Get Ready to Play: gamescom asia Unveils Publisher Lineup and Key Entertainment Zone Highlights

Hi Huneybees,

With under a month to gamescom asia 2023 (happening from 20 - 22 October 2023 at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre), tickets to the first gamescom asia Entertainment Zone are already released for sales together with the unveiling of an expanded publisher lineup.

gamescom asia aims to serve as the premier platform for Asian game developers to explore partnerships globally, and act as a hub for international publishers who are looking for the next big thing in games. The Asia satellite event of gamescom, the world’s largest computer and video games festival, trade visitors and consumers can expect industry-specific insights and reveals, while new releases and gaming-related offerings will be showcased. The event will include a trade and public exhibition, trade conference and several programmes for the public. Online shows PRIMETIME and STUDIO will be held on 19 and 22 October for global fans.

4Divinity, Arc System Works, Epicsoft Asia, Make Waves, Neopets, PlayStation, and Ubisoft are among the latest publishers and companies to confirm their participation. Organisers also shared highlights of what to expect at the physical B2C Entertainment Zone exhibition area, from Main Stage performances to new zones within the Entertainment Zone.

 

Expect an electrifying line-up on the Entertainment Zone Main Stage with concerts, behind-the-scenes talks with acclaimed game producers, dedicated Meet & Greet with special guests, Cosplay Fashion Show and more. Visitors interested in the classics can check out the Retro Games Zone, try out the latest games library at the Board Games Zone, and demo quirky and unique indie games from around the world within the Indie Zone.

Gaming heavyweights to anchor gamescom asia

The event will see a - line-up of the world’s most influential gaming publishers. From trying out game demos to battling it out with the latest gaming hardware and the hottest games, industry professionals and public alike can look forward to being among the first to experience widely-anticipated games firsthand and immerse in the thrill and excellence in esports tournaments.

4Divinity and Epicsoft Asia will present a series of exciting action-packed titles, including the much-anticipated S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl which will be released in Q1 2024. gamescom asia attendees will get to trial a timed demo and stand to win a full copy of ENDLESS™ Dungeon, a new tactical action game set to launch on 19 October 2023. Fans can also try out Atomic Heart and the Annihilation Instinct DLC, all while playing in comfort in Martiangear gaming chairs.

Ubisoft celebrates its 15th anniversary in Singapore this year, and will showcase 2 titles: Assassin’s Creed® Mirage as well as Skull and BonesTM. gamescom asia attendees can speak with studio representatives and recruitment teams, and immerse themselves in an art exhibition featuring both games.

Make Waves, developer and publisher of VR games and educational apps, will showcase 3 exciting VR titles in development – Sky Strikers, Slam City, and Star Legacy, and a mobile puzzle-solver Other Side of Mist and Mountain. All games showcased will be playable in early access, at the event grounds. This is the first time these titles have been showcased at a convention.

More game titles available for play from Capcom, PlayStation, Arc System Works, and more will be announced closer to date.

Exciting Main Stage Shows and Meet & Greets

From guest appearances to performances and entertainment, an exciting programme line-up awaits at the Entertainment Zone Main Stage. Attendees can revel in the music of Gerard Marino’s electrifying live performance, get up close with the voice actors of ‘Honkai: Star Rail’ characters and get a chance to snag some official Honkai freebies, and discover the behind-the-scenes technical magic of Ubisoft’s ‘Skull and Bones’. 

Check out the craft of cosplay in the gamescom asia Cosplay Fashion Show – Walk of Valor and Might, held in collaboration with Singapore Cosplay Club. SuperFans ticket holders will be treated to a performance by PLAYERTWO in partnership with Warner Music on 20 October 2023.

Get up close with star cosplayers and voice actors in Meet and Greet sessions on 21 and 22 October at the Meet & Greet Zone. Say hi to cosplayers and content creators Kitz Cua (@kitzcua) and Charess Mabia (@charechii), as well as voice actors from Honkai: Star Rail (Su Ling Chan, Craig Lee Thomas, Molly Zhang and Emily Sun) and Street Fighter 6 (Faye Mata).

Something for everyone, including the family

New zones will be available to entertain and offer hands-on sessions for both online and tabletop games alike – the Retro Games Zone by Retro City, the Board Games Zone by Origame and the Indie Zone by Indie Wavemakers.

Get a chance to play more than 30 games from indie studios from across the world at the Indie Zone by Indie Wavemakers, sponsored by Xbox. Check out the creative work of independent game developers with their own perspectives on games. 

