Tokyo Game Show facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tokyo Game Show |
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Variant of the logo in use for the Tokyo Game Show since 2021
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| Status | Active |
| Genre | Video games |
| Venue | Makuhari Messe |
| Location(s) | Chiba |
| Country | Japan |
| Inaugurated | August 22, 1996 |
| Most recent | September 21, 2023 |
| Next event | September 26, 2024 |
| Attendance |  298,690 (2018) |
| Organized by | Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. |
| Sponsor | Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) |
| Website | https://expo.nikkeibp.co.jp/tgs/2023/en/ |
The Tokyo Game Show, often called TGS, is a huge event in Japan for video games. It's like a big party and showcase for new games and gaming gear! Every year in September, thousands of people gather at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, to see what's new. This exciting show is put on by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) and Nikkei Business Publications, Inc..
While it mainly focuses on Japanese games, many game makers from all over the world also come to show off their upcoming games and cool new hardware. The event lasts for four days. The first two days are just for people who work in the game industry. But don't worry, the last two days are open for everyone to enjoy!
History of the Tokyo Game Show
The very first Tokyo Game Show happened in 1996. For a few years, from 1996 to 2002, the show was held twice a year. There was a Spring show and an Autumn show. Since 2002, it has been held once a year.
The show has grown a lot over the years. In 2011, over 200,000 people attended, and in 2012, that number grew to 223,753. The busiest TGS ever was in 2018, with nearly 300,000 people visiting! Even though the world faced challenges, the Tokyo Game Show has happened every year since 1996. In 2020 and 2021, it was held online only because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in 2022, the in-person show returned, and everyone was excited to be back!
Exploring the TGS Layout
The Tokyo Game Show is a massive event, and its layout changes a bit each year. For example, in 2015, there were eleven different areas. These included places for businesses, the general public, education, and even areas to buy cool merchandise.
General Exhibition Area
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This is the main part of the show and takes up the most space. Here, you'll find all sorts of digital games, entertainment, and related products. Big names like Namco Bandai, Capcom, Sony Computer Entertainment, and Square Enix have demo areas where you can try out new games. You'll also see exciting new companies showing off their creations.
Game Device Zone
This area is all about the gear you use to play games. You can find cool headphones, different kinds of controllers, gaming chairs, and other devices for home consoles and portable gaming systems.
Asia New Stars Showcase
This special area was added in 2012. It's a place to discover new and exciting game creators from all over Asia. It's a great spot to see what's next in gaming!
Merchandise Sales Area
Love game-related stuff? This is the place for you! Here, you can buy all sorts of merchandise, like figures, clothes, and other cool items inspired by your favorite games. Companies like Konami and Square-Enix often have booths here.
Smartphone and Social Games
This section focuses on games you can play on your smart devices, like smartphones and tablets, as well as social games. Even though TGS had record numbers in 2012, some big companies had a smaller presence. For example, Microsoft wasn't there in 2012, but they returned in 2013 with the release of the Xbox One.
Personal Computing Zone
The PC area features major Japanese computer companies. They show off products like Japanese desktop and notebook computers, often highlighting how great they are for gaming.
Children's Gaming Area
This part of the show is dedicated to new games made just for younger players. Companies like Taito and Sega often have fun games here that are perfect for kids.
Game School Information
Thinking about a career in video games? The Game School area provides information about Japanese universities and colleges. These schools offer programs in digital art, animation, computer programming, and other subjects related to the video game industry. You can also see amazing student projects on display!
Cosplay Fun
The Tokyo Game Show is a magnet for amazing cosplayers! Cosplay is when people dress up as characters from video games, anime, or movies. Cure, Japan's biggest cosplay website, hosts a special event called "Cosplay Collection Night." It's a parade and stage show with over 100 cosplayers, featuring participants from all over the world!
Street Fighter Tournaments
Since 2014, the Tokyo Game Show has hosted exciting Street Fighter tournaments. These competitions are part of Capcom's official Capcom Pro Tour, which means winning here can help players qualify for the big Capcom Cup championship!
Sense of Wonder Night
Sense of Wonder Night (SOWN) is a special presentation held every year at TGS. It's a chance for small game studios and independent game developers from all over the world to show off their really creative and experimental computer games. It's similar to the Game Developers Conference's Experimental Gameplay Workshop, where new and unique game ideas are celebrated. The first SOWN event happened in 2008.
See also
- Asia Game Show
- Brasil Game Show
- Gamescom
- Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)
- Gamercom
- Game Developers Conference
