Tokyo Game Show facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tokyo Game Show |
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Logo variations used at Tokyo Game Show from 2021 to 2024
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| Status | Active |
| Genre | Video games |
| Venue | Makuhari Messe |
| Location(s) | Chiba |
| Country | Japan |
| Inaugurated | August 22, 1996 |
| Most recent | September 26, 2024 |
| Next event | September 25, 2025 |
| 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/ |
The Tokyo Game Show, often called TGS, is a huge event for video games. It's like a big fair where new games and gaming stuff are shown off. It happens every year in September in Chiba, Japan, at a place called Makuhari Messe.
This exciting event is put on by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) and Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. While it mostly focuses on Japanese games, many game makers from all over the world also come to show their new games and gaming devices. The show lasts for four days. The first two days are just for people who work in the game industry. The last two days are open to everyone, so fans can come and see all the cool new things!
Contents
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, once in spring and once in autumn. But since 2002, it has been held just once a year.
The show has grown a lot over time. In 2011, over 200,000 people attended, and in 2012, even more came, with 223,753 visitors. The busiest Tokyo Game Show ever was in 2018, when almost 300,000 people (298,690 to be exact!) came to visit. Also, 614 companies had their own exhibits there.
The event has happened every year since 1996 and has never been canceled. However, in 2020 and 2021, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the show was held online only. It returned to having in-person exhibits in 2022. In 2016, the Tokyo Game Show celebrated its 20th birthday!
What You Can See at TGS
The way Tokyo Game Show is set up changes a little each year. For example, in 2015, there were eleven different areas. These included places for businesses, areas for the public, educational sections, and even places to buy cool game merchandise.
General Exhibition Area
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This is the main part of the show and takes up the most space. Here, you can find all sorts of digital games, entertainment, and related products. Many famous companies like Bandai Namco Entertainment, Capcom, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Square Enix have demo areas where you can try out new games. Newer companies also show off their creations here.
Game Device Area
This section is all about gaming devices. You can find things like special headphones, controllers, gaming chairs, and other cool gadgets that make playing games even better. These devices are for home game consoles and portable gaming systems.
Asia New Stars Area
This area was first introduced at the 2012 Tokyo Game Show. It's a special place to show off new and exciting games made by up-and-coming game developers from different parts of Asia.
Merchandise Sales Area
If you love collecting game-related items, this is the place to be! This area is set up for selling all kinds of merchandise, like figures, clothing, and other cool stuff from your favorite games. Companies like Konami and Square-Enix often have booths here.
Smartphone and Social Games Area
This part of the show focuses on games you can play on your smart devices, like smartphones and tablets, as well as social games. In 2012, these types of games became very popular at TGS. Even though some big companies had a smaller presence that year, social and mobile gaming filled the space. For example, Microsoft was not there in 2012 but returned in 2013 when the Xbox One was released.
Personal Computing Area
The PC area features major Japanese computer companies. They show off their latest desktop and laptop computers, often highlighting how great they are for gaming.
Children's Area
This section is all about new games made especially for younger players. Companies like Taito and Sega often have their games here, designed to be fun and appropriate for kids.
Game School Area
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 projects and work created by their students. Schools like Numazu Professional College of Information Technology and Tokyo Designer Gakuin College are often present.
Cosplay Fun
The Tokyo Game Show is a fantastic place for cosplayers! Many people dress up as their favorite video game characters. Cure, which is Japan's biggest cosplay community website, hosts a special event called "Cosplay Collection Night." This is a parade and stage show featuring over 100 cosplayers. It happens on Saturday night and includes cosplayers from all over the world who have won contests in their home countries.
Sense of Wonder Night
Sense of Wonder Night (SOWN) is a special presentation held every year at TGS. It's a chance to show off new and experimental computer games. These games are usually made by smaller game studios and independent game developers from around the world. It's similar to another event called the GDC Experimental Gameplay Workshop. The first Sense of Wonder Night was held in 2008. Famous game creators like Keita Takahashi have been judges for this event.
Other Gaming Events
- Asia Game Show
- Brasil Game Show
- Gamescom
- Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)
- Gamercom
- Game Developers Conference
See also
In Spanish: Tokyo Game Show para niños
