gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show 2026: Bangkok Highlights
From October 29 to November 1, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok hosted gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show 2026. This event marks the second edition following the 2025 merger of the Asian branch of gamescom and the long-running Thailand Game Show.
The merger has significantly expanded the event's footprint, with the exhibition area growing by 20% to over 35,000 square meters. This year saw a record-breaking 29 participating countries. Following a successful previous turnout of over 206,000 visitors, the 2026 edition solidified Bangkok's position as a vital hub for the Southeast Asian gaming industry.



The scale of the Thai gaming market is immense, with over 40 million gamers according to depa. Mobile gaming dominates the landscape, accounting for 58.3% of the market. However, the industry faces a structural challenge: 97.8% of revenue is driven by foreign titles, and local Thai game sales saw a sharp decline of 43.6% in 2024. The industry's current mission is to transition from being a consumer-heavy market to a major content creator.




Japanese publishers held a prominent position at the event. Nintendo showcased the Nintendo Switch 2 with playable demos for 'Poko a Pokémon' and 'Pokémon Champions'. Capcom drew the largest crowds, with two-hour wait times for multiplayer demos of 'Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance'. Other notable titles included 'ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition' and 'DAVE THE DIVER Nintendo Switch 2 Edition'.




Major titles from China and South Korea also commanded significant attention. GRYPHLINE showcased 'Arknights: Endfield', while KURO GAMES presented 'Wuthering Waves' with elaborate traditional decor. Bandai Namco featured 'Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve' and 'Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3' (slated for a 2027 release), alongside Square Enix's 'FINAL FANTASY' series, including 'FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION' and 'FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE'.




The 'Thai Playvilion' area highlighted local talent, featuring games like 'Songkran Hazard' and 'MUAY THAI XTREME'. The latter, a Muay Thai-themed title, is scheduled for a closed test in November 2026 and a Steam release in February 2027. The event also featured large-scale cosplay competitions with a 300,000 baht prize pool, reinforcing the show's role as both a business platform and a cultural celebration.



