The Game Self-Regulation Committee (GSOK) released the 13th GSOK Policy Research report on the 11th, titled 'From Exhibition Halls to Digital Showcases: Focusing on Global Game Shows'.

The GSOK Policy Research is a quarterly report published by the Game Self-Regulation Committee. Its objective is to foster a consensus-based gaming ecosystem across industry, academia, government, and the public by bringing critical policy research to the forefront.

This study approaches game shows as more than just a stage for new reveals; it views them as complex platforms where technology, content, business strategy, industrial exchange, and user culture converge. The research examines the formation and restructuring of major global game shows based on the history and structure of the exhibition industry.

The study analyzed various cases, including Tokyo Game Show, ChinaJoy, Gamescom, The Game Awards, PAX, GDC, Summer Game Fest, Nintendo Direct, and BlizzCon. The findings confirm that global game shows are diversifying into categories such as comprehensive exhibitions, conferences, festivals, digital showcases, and award-integrated formats.

Among these, the comprehensive exhibition model saw its limitations exposed by the collapse of E3, which relied too heavily on the participation of a few key corporations. Conversely, the report assesses that Tokyo Game Show, ChinaJoy, and Gamescom maintain demand for offline comprehensive game shows by leveraging on-site demos, B2B transactions, user engagement, and regional industrial platforms.

However, the researchers point out that simply maintaining offline demand or increasing visitor numbers does not guarantee competitiveness. Specific issues such as on-site congestion, unequal access to hands-on experiences, high participation costs, the commercialization of programming, diluted excitement for new announcements, tensions between internationalization and local identity, and over-reliance on specific firms or platforms must be addressed.

Consequently, the report suggests future operational strategies: prioritizing event identity and value for core participants over sheer scale, establishing sustainable governance to balance diverse stakeholders, integrating B2B and B2C efforts, and dividing functions so that online channels focus on information dissemination while physical venues focus on demos, consultations, and face-to-face networking.

Hwang Sung-ki, the Chair of the Game Self-Regulation Committee, stated, "I hope this research serves as foundational material for understanding the evolution of global game shows and for developing operational strategies that bridge event identity with hands-on experiences, industrial networking, and user participation."

The full GSOK Policy Research report can be accessed at the official website of the Game Self-Regulation Committee.