Tokyo Game Show 2023

The Computer Entertainment Suppliers Association (CESA), chaired by Hideki Hayakawa, in collaboration with Nikkei Business Publications, Ltd. (President and CEO: Naoto Yoshida), and Dentsu Inc. (President and Representative Director: Nario Kuwabara), has finalized the event overview for Tokyo Game Show 2023. The application for exhibitors is now open starting today, with the deadline for applications being May 26th (Friday).

Tokyo Game Show 2023, abbreviated as TGS2023, will be held for four days from September 21st (Thursday) to September 24th (Sunday) at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. The real venue will have Business Days on September 21st (Thursday) and 22nd (Friday), followed by Public Days on September 23rd (Saturday) and 24th (Sunday). The event aims to attract a wide range of visitors, from business professionals to families, with a focus on games.

Additionally, the virtual venue "TOKYO GAME SHOW VR 2023," abbreviated as TGSVR2023, will be held for the same four days as the real venue and will be extended for an additional week until October 1st (Sunday), providing an opportunity for extended enjoyment.

Tokyo Game Show 2023, with its increasing centripetal and communicative power, showcases the evolution and expansion of the gaming industry. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, games have garnered significant attention as an entertainment medium that connects people. The diversification of gaming experiences, such as e-sports and game streaming, has progressed, and related products like gaming PCs and gaming furniture have expanded as well. Technologies like metaverses and NFTs have spread beyond games, and the skills cultivated in gaming are being utilized in other industries. The influence of games has grown, leading to an increase in new entrants in the gaming business.

In response to the heightened interest in gaming, TGS2023 will leverage all platforms—physical venue, virtual venue, and online—to showcase the forefront of the gaming industry. The physical venue will make use of the entire Makuhari Messe for the first time in four years, reintroducing entry for elementary school children and below, as well as a cosplay area that was not possible last year. Furthermore, the virtual venue and online programs will be strengthened to achieve the largest-scale hybrid event to date.

Please look forward to Tokyo Game Show 2023, where centripetal and communicative power will be enhanced in tandem with the evolution and expansion of the gaming industry.

Achieving the largest hybrid event to date,
Despite the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic last year, Tokyo Game Show (TGS) experienced significant excitement with approximately 140,000 physical attendees over the four-day event, official program views reaching 26.98 million, and TGS VR attracting around 400,000 viewers.

In response to the continued expectations of exhibitors and attendees, TGS2023 will realize its largest hybrid event to date. The physical venue will make use of the entire Makuhari Messe, including Halls 1-11, the International Conference Hall, and the Event Hall, for the first time in four years. With over 2,000 booths and an estimated attendance of 200,000 visitors, TGS2023 aims to surpass expectations. TGSVR2023, on the other hand, will ensure enjoyment anytime, anywhere by expanding compatibility to include not only PCs and head-mounted displays (HMDs) but also smartphones. The official programs will be simulcast on various platforms, including YouTube, Twitter, and NicoNico, with continued provision of English simultaneous interpretation and dedicated streams for the Chinese audience.

Furthermore, recognizing the growing presence of PC gaming, a dedicated Steam website will be established this year, featuring sales promotions and free trial gameplay for compatible game software, further supporting its expansion.

Diverse Exhibition Corners and Content

In response to the diversification of gaming experiences and the expanding landscape of the gaming industry, TGS2023 will introduce new exhibition corners to showcase various aspects of gaming.

The "Gaming Hardware Corner" will exhibit gaming PCs, peripherals, and related hardware, catering to the growing demand and interest in gaming equipment. Additionally, the "Gaming Lifestyle Corner" will showcase gaming furniture and introduce concepts of creating a dedicated gaming space.

The "Game School Corner" will be renamed as the "Game Academy Corner." This change aims to provide a platform for a wide range of educational institutions, including high schools, technical colleges, vocational schools, universities, graduate schools, and research institutes, to showcase their efforts in fostering and nurturing game-related talent. Furthermore, the Cosplay Area will be revived, and stage events featuring renowned streamers and cosplayers are also planned.

After a four-year hiatus, the Family and Kids Area will be reinstated. With the theme of "Learn and Play," this area will feature a programming zone where children can learn about the joy of creating games, a career experience zone where they can explore various game-related professions, and a game experience zone where parents and children can enjoy trying out different game titles. Through these activities, the multifaceted allure and depth of gaming will be conveyed to the next generation.

From Japan to the World, and from the World to Japan

Last year's TGS (2022) saw significant participation from overseas exhibitors and attendees. However, due to travel restrictions and limitations on entry to Japan, many individuals had to abandon their plans to exhibit or attend the event. This year, with the expectation of lower barriers, we are committed to further attracting international exhibitors and encouraging attendance at the physical venue.

In particular, Business Days, driven by the strong demand for face-to-face international business negotiations, will see an expansion of the Business Meeting Area. Additionally, we plan to revive the International Party as a platform to foster international exchanges. We aim to establish Tokyo Game Show as a "hub" for the global game business and a gateway to the world. We invite you to look forward to it with great anticipation.

Overview of Tokyo Game Show 2023

Name: Tokyo Game Show 2023 (TOKYO GAME SHOW 2023)
Organizer: Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA)
Co-organizers: Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. and Dentsu Inc.
Dates:
- September 21, 2023 (Thursday): Business Day, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- September 22, 2023 (Friday): Business Day, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- September 23, 2023 (Saturday): Public Day, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- September 24, 2023 (Sunday): Public Day, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* Please note that the opening time for Public Days may be at 9:30 AM depending on the situation.
Venue: Makuhari Messe (Mihama-ku, Chiba City), Exhibition Halls 1-11 / International Conference Hall / Event Hall
Expected Number of Attendees: 200,000 people
Number of Booths: Over 2,000 booths
Official Website: https://tgs.cesa.or.jp/