[PREVIEW] Tokyo Game Show 2015

General Info
Date: Sept 17-18, 2015 (business day, invitation only) and Sept 19-20, 2015 (public access)
Venue: Makuhari Messe, Chiba
Exhibit: Game Console, Game Software, Game accessoris
Organizer: Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association
Opening Hours: 10AM – 5PM
Entrance Fee: 1,200 yen (advance sales 1,000 yen)

The theme for TOKYO GAME SHOW 2015 has been decided: “Play Your Way: Games Unleashed” The theme implies our wish for many more people to experience the broadening sphere of fun from game like never before.  The Tokyo Game Show is a video game convention annually hosted at Makuhari Messe in Chiba for four days. It has been held since 1996 and it is ranked as being one of the world’s largest game expos.   The Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), in cooperation with Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. (Nikkei BP), has announced it will hold TOKYO GAME SHOW 2015 at Makuhari Messe for four days from Thursday, September 17 through Sunday, September 20, 2015. The main focus of the show is on Japanese games, but some international video game developers use it to showcase upcoming releases/related hardware. During the first two days are reserved for invited members of the companies and media, but the last two days are opened to the public. Throughout the last two days you be able to see the latest game debuts, as well as have the chance to play with the newest demos from developers such as Sony and Microsoft.This exciting convention attracts gamers from all around the world and the atmosphere is absolutely electric.

Japan is the world leader for creating innovative computer games that capture the imagination of gamers all around the world. People who attend the Tokyo Game Show will be able to view and even test drive a wide range of new games many months before they are released. Fans will also have the chance to meet some of the creators of these games and even offer their input.The Tokyo Game Show features a large number of computer game tournaments. Gamers from all around the world have the chance to battle for impressive titles as well as huge prizes simply by doing what they love. Some of the exciting tournaments that are featured during Tokyo Game Show include.

One of the featured and more vibrant events of Tokyo Game Show is the cosplay contest. Experienced cosplayers from all around the world head to Japan each year to take part in this competition. This is the perfect way to see some of your favourite computer game characters come to life, interact with them and cheer from the sidelines as they take to the stage to try and win one of the coveted cosplay prizes.These are just a few of the highlights of the Tokyo Game Show. The event lasts for four full days and includes a wide range of other events. There are also plenty of opportunities to rub shoulders with the stars during Tokyo Game Show and interact with other gamers while getting to know the vibrant city of Chiba.

The General Exhibition Area is the heart of the show, taking up the largest amount of space, and is held where digital gaming entertainment or any related products or services are showcased. Many well-known companies such as Square Enix, Bandai Namco, Capcom, SONY Computer Entertaiment, SEGA, Electronic Arts, Konami have demo areas here, in addition to emerging companies. Another local Japan game companies and publishers booth, for example, KOEI, Bushiroad, DMM, Microsoft Japan, Dengeki, and Gree also free to visit. Although Nintendo does not attend the Tokyo Game Show (until 2001 they held their own trade show, and since then debut their new products at the E3 trade show in Los Angeles), they are well represented by the many game developers that create games for Nintendo platforms.

The Tokyo Game Show is split up into different areas:
Developers’ Area 
The trade show is attended by many big names in the video game business including Sony, Microsoft, Konami, Sega, etc. Each company sets up a booth to show off their products, with the larger companies setting up extravagant booths with stages, huge movie screens, live shows, playable demos, trailers and celebrity appearances. For those looking to discover new games by lesser known developers, independent game developers also have an area where they can showcase their games of all platforms.

Mobile Content
A number of developers show off products designed specifically for mobile platforms such as cell phones and smart phones. Additionally, the three major cell phone companies (Docomo, au and Softbank) each have booths in the Developers’ Area where you can try the latest in mobile phone gaming.

Game School Area 
The Game School Area features booths by a number of Japanese universities and colleges which have programs in animation, digital art, computer programming and other fields related to the video game industry. The displays at their booths show off their teaching programs and students’ work.

Sales Area 
The sales area contains a number of shops of game developers as well as merchandising companies that sell anime and video game related products such as character merchandise, souvenirs and costumes.

In addition to the areas mentioned above, the Tokyo Game Show also has a Kids’ Area with content aimed at children including video games, a play area and a live stage. There is also anOverseas Pavilion where developers from all over the world have booths. The Tokyo Game Show is also known for its booth girls who often dress in costumes to promote the different games.

Last year’s TOKYO GAME SHOW welcomed the record high of 412 corporations/organizations from 32 different countries and regions as exhibitors, and attracted approx. 250,000 visitors. The TOKYO GAME SHOW continues to grow as a prominent event in the global game industry. In recent years, how to enjoy game has diversified. Examples include game streaming distribution via a new type of console, live coverage by game fans, virtual reality (VR) which can be enjoyed with a head-mount display, etc. The TOKYO GAME SHOW 2015, which welcomes the anniversary as its 25th events this year, will exhibit many new titles for each platform, and contents that expand ways of enjoying games, such as playing/sharing games via platforms, are expected to increase.

By cooperating with government agencies and game-related organizations of South East Asia and other countries as in the past, the TOKYO GAME SHOW will attract influential corporations and start-up companies overseas. Further, TGS will contribute to the development of the game industry by revitalizing business meetings which would create global business opportunities through “Asia Business Gateway” where exhibitors and attendees can set up meeting appointments in advance each other. To be a place where game can be enjoyed along everyone’s taste. So what are you waiting for! Stay around Japan in next September?  Just visit Tokyo Game Show 2015! This event will bring you to next gaming experience! Please look forward to the TOKYO GAME SHOW 2015. For further info and detail preview, just stay tune here! 🙂

Source: TGS Official Website