Case Study:
Epic Games at GDC 2023
San Francisco, California
2023
The Request
Epic Games needed a cutting-edge solution for mounting illuminated 4” deep metal can logos, oversized 48” diameter circular illuminated logos, and large illuminated shield logos over SEG graphics. Additionally, the client required a system to quickly and securely mount 3D Epic Partner logos over SEGs on the first day of the show, following a major partnership announcement.
The Challenge
Traditional mounting methods presented several significant obstacles:
Quick Installation of Illuminated Can Logos: The logos needed to be flush with the SEG graphics, installed and powered quickly, and securely attached.
Preserving SEG Fabric Integrity: Preventing damage or large visible holes in the SEG fabric while accommodating the heavy and large elements.
Handling Size and Weight: The large, heavy shield logos and circular illuminated logos required a robust and secure system that could ensure stability.
Labor Reduction: The client sought to reduce the labor crew size and minimize on-site setup time.
Seamless Power Integration: Routing power for illuminated logos cleanly, with no visible wires or bulky hardware disrupting the sleek booth design.
The Ideas
To address these challenges, Magnalign collaborated closely with the exhibit fabricator team and their signage and graphic partners. Three innovative solutions emerged:
Custom Flanges for Magnalign Anchor SEGConnects:
Custom flanges were added to the Magnalign Anchor SEGConnect Cups to insulate power from the metal letters and allow the cups to be mounted flush to the back of the illuminated metal can logos.Development of the Magnalign Cleats:
A robust magnetic cleat system was designed to provide the strength and stability needed for the large shield and circular illuminated logos. The cleats aligned and powered these heavy elements while preserving SEG fabric integrity.Custom Snap-In Connectors for Partner Logos:
For the 3D Epic Partner logos requiring a quick installation during the show, Magnalign Anchor SEGConnect Backers were paired with a customized center and an off-the-shelf snap-in connector to enable fast and secure mounting.
The Solution
Shop Preparation:
Custom Integration for Metal Can Letters:
Custom flanges were fabricated and integrated into the Magnalign Anchor SEGConnect system, allowing for flush mounting and clean power routing.Cleat Development for Large Logos:
Drawing inspiration from the challenges of this project, Magnalign designed the first iteration of the Magnalign Cleats, which were tested and refined during the project. The cleats provided secure connections for large, heavy elements while maintaining Magnalign’s patented ease of use.Rapid Partner Logo Solution:
The team developed custom snap-in centers and worked with off-the-shelf connectors to ensure the partner logos could be mounted quickly and securely on-site.
On-Site Installation:
SEG Graphic Setup:
SEG fabric graphics were stretched onto frames, with small, non-visible holes pre-cut to accommodate the Magnalign standoff systems.Logo Mounting:
The magnetic systems allowed for quick alignment and secure installation of all logos. The heavy shield and circular logos were supported by Magnalign Cleats, while the illuminated can logos used the custom Anchor SEGConnect solution.Power Integration:
Magnalign’s patented power routing technology seamlessly lit the halo-lit logos without visible wiring, maintaining the sleek and professional design.
The Results
Time & Cost Savings:
The efficient system enabled the installation crew to complete the booth setup with minimal labor and in record time, even with the challenging requirements of illuminated and heavy signage.
Client Satisfaction:
The clean, professional results exceeded Epic Games’ expectations, providing a polished booth design that stood out in the competitive GDC environment.
Client Feedback:
"Magnalign doesn’t just provide an innovative standoff system—they partner with you to create custom solutions for your most complex challenges. The result? The partnership allowed us to test and find better solutions that have benefited us on additional projects."
— Exhibit Fabricator
Why It Matters
The Magnalign Anchor SEGConnect and Cleat systems redefined what’s possible for large-scale illuminated 3D signage. With their innovative design, seamless power routing, and ability to preserve SEG fabric integrity, these products continue to set a new standard for the signage and exhibit industry. Magnalign Not only provides an Innovative standoff system, they also partner with you to develop custom solutions for you and your clients
Takeaway
Whether it’s developing custom solutions for unique challenges or integrating seamlessly with existing workflows, Magnalign empowers signage professionals to deliver exceptional results while saving time and reducing costs.
What was learned from developing solutions for the Epic Games booth expanded Magnalign’s product line and thus expanded the solutions available to our partners.
