Fans celebrate the opening of BW2024 in Shanghai

Shanghai transformed into a gaming and pop culture paradise this weekend as Bilibili World 2024 (BW2024) opened its doors to eager fans. The three-day event, packed with games, gadgets, anime, cosplay, and live performances, turned July into a carnival for Shanghai’s gaming community.

Despite the rain, thousands of people gathered at the National Convention & Exhibition Center, many dressed in elaborate cosplay costumes and brimming with infectious enthusiasm. The massive scale of the event, combined with the recent CCG Expo and ChinaJoy, created a summer celebration for gamers.

Sony caused a stir with the first on-site demo of Infinity Nikki on PlayStation 5, drawing long lines even before 2pm. The company also showcased its latest motion capture, 3D broadcasting and YURU Music services.

Other attractions in Hall 3 included interactive Genshin Impact experiences and a host of IT gadgets, from high-end graphics cards and AI-enabled devices to products featuring beloved anime characters based on Chinese characters.

Colorful, in partnership with Nvidia, showcased its high-end iGame product line, spanning graphics cards, motherboards and AI computers, catering to e-sports enthusiasts and AI developers alike. It also has co-branded products at the show with Fog Hill of Five Elements, a popular Chinese animated title.

In Hall 2, Hisense will showcase TV models inspired by the highly anticipated “Black Myth: Wukong,” a game due out next month based on the Chinese legend “Journey to the West.”

The event attracted visitors from outside Shanghai, such as Xiao Qin, a student from Beijing, who planned a three-day trip to explore the city and immerse himself in the vibrant pop culture scene. Qin and his friend told Shanghai Daily they planned to spend one day at BW2024 and the other two days visiting local spots like the Peace Hotel and an X-generation animation products store on Nanjing Road.

The BW2024 race is drawing crowds until Sunday, as part of the city’s “Shanghai Summer” campaign to boost tourism, culture and related consumption.