HoYo Fest, the annual celebration of HoYoverse games, has returned to Malaysia for its 2024 edition. Taking place at Pavilion Bukit Jalil from August 13 to 19, the event runs daily from 10 AM to 11 PM, offering fans a week-long immersion into the worlds of popular titles like Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero.

Merchandise Area

This year’s HoYo Fest has introduced significant improvements to the merchandise purchasing experience, addressing issues from previous events. To manage the notoriously long queues, organizers have implemented a “merchandise queue ticket” system. Attendees can collect these tickets for assigned time slots, allowing them to join the merchandise booth queue only during their specified time. These tickets are available at the Piazza Entrance before 9:55 AM and at the Information Counter after 10 AM.

The merchandise display has also seen an upgrade, with items now showcased in glass display cabinets. This change not only enhances the visual appeal but also improves security compared to last year’s open table and shelf displays. In a move towards digitalization, customers now scan unique QR codes to add items to a virtual cart instead of physically selecting merchandise.

The range of products available is extensive, including Chibi Acrylic Ornaments, Plushies, Figures, Blind Boxes, Mouse Mats, Posters, Acrylic Standees, Badges, and Keychains. However, potential buyers should note that all merchandise is available in limited quantities and only while stocks last. As an added incentive, any merchandise purchase comes with an exclusive HoYo FEST Paper Bag.

HoYo Zones 

The HoYo Zones, a staple of the festival, return with individual booths for each game. This year’s lineup includes Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Zenless Zone Zero, Honkai Impact 3, and Tears of Themis. Unlike some events, participation in these zones doesn’t require pre-registration – attendees can simply queue up and enjoy the activities, with the added bonus of receiving freebies.

 

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Each game booth offers unique activities and rewards. For instance, Genshin Impact players can show their UID to receive an exclusive HoYo FEST headpiece, while Honkai: Star Rail fans can present their in-game account page for a postcard. Zenless Zone Zero enthusiasts can play a demo of the game to obtain a random sticker.

A key feature of the event is the stamp collection activity. Visitors can collect stamps by completing at least one mini-event at each game booth. Once all stamps are collected, attendees can take photos at the event, post them on social media with specific hashtags, and then head to the HoYo FEST photo booth. After staff verification, participants can take a photo and receive an exclusive polaroid – a coveted souvenir of the event.

Overall Experience

HoYo FEST 2024 marks the second year of the event’s evolution from a themed cafe concept to a full-fledged convention. While this transformation has brought exciting changes, it has also presented new challenges.

One notable observation is the seemingly smaller crowd on the first day compared to the previous year. The venue’s location may be a contributing factor, as Pavilion Bukit Jalil is less accessible by public transport compared to last year’s Tropicana Gardens Mall, which was directly connected to the MRT line. Attendees relying on public transportation need to take a shuttle bus service from Awan Besar LRT Station to reach the venue.

The event space itself presents some logistical challenges. The Centre Court at Pavilion Bukit Jalil is considerably smaller than previous venues, resulting in narrower queuing areas for each booth and minimal separation between different queue lines. This layout can lead to confusion, with attendees potentially mixing up queues for different booths. The proximity of the spectator area for the stage to the booth queues further compounds this issue.

Despite these challenges, HoYo FEST 2024 remains a compelling experience, especially for first-time attendees and devoted fans of HoYoverse games. The organizers have made significant improvements in queue management for the merchandise booth, addressing a major pain point from previous events. The festival continues to provide an exciting platform for fans to connect with others who share their passion, whether it’s through gaming or cosplay. As with last year’s event, entry to HoYo FEST 2024 is free, making it accessible to all interested parties.