The AI character chat platform 'Crack' will serve as the main sponsor for 'G-STAR 2026.' This marks the first time an AI service, rather than a gaming-focused brand, has taken on the role of main sponsor for G-STAR.

The G-STAR Organizing Committee held a press conference for G-STAR 2026 at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, on the 13rd, where they unveiled the event's key plans and participant status. During the event, it was officially announced that the AI character chat platform Crack would be this year's main sponsor.

Crack is an AI character chat platform operated by the AI company Wrtn Technologies. Based on generative AI, it allows users to chat with various AI characters and provides content that enables users to create their own characters and world-building to develop stories.

This selection is unprecedented in the history of G-STAR. Historically, the main sponsor has been a major domestic or international gaming company, such as Nexon, NC, WEMADE, Kakao Games, Netmarble, Epic Games, or Supercell. While there have been instances of overseas companies serving as main sponsors, this is the first time a brand not primarily focused on gaming has taken the title.

Leading up to the announcement, there was significant speculation regarding which company would take the role. Rumors circulated that companies like Chinese game developer NetEase or Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD might be the main sponsor, with various theories persisting until the very last moment—including NetEase publicly denying its involvement. The official announcement of Crack at the press conference has put these speculations to rest.

The fact that an AI service, rather than a game company, has stepped up as the main sponsor highlights the rapidly expanding influence of generative AI in the gaming industry. Generative AI is broadening its scope across various areas, including game development, character-user interaction, and content creation. Crack, in particular, centers its core content on interactions between AI characters and users, positioning it at the intersection of gaming and AI content.

Meanwhile, G-STAR 2026 will be held for four days from November 19 to 22 at BEXCO in Busan. The BTC exhibition for general visitors will run until the 22nd, while the BTB exhibition for business-to-business networking will operate until the 21st. The official conference, 'G-CON,' is scheduled to take place over two days from November 19 to 20.