Game Industry Heats Up Bangkok with Charity Cook-Off for a Cause

The sizzling world of gaming met the heat of the kitchen in a heartwarming twist this year. At the gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show 2025, held in Bangkok on October 13, the first-ever Charity Cook-Off brought together game publishers, journalists, and industry veterans – not for a new console launch, but for a culinary showdown with a cause.

Ten contestants from across the gaming world swapped controllers for frying pans, cooking under the watchful eye of the fiery Chef Willment Leong, best known for hosting Hell’s Kitchen Thailand.

The event wasn’t just about bragging rights – it aimed to raise funds for Doctors Without Borders and the Bangkok Community Help Foundation. Livestreamed to thousands of viewers worldwide, the competition mixed humor, chaos, and culinary creativity in equal measure. The kitchen at Dusit Thani College, famous for featuring in Netflix’s The Maverick Academy, provided a fitting battleground complete with professional tools and gleaming counters. Volunteers from the college lent a hand, including my wonderful assistant Tia, who ensured I didn’t burn anything or lose a finger in the process.

Representing IGN Japan, I stepped into the culinary ring determined to honor both gaming culture and Thai cuisine. My challenge: to recreate Chef Willment’s signature salmon confit – a Western classic – with a Thai-inspired twist. My version included a luscious green curry cream sauce, a crispy chicken skin crust, a handmade aioli, and a perfectly poached egg perched beside a rocket salad. To earn bonus points for creativity, I added a video game touch: adorable edible Pokémon characters and a Mario-themed salad that sparked smiles among the judges.

As the clock ticked down and cameras rolled, the pressure felt no different from a high-stakes boss fight. The atmosphere was electric – sizzling pans, nervous laughter, and the clatter of utensils echoing across the kitchen. Competing alongside developers, streamers, and industry insiders, I realized how much artistry connects both gaming and cooking. Each requires precision, timing, and a touch of imagination. Though I didn’t take home the trophy (my salmon leaned a bit too pink for the judges’ liking), I walked away with a newfound respect for chefs and the thrill of creative experimentation.

The Charity Cook-Off wasn’t just a spectacle; it was a celebration of passion across worlds. Watching game industry figures step out of their comfort zones and cook for a cause turned out to be surprisingly inspiring. I’m already planning to perfect that green curry cream sauce at home – maybe next year, I’ll come back with a winning recipe.