Bilibili World 2025: A Grand Celebration of ACG Culture

Introduction

Bilibili World 2025 (BW2025), held from July 11-13 at Shanghai’s National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), was a dazzling showcase of anime, comics, and gaming (ACG) culture. As Asia’s largest ACGN (anime, comics, games, novels) expo, it drew 400,000 attendees from over 20 countries, including 13% foreign passport holders, cementing Shanghai’s status as a global ACG hub. With all eight NECC halls utilized, spanning 240,000 square meters, and tickets selling out in seconds, BW2025 broke records and set new benchmarks for immersive fan experiences. This article explores the event’s highlights, major announcements, and its cultural and economic impact, blending confirmed details with cautious notes on speculation.

“BW2025 broke the dimensional barrier, uniting global ACG fans in a vibrant celebration of creativity.”

A Carnival of ACG Culture

Since its inception in 2017, Bilibili World has evolved into the “offline version of Bilibili,” blending performances, exhibitions, and interactive games. BW2025 featured over 700 exhibitors, 1,000+ global guests, and 30,000 cosplayers, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Fans dressed as characters from Genshin Impact, Arknights, and Love and Deepspace, while creators like voice actors and virtual idols engaged audiences through meet-and-greets and panels. The event’s nine themed zones, including virtual streamer areas and tabletop gaming, catered to diverse interests, with over 300 creator booths fostering community connections.

Key Announcements and Highlights

BW2025 was a hub for major reveals in gaming, anime, and merchandise, drawing global attention. Below are the key highlights, with speculative details clarified:

• •Borderlands 4 Updates: Gearbox Software showcased updates for Borderlands 4, teasing details about the fourth Vault Hunter. While a 2025 release is confirmed, no specific date was announced, with further reveals expected at events like Gamescom.
• •Arknights and Endfield: Hypergryph’s Arknights and Arknights: Endfield booths featured interactive displays. Speculation about a July/August 2025 release for Endfield remains unconfirmed, based on fan discussions and datamined files.
• •Wuthering Waves: Kuro Games’ open-world RPG Wuthering Waves had a prominent booth at Hall 03, Booth 3A06, showcasing new content. Fans on X expressed excitement for potential anniversary updates, though specifics were not revealed.
• •Call of Duty: Mobile: The game’s booth teased future content updates, reinforcing its popularity in China’s mobile gaming market.
• •Anime Collectibles: Kotobukiya displayed new anime-inspired figures, while MegaHouse unveiled Vocaloid rukappu figures, including Hatsune Miku and KAITO, drawing collectors.
• •BanG Dream! Performance: Yumegendai Myutype’s live performance, streamed globally, blended music and anime, captivating fans worldwide.
• •Blue Archive Merch: Exclusive merchandise for the Chinese version of Blue Archive was a hit, with select items planned for online sale in August.

“From cosplay to gaming reveals, BW2025 was a paradise for ACG fans.”

Cultural and Economic Impact

BW2025 underscored China’s booming ACG industry, valued at over CNY270 billion (USD37.6 billion) in 2024, surpassing sectors like smart home and coffee. The event’s 400,000 attendees, a 60% increase from 2024’s 250,000, boosted Shanghai’s economy, with a 35% surge in tourism bookings and a 475% rise in premium hotel reservations near the NECC. Non-ACG brands like Huawei, Oishi, and Chow Tai Fook capitalized on the event, with the latter showcasing collaborations with Black Myth: Wukong and Chiikawa, highlighting ACG’s crossover appeal. Shanghai’s “Itasha City” nickname was reinforced by 800 itasha cars and anime-themed mall displays at Bailian ZX, which saw 240,000 visits and 31% sales growth.

Community Reactions and Global Reach

Fans on X shared excitement over BW2025’s booths, particularly SEGA’s and Wuthering Waves’, with posts highlighting cosplay, merchandise hauls, and speculation about game releases. The global livestream of BanG Dream! and virtual idol performances extended the event’s reach, while Bilibili’s official page offered additional content for international fans. Ticket scalping concerns surfaced, reflecting the event’s high demand, with VIP passes selling out in 17 seconds. Bilibili’s Q1 2025 financials, with a 24% revenue increase and 76% gaming revenue growth, underscore its growing influence in digital entertainment.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its success, BW2025 faced challenges. Ticket scalping frustrated fans, and the rapid sell-out highlighted accessibility issues. Speculative release dates, like Arknights: Endfield’s rumored July/August 2025 launch, sparked excitement but lacked confirmation, risking misinformation. The event’s scale, while impressive, strained venue logistics, with long lines reported for popular booths like Sony’s Infinity Nikki demo.

Pros and Cons

Here’s a breakdown of BW2025’s strengths and challenges:

• •Pros: Massive Scale: 400,000 attendees and 700+ exhibitors made it Asia’s largest ACGN expo.
• •Pros: Diverse Content: Gaming, anime, and virtual idol showcases catered to varied interests.
• •Pros: Global Reach: Livestreams and international exhibitors boosted accessibility.
• •Cons: Ticket Scalping: Rapid sell-outs and scalping limited access for some fans.
• •Cons: Speculative Hype: Unconfirmed release dates risked misinformation.

Conclusion

Bilibili World 2025 solidified its status as Asia’s premier ACGN expo, uniting 400,000 fans in a celebration of creativity and innovation. From Borderlands 4 teases to Vocaloid collectibles and virtual idol performances, the event showcased the vibrant evolution of ACG culture. Its economic impact, boosting Shanghai’s tourism and commerce, highlights its significance beyond entertainment. As Bilibili continues to grow, BW2026 promises even greater spectacles. Visit IndieKings.com to share your thoughts on BW2025’s highlights!