Attendees can embrace the golden era of video games with Retro City’s exciting pop-up experience. The Retro Games Zone will showcase custom arcade and pinball machines featuring a myriad of iconic games, as well as activities such as learning how to craft your very own home arcade machine with the help of Retrocade. For a lucky SuperFan, there’ll be a chance to bring home a custom gamescom asia x Retro City Arcade Console, as well as other exciting prizes.

Roll a dice across the table and embark on an unforgettable journey into the world of board gaming with Origame at gamescom asia’s Board Games Zone. Highlights include The Asian Board Game Festival board game library, with over 100 titles of curated board games from all over Asia, as well as game demos from Origame and other popular games from independent Asian board game studios.

For the online audience, tune in to the annual streams for PRIMETIME on 19 October in the evening and STUDIO on 22 October for a half day of extended content, games showcase, and features.

Tickets start from SGD 19 for a single day entry, and can be purchased online via this link. Click here for an overview of the happenings within the Entertainment Zone. Programme schedule will also be released closer to the event.

 

Limited SuperFan tickets are available to purchase till 19 October or until sold out. Access to the Zone on 20 October is available only to SuperFan ticketholders. All other public ticket categories can access the event on Saturday 21 October and/or Sunday 22 October.

 

Registration for trade and industry members is open at this link.

For more information and the latest updates, visit gamescom.asia or follow gamescom asia on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Discord, TikTok, and LinkedIn. 

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Joji, Pulp, Yoasobi As Clockenflap 2023 Headliners This December

Hi Huneybees,

Clockenflap, Hong Kong's biggest international outdoor music and arts festival, will be taking place at Central Harbourfront on 1 - 3 December 2023, they have recently revealed its massive lineup drop, giving fans their first taste of what they can expect to see.

The festival lineup includes Britpop legends and Saturday night headliners PULP; Australian-Japanese singer-songwriter, rapper, and YouTube trailblazer Joji, will be headlining on Sunday with a performance that will also be the last show of his Pandemonium world tour; J-pop super duo and Friday headliners Yoasobi will be joined by American singer-songwriter Caroline Polachek, and U.K. post-punk heroes IDLES.

Other highlights announced so far include standout Taiwanese indie band No Party for Caodong, breakout “Romantic Homicide” singer D4vd, Canadian rapper BBNO$, and Chinese singer/rapper Lexie Liu.

Following on from its sold-out three-day show back in March 2023, the 13th edition of the festival will feature a forward-thinking lineup showcasing a truly distinctive and diverse array of artists. From internationally acclaimed acts to regional and local gems, this lineup promises an unparalleled experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Showcasing the full, world-class festival experience that music fans in the city have come to know and love, December’s edition of Clockenflap will feature a spectacular outdoor environment featuring multiple stages, a tempting array of irresistible F&B outlets, and an eclectic lineup of must-see international, regional and local acts.

 

Best of Asia

The festival’s commitment to showcasing the region’s leading lights continues with a roster of acts that have helped put Asia on the musical map. Formed in Hebei in 1996, alternative rockers Omnipotent Youth Society are one of the most influential bands in the history of Chinese rock. This rare opportunity for fans in Hong Kong to see the band live is going to be made even more special as they are playing back-to-back with seminal Chinese punk band The Fly, with the lead singer and guitarist of Omnipotent Youth Society guesting with The Fly as they celebrate their 30th anniversary. 

Described as “generation-defining” by NME, Taiwanese indie rockers No Party For Cao Dong are set to be one of this year’s must-sees. Regarded by fans as the voice of a pessimistic generation of Taiwanese youth, the band surpassed singer-songwriter Jay Chou for most nominations during the 28th Golden Melody Awards, and dethroned Mandopop institution Mayday to win Best Band in the same run. Having released their highly anticipated sophomore album The Clod 瓦合 in 2023, their appearance at Clockenflap marks their first performance in Hong Kong since 2018. 

A big hit at Clockenflap in 2017, J-pop mavericks Wednesday Campanella will perform their energetic live show with new lead singer Utaha at the festival for the first time, Taiwan-based Hong Kong duo Running Youth make their Clockenflap debut with their distinctive blend of electronica and dreamy indie-pop, while Taipei-born, New York-based R&B chanteuse 9m88 returns to Clockenflap for the first time since her memorable set in 2018. Talented Chinese singer-songwriter Leah Dou makes a triumphant return to the Clockenflap stage to play at the festival for the first time since 2015.

Atarashii Gakko!

