MANILA, Philippines - The upcoming Games Convention Asia in Singapore is expected to be the biggest gaming event in Asia, bringing in dozens of gaming companies to feature the latest trends in video games.

The convention, taking place from September 17-19, will also see the launch of the first Asia-Pacific Games Directory (APGD), which identifies all of the various companies involved in game development, distribution and publishing in Asia.

Games Exchange Alliance (GXA) conceptualized the APGD, which would help Asian firms strengthen their position in the multi-billion dollar gaming industry.

“We believe that the directory will help to drive collaboration within the regional games industry and drive business growth," according to GXA President Aaron Tan.

The GCA will be on its third year, attracting thousands of people in the gaming business. It follows the annual Games Convention, which is the biggest gaming event in Europe.

Among the top video game experts to present in this year’s GCA include Ian Livingstone, president of EIDOS (the company that created the Tomb Raider series); Sony Computer Entertainment Asia President Tetsuhiko Yasuda; and Electronic Arts Senior Producer Takahiro Murakami.