The Tokyo Game Show consistently ranks among the world’s premier gaming events. Although the initial two days are exclusive to industry professionals, influencers, and the media, the bustling crowd can join in on days three and four (Sep. 23 and 24).
The Tokyo Game Show 2023 is set for September 21 through September 24.
What’s It About?
Every year, game enthusiasts from around the world eagerly await the Tokyo Game Show (TGS), hosted by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA). Set in the expansive Makuhari Messe venue, this is Japan’s premier gaming event, rivaling other global giants like E3 and Gamescom. Its roots trace back to an exhibition held by the Consumer Soft Group (CSG) in 1988.
 Tokyo Game Show 2023 Tickets
Direct ticket sales at the venue won’t be available; ensure to snag them beforehand. Daily passes are priced at ¥2,300. Kids of elementary school age or below can enter at no cost — what a treat!
Japanese residents can secure their tickets starting July 8 from local outlets like Lawson, 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and online ticket platforms. International enthusiasts can book theirs beginning July 26 via Event Regist.
For those eyeing early access and complimentary goodies, consider splurging on the TGS2023 Supporters Club Pass. Just note, it comes with a daily tag of ¥4,000.
Business Days vs. Public Days
The TGS is split into two distinct parts. The first two days, typically on Thursdays and Fridays, are reserved as Business Days. During these days, the show is open exclusively to professionals from the gaming industry, journalists, and distribution representatives. The weekend that follows – Saturday and Sunday – is open to the general public, offering them a chance to enjoy the gaming world.
About The Tokyo Game Show 2023:
Tokyo Game Show 2023 (TGS2023), slated for September 21 to September 24, is set to make waves in the gaming world. Organized by the Computer Entertainment Association (often abbreviated as CESA) in collaboration with Nikkei BP and Dentsu, this year’s event promises a blend of real-world and digital experiences, taking the excitement to unparalleled heights.
Reviving the Full Makuhari Messe Venue
After a four-year hiatus, TGS2023 is returning to utilize the entirety of the Makuhari Messe in Chiba. The first two days will cater to business entities, while the following two days will be open to the general public. Gamers, families, and enthusiasts from all walks of life can look forward to a vast and diverse showcase.
Dive into TGS VR 2023
The virtual component of the event, TGS VR 2023, extends the celebration for a week until October 1. Introduced in 2021, this year’s TGS VR has undergone significant enhancements. Now, it’s not only accessible via PC and HMD but also through smartphones, offering an upgraded world that’s more immersive than ever before.
Games: A Binding Force in Trying Times
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the value of games as a connective form of entertainment has come into sharp focus. The diversification in the way games are enjoyed, be it through e-sports or live game streams, has seen an explosive growth. Plus, the rise of gaming PCs, gaming-related furniture, and technologies such as Metaverse and NFT have broadened the horizon of the gaming industry. This expanding influence of games in daily life signifies their growing importance and integration into other industries.
All-Encompassing Entertainment Awaits
This year, attendees at the real venue can anticipate new segments tailored to mirror the gaming industry’s expansion. The family-friendly zones and cosplay areas are making a comeback after four years, with stage events revamped for a refreshed entertainment experience.
Meanwhile, the virtual venue, which made its debut in 2021, has been geared up to offer a powerful experience. Whether you’re on an HMD, PC, or smartphone, the evolved world of TGS VR is there to amaze.
The online component of TGS doesn’t lag behind. It’s filled with enriched content, from official programs of exhibiting companies to a special Steam site. Here, gamers can dive into everything from indie games to major titles, indulging in playable demos and much more.
In Closing
Tokyo Game Show 2023 is an embodiment of the theme: Games move, the world changes. Given the evolution and expansion of the gaming industry, the heightened allure and outreach of TGS2023 is palpable. It’s not just a showcase; it’s a testament to the transformative power of games. Mark your calendars and brace yourselves for an event that promises to redefine gaming conventions!
Cosplay: Adding Color to TGS
One of the unique aspects of TGS is its acceptance and celebration of cosplay. Attendees are allowed, even encouraged, to dress up as their favorite game characters, adding an element of fun and vibrancy to the event.
History of The Game Show
The Tokyo Game Show isn’t just a recent phenomenon. It’s been an annual fixture since its inception, drawing crowds who want to experience the latest in computer entertainment. This esteemed event went uninterrupted from 1996 to 2020. However, the 2020 show adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting its grandeur online.
Nintendo’s Evolving Relationship with TGS
Initially, Nintendo, which dominated the home gaming industry during the 1990s, maintained its distance from the TGS. This was largely due to TGS being initiated by software manufacturers wanting an independent platform from Nintendo. However, the relationship has evolved over the years. In 2003 and 2005, then-Nintendo President Satoru Iwata delivered keynote speeches. By 2018, Nintendo showcased software for the Nintendo Switch, albeit in a business-focused space.
Exhibits
It’s essential to note that the exhibitors can vary between the Business and Public days. On Business Days, alongside game showcases, you might also find booths dedicated to game development tools, engines, and middleware – integral aspects for those in the gaming industry.
Gaming: A Magnet for Various Industries
As the gaming population surged in the 2010s, TGS began witnessing a broader range of exhibitors. Beyond game developers and accessory makers, even industries like electronic cigarettes and furniture manufacturers have set up booths. This trend underscores how influential and far-reaching the world of gaming has become.
The Sum Up
The Tokyo Game Show exemplifies the evolution and expansion of the gaming universe. Whether you’re a business insider, a fervent gamer, or just someone curious about the world of digital entertainment, TGS has something to offer.
