry, will be present at the event. Attendees will be treated to eSports competitions, game demos, freebies, cosplay, and more.

The following are the most significant attractions to expect at ESGS 2017:

Sony PlayStation’s 12-game showcase

As a major exhibitor at ESGS 2017, Sony will be showcasing an impressive line-up of games consisting of upcoming and recently released titles, as well as virtual reality experiences.

Each of the 12 games Sony is bringing to the event will have playable demos.

First and foremost among these is the eagerly anticipated “Call of Duty: WWII.” At ESGS 2017, the game will be making its regional hands-on demo debut, allowing fans to play its multiplayer mode ahead of its November 3 launch.

Other unreleased PlayStation 4 games making their way to the event include “Dragon Ball FighterZ,” “Dissidia Final Fantasy NT,” and “Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet.”

We can also expect demos of “The Evil Within 2,” “Gran Turismo Sport,” “Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite,” and “NBA 2K18.”

Lastly, attendees will have the opportunity to try out PlayStation VR games “Bravo Team,” “Inpatient,” “Monsters of the Deep: Final Fantasy XV,” “and “No Heroes Allowed!”

Ubisoft, Capcom, Hi-Rez Studios

Not to be outdone, major exhibitor Ubisoft will exhibit the eagerly awaited “Assassin’s Creed: Origins,” as well as “Just Dance 2018” at ESGS 2017. They will also host a range of activities revolving around game development.

On the Capcom side, event-goers can try out “Monster Hunter World.”

This year will be Hi-Rez Studio’s ESGS debut. The major exhibitor will be hosting “Smite” and “Paladins” tournaments as well as demos.

Local game developers to bring their A-game

Of course, ESGS 2017 will be local game developers’ time to shine.

Major exhibitor Secret 6 is returning to showcase the latest build for “Project Xandata,” the competitive multiplayer first-person shooter attendees were allowed to play at last year’s ESGS.

Ranida Games is also coming back with a playable demo for “Bayani: Kanino Ka Kakampi?” Also featured at ESGS 2016, this fighting game stars Philippine national heroes.

Similarly, Indigo Entertainment is bringing their giant mecha fighting game “Garrison Archangel.”

We’ll also see Synergy 88 at the event, where they’ll exhibit some of their upcoming projects.

Indie Arena—an exhibition of indie talent

ESGS wouldn’t be complete without a showcase of pure indie talent. Like last year, Indie Arena 2017 will highlight the current projects of multiple international and local indie game developers—the latter having their own GameFest station courtesy of the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP).

Event-goers will have the opportunity to play these games, win special freebies, and communicate with the developers themselves.

The academic side of game development

GDAP will also promote game development’s academic side through GameFest. The area will therefore gather several educational institutions and their partners in the game development industry to share their expertise with the public.

In addition, top developers from various studios will be present to give a series of talks about game development, for the purpose of giving event-goers crash courses on game programming, animation, and art.

Mobile games to make a splash

ESGS 2017 will see a surplus of tournaments, game demos, and other activities revolving around mobile games.

We’ll be having a lot of Moonton’s “Mobile Legends,” R2 Games’ “Heroes Evolved,” Blizzard’s “Hearthstone,” Super Evil Megacorp’s “Vainglory,” and Supercell’s “Clash Royale” at ESGS 2017. The Mobile Esports Arena will be the site of competitive action.

'Final Fantasy: The Card Game' taking center stage

Those into collectible card games will be pleased to know that gaming and hobby shop Ludus will be shining the spotlight on “Final Fantasy: The Card Game.” This will be ESGS’s first non-electronic game to be given a special feature on stage.

Additionally, Ludus will be holding live demos of the card game at their booth, where said game and other titles can also be purchased.

Brawlfest action

The Philippines has one of Southeast Asia’s most enthusiastic fighting game communities, and at ESGS 2017, the best of the best will be duking it out for honor and prizes.

Communities from Playbook, Cosmic Gorgons, PinoyPS, and Secret Base are collaborating to organize a number of tournaments involving popular fighting games such as “Street Fighter V,” “Marvel VS. Capcom: Infinite,” “Injustice 2,” “Super Smash Brothers 4,” and more.

The main event will be the “Tekken 7” competition, which will take place on stage. Whoever emerges as its champion will be awarded the opportunity to go to EVO Japan 2018, where they’ll compete with the world’s best players.

Tech brands

ESGS 2017 will play host to numerous tech brands. MSI, HyperX, Thermaltake, Predator, AOC, Philips, ASRock, Zotac and PowerColor will all have booths, where attendees can participate in various activities.

Gaming-themed cosplay

Last but not least, ESGS 2017 will host a gaming-themed cosplay competition. Evaluating the participants will be a panel of judges consisting of veteran cosplayers Kang Dupet, Loki Heart, and World Cosplay Summit Philippines President Tessa.

Photo: Michael Logarta

ESGS 2017 is organized by Gariath Concepts. Tickets for the event are now available at all SM Ticket Outlets.

You can find information about ESGS 2017’s ticket prices, schedule of activities, and more by visiting its official Facebook page and website. — BM, GMA News