The Ultimate Polaris 2024 Guide | Polaris Convention

The Polaris Convention in Hamburg is back for a third year, and we can’t wait! We’ve put together the ultimate Polaris 2024 guide with an overview of the areas, program highlights, creators, exhibitors, and things to do when you have some downtime and want to explore Hamburg.

This article is part of our blog series on gaming conventions. For even more content, be sure to head over here and check out the other blogs!

Key Facts

• When and where: 11-13 October 2024 in Hamburg, Germany
• Who is it for: Gamers, anime & manga fans, cosplayers, content creators, Asian pop culture enthusiasts

Imagine entering a vibrant realm where gaming, anime, manga, and Asian pop culture come together in the most epic way possible – that’s the Polaris Convention! For three full days, you’ll rub shoulders with your favorite German content creators and soak up the energy of live stage shows. Throw some delicious food and amazing cosplay into the mix, and you’ve got an event not to be missed.

Polaris Game App

To make your convention experience even more special, Polaris comes with its own app! Create your avatar and hunt for hidden stickers scattered throughout the venue to increase your XP. Scan your friends for even more points!

As you level up, you’ll unlock exclusive cosmetics to customize your character and earn special loot rewards that will benefit every visitor. The 2024 version has a few surprises in store, so stay tuned for the reveal!

Areas

Sandbox

If you’re a gaming and retro fan, this is your place! The Sandbox area features gaming stations, a VR area, a retro and speedrun stage, and exhibits all about retro vibes.

Cyberdome

This is the heart of entertainment! Here, you’ll find the PLITCH Main Stage, where most of the live shows will take place, the meet-and-greet area, and more!

Neo Taki

Step into the vibrant world of pop culture straight from Asia! Whether you’re obsessed with anime, K-pop, manga, or anything in between, Neo Taki is the realm for you. Anime-themed live shows and the coolest merch await you.

Munchi Market

Walking around the convention will work up an appetite, and the Munchi Market has your back. From snacks to drinks, fuel up so you can explore Polaris non-stop!

Valdhaym

If you’re feeling creative, this is where the magic happens. Valdhaym is full of talented artists showing off their work – get inspired or pick up some cool, unique pieces! You’ll also find all the tabletop vendors here!

In the past, this area has also hosted stations where you could get creative – like having your cosplay professionally photographed or painting tabletop figurines. And in 2023, there was even a tattoo station! We can’t wait to see what’s in store this year!

Polaris 2024 Program & Highlights

The complete Polaris program has yet to be announced, but we already know some highlights!

Neo Taki Highlight: One Piece Event

Get ready to set sail for an epic adventure at the Polaris Convention on October 12, 2024! The Neo Taki stage will be buzzing with excitement as anime expert Nino Kerl from NinotakuTV leads you through all things One Piece in celebration of its 25th anniversary.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg because, for the first time ever, (almost) the entire German voice-acting crew will be on stage for an exclusive panel. You can meet Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and the rest of the gang as they share behind-the-scenes secrets and bring their iconic characters to life!

Here’s what to expect:

• Morning: Test your pirate knowledge with a One Piece quiz for a chance to win some sweet prizes.
• Noon: The first-ever panel with the German voice actors, perfect for soaking up all the Straw Hat goodness.
• Afternoon: An epic meet and greet and autograph session with the entire crew.

Art Contest

Once again, the Polaris Convention is hosting an exclusive art contest! This year’s theme is “A Special Moment.” The twist? The artwork must feature at least ONE of the beloved Polaris characters to be entered. Thanks to Clip Studio Paint and Luma Paper, great prizes are up for grabs, including a 24-month subscription to Clip Studio Pro and more.

Cosplay Contest

The Cosplay Contest is back for its third year and will take place on Saturday, October 12th! Fifteen amazing cosplayers will bring your favorite characters to life, and with ErzaCosplay and Frankly Built on the judging panel, you know it will be an absolute highlight. Whether you’re participating or just watching, this is a must-attend event for all fandom lovers.

Dance Contest

And for all you dancers, the “Your Soul Contest” hosted by SeoulStation Dance Studio is happening on Sunday, October 13th! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, this contest is about expressing your individuality. Sign up early, practice those moves, and you could win some great prizes.

Alle Gegen Hamburg (“Hamburg vs. The World“)

Get ready for the ultimate gaming showdown at the Polaris Convention! For the second time, PietSmiet is bringing the hit game show “Alle gegen Hamburg” (Hamburg vs. the World) to a live audience – and you can be a part of it!  

On Friday, October 11, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., you can join the game legends as they battle it out in front of a packed house. You’ll need a valid Polaris Friday ticket and a special game show ticket.