So Hot Right Now

Showcasing artists that are riding the crest of a wave or set to explode is coded into Clockenflap’s DNA, and fans can look forward to seeing a succession of acts that are ready to ignite the global zeitgeist. American singer-songwriter Caroline Polachek has turned heads with her critically acclaimed 2023 album Desire, I Want to Turn Into You, and U.S. teen sensation D4vd is another hot talent who’s been making waves this year. High-energy Japanese girl group Atarashii Gakko! is destined to be one of the festival’s most-talked-about acts, while other highlights include American singer-songwriter Alex G, Chinese singer/rapper Lexie Liu, Welsh multi-instrumentalist Novo Amor and Canadian rapper singer and songwriter BBNO$.

Indie Trailblazers

Clockenflap has an unrivaled reputation for bringing the world’s top indie acts to Hong Kong, and this year is no different. Loved by critics and fans alike, IDLES are set to bring their ferocious live show to Central Harbourfront, as are fellow British post-punkers Squid. They’ll be joined by acclaimed U.K. alternative-indie band PREP, Yorkshire rockers Yard Act, and Canadian singer-songwriter Andy Shauf.

Music For Connoisseurs

Fans searching for something new or looking to satisfy their music geek tendencies will be spoiled for choice at the December 2023 edition of Clockenflap. China’s post-rock standard-bearers Wang Wen and U.S. post-rock veterans Caspian will be demonstrating why they’re considered masters of the genre. Beijing-based post-punk duo Gong Gong Gong are sure to win legions of new fans with their distinctive stripped-back sound, as will Japanese punk band Otoboke Beaver. And lovers of Japanese rock won’t want to miss the enduring envy, who has been hugely influential in the country’s post-hardcore, screamo, and post-rock scenes for more than 30 years.

 

Electrifying Electronica

As ever, Clockenflap will have an eclectic lineup of DJs and top electronic acts that are guaranteed to get the dancefloor rocking and your feet moving. Legendary DJ/producer and former Underworld member Darren Emerson makes his long-awaited Clockenflap debut, while Australian electro-house hellraisers Peking Duk returns to the festival for the first time since 2018. Other highlights include UK champions of bass-drenched slammers Deekline & Ed Solo, Berlin-based DJ/producer and owner of the 803 Crystal Grooves label Cinthie and Hong Kong-based classical and jazz violinist turned DJ/producer Xiaolin. 

Festival Favourites

Some acts are just made for festivals, with an uncanny ability to create magical moments that unite the crowd, and Clockenflap wouldn’t be Clockenflap without a few of those on the lineup. Tearaway troubadours Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls will be on hand to serve up their distinctive blend of indie, punk and folk, multi-award winning Korean traditional music group ADG7 are jetting in to deliver their unique fusion of folk and offbeat pop, and British-Taiwanese musician/producer Kamaal Williams will be blurring the boundaries between jazz, hip-hop, R&B and EDM.

Hong Kong Heroes

Showcasing the depth and breadth of the local indie scene, the festival welcomes cerebral local hip-hop collective Yack Studio for its debut live performance at the festival. Featuring members from both Hong Kong and Taiwan, Science Noodles captures the essence of old-school lo-fi with their dreamy songs and catchy hooks. Other local acts playing at the festival this year include producer DJ duo JVSY and dynamic composer/ Singer-Songwriter/ Music Producer Subyub Lee.

 

Ticketing Details

Tickets are available now, priced at HK$1,990 for three-day weekend tickets and HK$1,280 for single-day tickets. Children aged under three years old can attend the festival for free (pre-registration for children aged under three is not required). Children aged between three and 17 years old require their own tickets, which are priced at HK$1,580 for three-day weekend tickets and HK$880 for single-day tickets.

Tickets for Clockenflap 2023 are now available online,  stay tuned for more artists to be announced in the lineup in the coming months.

Official Channels

facebook.com/clockenflap
instagram.com/clockenflap
weibo.com/clockenflap
twitter.com/clockenflap
#clockenflap

 

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Have You Gotten Your Tickets to Singapore Comic Con SGCC 2023?

Hi Huneybees,

I had tons of fun at the Singapore Comic Con 2023 prelude. Like-minded fans all gathered as we celebrated all the geeky comic, gaming and toy stuff as we counted down to December and got a taste of what's to come. 

