Bangkok--4 Apr--Thana Burin Asia Pacific Gsquare Channel (TrueVisions 60) in collaboration with Future Gamer, Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA), Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and more than 30 leading game companies introduce for the first time in Thailand the “Bangkok Interactive Game Festival 2008” (BIG Festival 2008). Taking place from April 3-6, 2008 at the Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, BIG Festival 2008 offers multiple experiences of the latest games for everyone and expects to attract around 120,000 visitors who will be able to enjoy the 8 highlighted activities throughout the 4-day event. Dr. Rungruang Limchoopatipa, President of Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA), who presided over the opening ceremony of Bangkok Interactive Game Festival 2008, said “BIG Festival 2008 is the event to showcase Thailand’s gaming industry and technology. It’s the first event of its kind to be held in Thailand. BIG Festival 2008 is unique because it offers opportunities for both international and local game providers, gamers and software developers to meet. It is also the event where Thai youths can demonstrate their skills and capabilities related to game development and techniques. BIG Festival 2008 essentially highlights Thailand’s capabilities on game development, technology and software.” During the opening ceremony, the Thailand Game Awards will be held to recognize outstanding game providers as well as individuals in the business who have contributed to the development of the country’s gaming industry in line with SIPA’s mission to help support Thailand’s gaming industry which has consequently grown in value by 5.7 billion Baht. Mr. Kreekorn Paireepinart, General Manager, Content & Application Business of True Digital Entertainment Co Ltd, said “BIG Festival 2008 is organized for the first time in Thailand by Gsquare Channel (TrueVisions 60) and Future Gamer in collaboration with Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA), JETRO, Korea Culture & Content Agency (KOCCA) from South Korea, as well as over 30 leading game and technology companies in Thailand. BIG Festival 2008 is the first event covering the entire technology of games in Thailand. The event is expected to attract visitors, businesses and young adults who are interested in software development as well as potential investors in the gaming business. Approximately 120,000 visitors are anticipated to attend the 4-day event.” BIG Festival 2008 has several highlight activities including the Thailand PC Contest which focuses on decorating computers, Miss BIG Festival 2008 featuring contestants from game providers, the First D’Cos Festival (Cosplay Cosparty 2008) where game fans can dress up as their favorite game and cartoon characters and Concerts from RS, GMM Grammy and TrueMusic. Mr. Mana Prapakamol, Managing Director of Future Gamer Co., Ltd, added “BIG Festival 2008 is the ideal opportunity for gamers of all platforms such as online games, arcade games, console games, handheld games, PC games, and games on mobile devices to enjoy and participate in the E-Sport Thailand Championships, where 9 games including Call of Duty, Mon Racing, DotA, FIFA 2008, Freestyle, Hip Street, Pucca Racing, Special Force, and Tales Runner will be the areas in which over 800 gamers from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia compete. Moreover, the Thailand Game Developer Challenge is an opportunity for Thai youths to show their game development and software skills. There will also be a seminar titled Vision of Game Developer featuring guest speakers from notable international game companies such as Dragonfly Team and KOCCA from South Korea, Japan Online Game Association, as well as specialists from the Thai Game Software Industry Association.” “As the host of the BIG Festival 2008, we are confident that the event will help promote the Thai gaming industry and help elevate it to an international level. Moreover, the event has been designed and developed to cater to a wide array of consumers and can be enjoyed by all family members.” Mr. Kreekorn concluded. Photo caption release: Dr. Rungruang Limchoopatipa (right), President of Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA), Mr. Kreekorn Paireepinart (centre), General Manager, Content & Application Business of True Digital Entertainment Co Ltd, and Mr. Mana Prapakamol, Managing Director of Future Gamer Co., Ltd, are seen together during the official opening of Bangkok Interactive Game Festival 2008 (BIG Festival 2008) at Royal Paragon, Siam Paragon. For more information, please contact: Corporate Communications and Marketing PR - True Group (042) 03/04/2008 Pimolpan Siriwongwan-ngarm Tel: +66 (0) 2699 2772 Email: [email protected] Wipada Isara Tel: +66 (0) 2699 2778 Email: [email protected] Thadhamon Chanthana Tel: +66 (0) 2699 2783 Email: [email protected] Thana Burin Asia Pacific Ltd Kasemsri K Eufemio (08 1 611 4696) Tel: +66 (0) 2231 6158-9 Email: [email protected] Yuwadi Chombun (08 9 669 5286) Tel: +66 (0) 2231 6158-9 Email: [email protected] Tidaporn Jamratkam (08 1 734 0473)Tel: +66 (0) 2231 6158-9 Email: [email protected]