Exhibitors

Partners

• PLITCH: We’re proud to be one of the main sponsors of the convention for the second year in a row! Our software allows you to customize single-player PC games by making them easier or harder. Be sure to stop by our booth and give it a try! Exclusive, top-secret PLITCH x Polaris goodies and giveaways are waiting for you.
• Bitburger 0,0% Recharge Area: Need a break? Recharge with Bitburger’s refreshing non-alcoholic beer.
• Carlsen: Manga lovers, get ready! From One Piece to Naruto, dive into the best of Carlsen Manga! Don’t miss their imprints, Hayabusa and C Lines, for LGBTQ+ titles, mystery gems, and the latest webtoons.
• Doktor Froid: Grab the latest Doktor Froid merch!
• Faber-Castell: Faber-Castell is your go-to brand whether you’re an artist or just love high-quality stationery.
• FRITZ! Box Tiny House: Bringing Berlin’s best Wi-Fi tech to level up your home connection.
• FUJIFILM Instax: These creative cameras instantly capture your favorite convention moments.
• George, the Latte Artist: Watch George turn coffee into art with 3D latte creations. Drinkable masterpieces!
• German Itasha e.V.: Love cars and anime? These guys bring the fusion of Japanese car culture and anime art to life.
• GRNK GmbH: Pick up exclusive merch from your favorite creators.
• Nintendo: Iconic games and beloved characters – Nintendo is a must for any gamer.
• Norddeutscher Rundfunk (“Northern German Broadcasting“): One of Germany’s major broadcasters, bringing the latest in TV and radio to northern Germany.
• Razer: Hardcore gaming gear for serious gamers. Upgrade your setup with Razer’s legendary peripherals.
• SAE Institute: Ready to turn your passion for media into a career? This global leader in creative education offers hands-on training with cutting-edge equipment.
• Sony: From PlayStation to cutting-edge tech, Sony brings innovation to every corner of gaming and entertainment.
• TOKYOPOP: A powerhouse of the manga scene! Whether you’re into classic Japanese manga or new Western-style originals, Tokyopop has you covered.
• War Child Germany: Help support children in need!
• YouTube & YouTube Shorts: No intro needed, right? All your favorite creators, all the time.

Games

Gamecity Hamburg

Gamecity Hamburg has been fueling the city’s vibrant gaming scene since 2003, connecting developers, nurturing new talent, and putting Hamburg on the map as one of Europe’s top gaming hubs.  They keep the local developer scene buzzing with funding, programs like the Games Lift Incubator, and great events. 

Gamecity Hamburg will showcase the following games at Polaris:

• Into the Emberlands: Cozy vibes with a rogue-lite twist await! Assume the role of the Lightbearer, armed with an ember-powered lantern, and rescue the quirky Knacks while rebuilding their home.
• Light of Atlantis: Explore the flooded ruins of Atlantis in this 2D puzzle Metroidvania! With water as your greatest ally (or enemy), guide a tiny robot through ancient mysteries to free the long-forgotten robots of Atlantis.
• Mambio: Turn math into an adventure! Designed for elementary school students, Mambio seamlessly blends learning with fun through interactive storylines and puzzles.
• Misgiven: Communication is your greatest challenge in this 2D sci-fi story game. Stuck in a city shrouded in toxic fog, every conversation becomes an emotional puzzle.
• Monster Mayhem: Compete in chaotic races and team challenges where only one monster can claim the crown. It’s fast-paced multiplayer mayhem that’s as strategic as it is hilarious!

Others

• Tekken 8: Prepare for battle in the latest Tekken! This 2024 release brings the heat directly to your home consoles.

Stores

• Arnos Retro Videogames: If you’re all about the classics, Arnos has you covered! Grab retro video games, vintage board games, and even some rare Funko Pops.
• Comic Cave: This booth is packed with geek culture from every corner of the globe, from rare comics to action figures, statues, and epic merchandise.
• EXENTRIK: Retro vibes meet modern flair! Find the coolest vintage, tattoo, and fan merch styles, perfect for gamers who love a unique look.
• Geekboards: Your ultimate destination for true mechanical keyboards. Customize your gaming experience with top-tier accessories.
• J-Store Berlin: If you’re into K-pop, manga, or just love Japanese and Korean culture, this is your paradise. From snacks to exclusive merch, they’ve got your fandom covered.
• JustDepressed Clothing: Wear your emotions with pride. They offer stylish apparel that speaks to mental health awareness and empowers you to tell your story through fashion.
• Kujumi: Get your hands on top-of-the-line anime and manga figures, as well as merch that every otaku needs.
• Manga-Mafia: Looking for the latest Naruto figurine or Demon Slayer plushie? Manga-Mafia has everything an anime fan’s heart desires.
• MofuMerch: MofuMerch partners with artists worldwide to bring you high-quality posters, stickers, and keychains. Get something unique and support artists while you’re at it.
• OMOTENASHI Lab.: Step into the world of traditional Japanese culture, from the art of calligraphy to classic clothing such as kimonos.
• POGA: Take your console gaming on the road with POGA’s sleek setups. Gaming has never been more portable and social.
• RUNE STORE: Whether you’re looking for rare collectibles or fan favorites, RUNE STORE is your one-stop shop for manga, merch, and plushies!
• Sammlerecke Comics & Romane: Comics, manga, trading cards, and more!
• Smilytoys: If you’re a serious collector of Japanese trading cards, Smilytoys is the place to be. From Pokemon to One Piece, this B2B wholesaler has you covered.
• Stefan Morsch Foundation: Support a great cause! Find out how to become a stem cell donor and how this foundation is helping to save lives across Europe.
• Supergeek: Spice up your wardrobe with Supergeek apparel. Whether you’re into memes, gaming, or movie quotes, they have unique designs.
• UNNE: Dive deep into Chinese pop culture with official goods from iconic IPs like MDZS and TGCF.
• XPPen Graphics Tablets: Explore powerful graphics tablets from beginner to pro, perfect for creating digital masterpieces.
• YPPY: If you’re into Studio Ghibli and all things kawaii, YPPY has you covered with their original pillows and licensed merch.
• yvolve.shop: If you’re a fan of movies, series, or games, yvolve.shop has unbeatable deals on merch from your favorite fandoms – from Attack on Titan to the latest board games!