We started out making our very own SGCC Mascot macarons with Mac.Bites. Drawing on such a tiny "canvas" was definitely a feat, it took me several tries, just to get the eyes right. I was really getting cross-eyed, requesting for my hands to steady up. Look out for their booth at SGCC 2023, I bet there will be tons of adorable macarons waiting to go home with you ~

Speaking of food, there will also be food booths at the event and one of my favourite BBT store - Chagee will be there to quench our thirst. I love their Da Hong Pao which you can customise with toppings or just simply have the bottled Cold Brew series. You can keep the bottle and bring your own drinks out in it too!

Hubby had a lot of fun at the OSIM booth, playing Tic-Tac-Toe with the pretty staff and also gaming on the Transformers x OSIM UThrone V gaming chairs. They were not only ergonomically comfortable, it also came with massage options, which I was hinting hard to him that Christmas was drawing near... 😜

Everyone was engaged and having tons of creative fun, it was so nice to hang out and make friends with them. Activities like Tabletop Gaming, and painting Dungeons & Dragons miniatures as well as cosplayers meet up will also be happening at SGCC 2023 itself, I can't wait to see everything happening on a bigger scale.

We already had our eyes on some of the toys on display, *my Christmas wishlist just keeps getting longer* but one that surprised us was the "Jelly Podrtaits" booth. A simple caricature concept combined with the latest photo booth trend, has us posing to get our "photos" drawn within minutes. I love how the artist captured out expression. I'm definitely going to find her again at SGCC 2023.

Tempted? Ready to unleash your inner geek and dive into the ultimate celebration of comics, games, toys and cosplay? Hurry get your tickets then! This year, they are featuring a "Creators Con", a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide a dedicated space for content creators to connect, share their experiences, and inspire the next generation of creators. I'm definitely looking forward to it and can't wait to see what collabs I can come up with...

Singapore Comic Con 2023 is happening from 9-10 December 2023 at Sands Expo & Convention Centre (10am - 8pm). The event is part of the Singapore Media Festival and supported by The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) Singapore and the Singapore Tourism Board. 

For more information: https://www.singaporecomiccon.com/.

Get your tickets at: https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/75556-sgcc-2023/

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Legendary Dim Sum Icon Swee Choon Elevates Travelers' Experience with 24-Hour Concept at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2

Hi Huneybees,

Swee Choon Changi Airport T2 Shopfront

Singapore's legendary dim sum icon - Swee Choon is expanding its horizons with a new 24-hour concept outlet at Changi Airport Terminal 2 (target opening by the end of September 2023).

Being the venerable 62-year-old dim sum institution, this strategic expansion beyond its flagship Jalan Besar establishment marks an exciting milestone for the legendary brand, offering travelers and locals an opportunity to indulge in culinary delights around the clock.

With a roster of 30 dedicated dim sum masters crafting each delicacy by hand, the restaurant has earned its place as a destination for both locals and international visitors. Notably, Swee Choon has collaborated with the Singapore Tourism Board and JTB Singapore to introduce the tradition of dim sum to Japanese tourists.

A Gastronomic Journey Beyond Boundaries

Embracing a vibrant and welcoming ambiance, the new Swee Choon outlet accommodates 70 diners in a relaxed café-style setting. Whether you're a globe-trotting traveler arriving from distant lands or a local seeking a late-night dim sum fix, this 24-hour haven promises an authentic dim sum experience that marries tradition with innovation, no matter the hour.

In addition to the iconic Hong Kong and Shanghai-style dim sum that Swee Choon is renowned for, the new outlet introduces an array of delectable offerings available anytime hunger strikes. Dive into the rich flavors of Hong Kong-style wanton noodles and indulge in a tantalizing assortment of cheong fun, featuring highlights like the fried dough rice roll and fried prawn rice roll. 

A partnership with local artisanal ice cream producer Creamier brings forth a delightful Hong Kong milk tea gelato, captivating the senses with every spoonful, whether it's day or night.

Unveiling a Limited-Edition NETS Card

To celebrate the inauguration of this remarkable 24-hour outlet, Swee Choon is also offering an exclusive limited-edition NETS card preloaded with $5 to the first 600 patrons who spend a minimum of $10 at the new outlet. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack, this offer ensures everyone can indulge in Swee Choon's culinary delights at any time.

Hong Kong-style wanton noodles, available exclusively at the new Swee Choon outlet

Culinary Innovations for Modern Times, Around the Clock

Under the visionary leadership of third-generation owner Ernest Ting, Swee Choon has undergone a digital transformation, enhancing its online menu and expanding delivery options. The restaurant's commitment to innovation is evident in its line of frozen dim sum, offering gastronomes the chance to relish these delights in the comfort of their homes. With a growing presence of five outlets islandwide, including this 24-hour concept, Swee Choon continues to redefine the dim sum experience.

