From September 21 to 24, 2023, the Tokyo Game Show, Japan’s largest video gaming convention and exhibition, was held at the Makuhari Messe. 787 companies from 44 countries and regions, 406 of which came from outside of Japan, showcased a total of 2291 game titles. Over the 4 days, 243,238 business and general public visitors attended the show. This year’s event was the first in 4 years to span across every hall of the Makuhari Messe.
The theme of Tokyo Game Show 2023 was “Games in Motion, the World in Revolution”. The 11 halls were split into several themed areas. The General Exhibition Area drew the most attention from a majority of visitors. Some of the biggest names in Japanese video game production and development, such as SEGA, Konami Digital Entertainment, CAPCOM, and Square Enix, showcased their upcoming releases in impressive booths. Many games available for trial play allowed the public to experience new titles’ gameplay for the first time. The most popular of which had waits of up to several hours. Even by simply strolling through the General Exhibition Area, visitors could come across live performances, cosplay photo shoots, and celebrity voice actor appearances. There was an air of excitement that permeated throughout the entire venue.
The Gaming Hardware and Gaming Lifestyle Areas showcased PCs, keyboards, gaming chairs, and all sorts of products to enhance gaming experiences. The Game Academy Area hosted colleges and other educational institutions that teach game development. The most internationally diverse section of the show was the Indie Game Area, in which hundreds of indie developers from all over the globe enthusiastically promoted their games to Japanese audiences. The AR / VR Area and the Smartphone Game Area showcased new titles in the gaming industry’s fastest growing sectors. The Family Game Park, which only permitted entrance to children of middle school age and below, allowed younger attendees a chance to foster their own love for video games. At the Merchandise Sales Area, visitors and exhibitors alike could purchase goods from series showcased at the Tokyo Game Show, as well as new products from a variety of anime and video games.
The Tokyo Game Show is also successful as a platform for connecting businesses. Exhibitors offering various services to video game production and development companies flourished in the Business Solution Area, and the 2023 event boasted a total of 2,355 business negotiations, the most of any Tokyo Game Show to date.
Tokyo Game Show 2024 will be held from September 26 to 29 at the Makuhari Messe.