Books

• Community Editions: This publisher brings the work of your favorite social media creators into the real world.
• Helmut Buske Verlag: Linguistics geeks, this one’s for you! With over 80 languages covered, their textbooks and dictionaries are perfect for anyone who wants to learn languages from around the world.
• Manlin Verlag: This indie publisher has a great selection of Chinese and Taiwanese manhua. Whether you’re into danmei, action-packed adventures, or heartwarming stories, they have something for you.

Table Top

Fans of tabletop and trading card games will want to check out these fantastic exhibitors:

• 5GODDESSES Community Card Game
• Blood ‘n Brain
• Cat in the Dice Bag
• Dice Oven
• DICED – The Tabletop Magazine
• etluthia. scorpio.dice
• Fateful Fabrics
• Moonlight Dice
• Painting after Midnight
• RUNE Saga of Heroes
• Tabletop Nord e.V.
• Toru-Tech
• Ulisses Games
• War Scenery

Cosplay

• 3D Print David Verhoeven: From detailed cosplay helmets to custom key chains, David is your go-to source for amazing 3D printed props.
• Miss Nero Cosplay: Enter the enchanting world of cosplay with Miss Nero. Check out her handmade pyrography, epoxy resin creations, beautiful art prints, stickers, and more.

Artists

These artists await you with their amazing works as you enter the Valdhaym area:

• AdornedHors by PlantyWes
• Aethercircus Steampunk Festival und Michael Dunkelfels
• Artfusion
• Atelier 28195
• Auri Illustration & Comic
• Carolin Reich comic&illustration
• Chiana
• Chowlie’s Forest
• DACHstudio x EDENstreet
• dfishboy
• Feurinako
• Flamingo Park
• GeisterkatzeART
• hnys.art
• illulinchi
• Illumarie Art
• Jasmin Kunstmann Artwork
• Josephine Kreischer
• JuliArtworld
• Junli
• Kaiseki
• Karina Rehrbehn
• Koiless Artwork
• Laser Engravings by FizzleGrafix
• Le Petit Four in Kawaii World
• Little Rose
• Little Yeah
• LuckyBlue
• Macabre Cute Crafts
• Mahou Shoujo Meri
• maiberryart
• Marswueste & CocoMaru
• Maybemacdc
• Meitei Miu
• MIZUCAT
• Mochipanko
• Moertel Pixel Art
• Myuna Art
• Mähnds / Mandy Jensen
• Narayia’s Fan Shop
• Nerd-Juwelen
• Negativ.Athletics
• Noody & Irina Zinner
• Pandorama
• Paraply
• Pen Winter
• Perci Chen
• pnkkr4mune
• Polli wants a pen
• rhyfu
• RinaiiBlue
• SakuraMoon
• SALSASHARK SHOP + SEVSHOP
• Sayuyuv
• SchierlingsStich
• ShindaHotaru
• Simsamy
• Smalart
• SoenKai
• TheBunBunShop
• Umeboshi
• v0idless
• Verenas Zierrat Schmiede
• Vivdesu
• Viviane Valenta
• washuuchan art
• Yezibaba
• YoghurtKnight
• YumiiosDoodles
• Yvraldis

Creators

The following creators will be hosting live shows and events and will be available for meet-and-greets:

• CreepyPastaPunch
• Das Dilettantische Duett
• Dennsen86
• DoktorFroid
• einfachjapanisch
• eosAndy
• Farbenfuchs
• Filow
• FisHC0p
• Gnu
• Gronkh
• Henke
• Ifas Core
• Kapuzenwurm
• Kodiak Cosplay
• Lara Loft
• Liza Grimm
• Marvin Clifford
• Mikkel Robrahn
• NinotakuTV
• Pandorya
• PhunkRoyal
• PietSmiet
• Reeze
• Rickymainia
• Rocket Beans TV
• Seme Cosplay
• Shinn Uchida
• Sissor
• thisEguy
• Vincent Fallow
• YONCAST

Tips on the Location

Not sure what hotel to choose or where to eat? Need some cool activities to do in your downtime or want to do some sightseeing? Check out our exclusive Google Map to see all our recommendations at a glance!