Indulge in Tradition, Embrace Innovation

Swee Choon Dim Sum @ Changi

Changi Airport Terminal 2, Airport Boulevard, #01-07

Opening in the last week of September 2023

For more information - https://www.sweechoon.com/

#SweeChoonSg #SupportSgDimSim #SupportSgHeritageFood

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Jack's Place Celebrates the Return of Tenderloin Fest With New Menu Additions & Dining Deals

Hi Huneybees,

The much-celebrated Tenderloin Fest at Jack's Place is back this September and there are new menu features and deals for all to enjoy! 

Tenderloin Fest is a culinary celebration that pays homage to Jack's Place's signature tenderloin steak, the pinnacle of premium grass-fed New Zealand beef, renowned for its exceptional tenderness and rich flavours. It is this one time of the year that guests will have the delightful opportunity to choose from an extensive selection of beef tenderloin dishes, making it a truly special occasion on the menu.

Guests’ favourites will take the spotlight during Tenderloin Fest, featuring the beloved Tenderloin Steaks-Jack’s Special Steak, Fire Steak, Black Pepper Steak, Sambal Steak, and the irresistible Creamy Mushroom Onion Steak, each exuding its unique essence and character, making it a delightful feast for discerning diners. In addition, Jack's Place has also added 2 new dishes - the Roasted Tenderloin Tail and the Carpetbag Steak. 

Tenderloin Tail 

The Tenderloin Tail offers a sharing option for 2 with a slice that narrows down to at the end; cooked till medium you can get 2 types of texture in a dish, with the bigger portion slightly more juicy and the end being roasted to its fullest. The dish comes paired with a delectable Cajun sauce, tender, and fluffy baked potato, and a medley of herbs, pickled cherry tomatoes & seasonal vegetables, promising an elevated culinary experience.

Carpetbag Steak

The Carpetbag Steak is a nostalgic dish popular in Australia and New Zealand during the mid-20th century.  A pocket is cut into the Signature Tenderloin steak via a small entry cut and then expanded internally, into which oysters are stuffed, resulting in a luscious melding of flavors that promises to enthrall every palate.

Tenderloin with Escargots au Beurre

For the Tenderloin Combos, Jack's Place is offering a few unique combinations of tenderloin with bacon, Cajun prawns, or escargots. Meat lovers, for instance, will revel in the Bacon Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter ($32.50++), while the Ultimate Turf and Surf ($33.50++) promises a delightful treat for seafood and meat enthusiasts. Escargot fans, on the other hand, will find delight in the Tenderloin with Escargots au Beurre($33.50++), a tender fillet with escargots in garlic and herbs butter sauce. 

Left: Cheesy Corn Baked 
Right: PotatoTruffle & Mushroom Baked Potato

All Tenderloin main courses come with a signature baked potato that complements the steaks, and during the Tenderloin Fest, guests can upgrade it to the new ‘Loaded Baked Potato’ for just $1 more. The New Loaded Baked Potato offers two options such as the Truffle & Mushroom Baked Potato and Cheesy Corn Baked Potato, apart from the Signature Baked Potato, which is topped with sour dressing, turkey bacon, and chives.

A selection of their All-Time Favourites appetizers at only $9.90++ is a great choice to start any meal, with just an order of any Tenderloin Steak. The sumptuous appetizer selection includes Escargots in Shells with Garlic Butter, Scallops Bienville, Lobster, and Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Meat-Free Chargrilled Pieces Salad, and Crispy Sampler Platter.

Yuzu Mojito

As a complement, you can choose from their range of promotional beverages – the new Yuzu Mojito, Trapiche-Oak Cask Chardonnay, or the Trapiche-Oak Cask Malbecor Erdinger Dunkel Beer. 

To end the meal on a sweet note, don't leave without having to enjoy the scrumptious Nutella Banana Cupcake that combines rich chocolate Nutella frosting with light and fluffy banana cake. Opt to have it on its own or top it up with a scoop of Gelato.  I'm normally not a cupcake person but this dessert comes recommended by me.

To reward their loyal diners, Jack's Place has also launched a stamp campaign during this celebrative fest. Earn a Tenderloin Fest stamp for every order of a tenderloin steak; every four stamps will allow you to redeem $10 off your next purchase. These exclusive offers are available at all Jack’s Place Restaurants islandwide!!

For more information, you can visit www.jacksplace.com.sg.

Facebook | Instagram | Official hashtag: #jacksplacesg

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