Shopping Guide
The four day Tokyo Game Show 2013 (TGS), which began on Sept. 19, has now come to a close. The total number of attendees surpassed the estimated 200,000 to break the previous record with 270,197. Game fans from many different countries packed the event hall. A total of 962 different game titles were exhibited at this year's event. Hall 9, a space separated from the main hall, featured Konami booths and a cosplay area, making this year's TGS the biggest one yet.
The theme for this year was "Games: Limitless Evolution." The product that really symbolized this theme was the PlayStation 4. The anticipated console had its Japanese debut at TGS with booths where fans could try out several launch titles. The fans’ enthusiasm was apparent, as many waited in long lines eagerly for their chance to play. There were also many social and indie game booths with various attractions to draw the interest of attendees.
Gaming goods were also a focus at this year's event. One prominent example was the HMZ-T3W, a wireless HD head-mounted display featured at the Sony Mobile Communications booth. Participants queued up in long lines here as well for the chance to experience the display's 200 inch field of vision. In a comment, Sony staff said, “One of the main features of the HMZ-T3W is that it's compatible with both games and films. Even if you don't have an actual 200 inch LCD display, the HMZ-T3W will give you the same experience."
Companies are getting closer and closer to recreating the intensity of a big screen with a portable device. It likely won't be long before everyone can experience this for themselves. The HMZ-T3W wireless HD head-mounted display is set to go on sale by Sony this November. The estimated price is approximately 100,000 yen. The non-wireless HD version, the HMZ-T3, has an estimated price of 80,000 yen.
Making their first appearance at TGS this year was the company Wargaming Japan. Their booth featured the free online tank battle game World of Tanks. Within the booth area was an actual Type 95 tank and models for attendees to take pictures with. Get more information on this booth by reading our previous article.
Another notable aspect of the event was the presence of guests and companies from abroad. Many foreign media outlets and regular participants could be seen throughout the event hall. The number of participating companies was the largest number in history at 352. Of that number, 162 were foreign companies and organizations. A total of 33 different countries and regions were represented at this year's event, bringing with them a lot of international attention.
The next TGS is already scheduled for Sept. 18-22 of next year. Game fans and Japanophiles alike, why not make plans to visit now?
TOM Special Creator:
TOKIYA SAKABA
redjuice
© 2002-2013 CESA / Nikkei Business Publications Inc.
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.
