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Tokyo Game Show 2014 (TGS 2014), which shares in being called one of the world’s three largest gaming conventions alongside E3 in the U.S. and Gamescom in Germany, will open on Sept. 18. This year as well, the first two days (the 18 and 19) will be open only to industry personnel, and the last two days (the 20 and 21) will be open to the general public.
TGS, which began in 1996, is Japan’s biggest gaming event and focuses on exhibits and demos of the newest games. At last year’s TGS, there were 352 companies and organizations from 33 countries (the most in the event’s history) along with approximately 270,000 attendees. TGS also includes the Tokyo Game Awards, which recognizes that year’s outstanding consumer games, as well as booth girls who bring excitement to each booth, both of which are highlights each year. Tokyo Otaku Mode (TOM) has been a media partner of TGS since last year, distributing news overseas from the event and bringing excitement to the event.
A highlight of this year’s event will be the rush of exhibits for game titles releasing at the end of the year. Last year, the debut of the PS4 and Xbox One stole the show, and this year the focus is shifting from hardware to software. In addition to major companies who routinely exhibit at TGS including Sony, Square Enix, Capcom, and Bandai Namco Games, exhibiting for the first time this year are DMM Games, the creators of Kantai Collection, and Dwango, the company behind Nico Nico Douga. Already, 417 companies have been announced to be participating. Returning from last year’s TGS, the Indies Corner will be set up once again (Aug. 30). Compared to last year’s 40 works exhibited in this area, this year’s total is almost double at around 70. More than half the indie developers who exhibit in the Indies Corner come from overseas.
TOM will again hold the International Lounge booth at this year’s TGS! At the booth will be a digital exhibit of works relating to TGS 2014 created by TOM Special Creators, a panel exhibit of the popular game industry manga Tokyo Toy Box that can be enjoyed in both Japanese and English, and other not-to-be-missed displays. Also, TOM is once again collaborating this year with TGS on official original TGS T-shirts that will be for sale at the booth. The T-shirts will come in two styles illustrated respectively by TOM Special Creator BAN-8KU and Tokyo Toy Box creator Ume. Because each one is limited and exclusive to the event, they are definitely worth checking out!
Tokyo Game Show 2014
Dates and Times:
Thursday, Sept. 18: Business Day 10:00 - 17:00
Friday, Sept. 19: Business Day 10:00 - 17:00
^*^ Business Day is only open to industry personnel and members of the press.
Saturday, Sept. 20: Public Day 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday, Sept. 21: Public Day 10:00 - 17:00
^*^ Depending on conditions, Public Day may open early at 9:30.
Venue:
Makuhari Messe International Convention Complex
Exhibit Halls 1-9 / Event Hall / International Conference Hall
Admission (Public Day):
General (middle school age and older): 1,200 yen at the door (advance tickets: 1,000 yen)
Child (elementary school age and younger: free
Organization: Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association
Sponsor: Nikkei BP
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.
