- Thanks to a late workation idea, I got the opportunity to cover the Tokyo Game Show 2024
- This enormous expo in Chiba rivals some of the biggest Western gaming shows
- Find out what I saw, did and thought about this enormous gaming event
As I walked through the bustling halls of the Tokyo Game Show 2024, my eyes were wide with wonder and excitement! It was truly a spectacle to behold, a testament to Japan’s rich gaming culture that’s often shrouded in mystery for those outside its borders.
For those of you who are frequent readers, I hope you’ve been curious about my absence; I was actually on a trip to Tokyo! However, this post won’t be about sharing travel tips or showcasing photos from my vacation. Since my visit happened to overlap with the Tokyo Games Show 2024, I took the opportunity to attend and experience it firsthand.
After a single train journey to Chiba and a lengthy trip, I found myself at Makuhari Messe on September 25th and 26th, experiencing one of the largest gaming expos in the eastern hemisphere! Spanning four days (two for businesses and two for consumers), this event attracted industry giants like Konami, Capcom, and Sega. They came to engage with fans, media, and business professionals alike.
What was it that caught my eye? What actions did I take? And how did the mobile stack up against other prominent gaming figures? Let’s delve into the details and discover!
The show in general
The first thing I noticed is that the show floor is a much different beast to some of the others I’ve visited, like Gamescom in Cologne. Rather than being split over multiple floors and annexes, TGS covers several main halls that you move between, which makes it feel very open and expansive. Compared to the labyrinthine halls of Koelnmesse it’s simplicity itself to find your way around.
You also can’t quite get the same experience until you go there and hear all the noise for yourself. Whether that’s cheering, general crowd murmur or some of the more explosive and colourful displays, even on the business days (which are usually much quieter) it was overwhelming. That’s not to say it was a bad thing, however, and I’m very glad to have attended on the business days before the enormous snaking queues appeared on the weekend.
What makes Tokyo’s gaming shows stand out from many others is the impressive number and quality of booths showcased, each trying to outshine the rest with larger, more extravagant displays, lights, and special effects to attract potential visitors. Of course, there were numerous cosplayers, merchandise, and other attractions vying for attention, and within just a few hours I found myself carrying a massive bag full of flyers and other promotional materials.
The presence of mobile
It really shouldn’t surprise you that some major Japanese gacha titles were showcased at the Tokyo Game Show. Goddess of Victory: Nikke had its “real-life gacha” and the presence of cosplayers for Arknights, Duet Night Abyss and more. In fact, by sheer number, I’d say mobile outnumbered some of the larger titles, especially when you consider games like Sonic Rumble were part of the publisher booths.
What struck me was discovering some other mobile games. Hillclimb Racing 2 stood out due to its partnership with Bomberman R, while Warframe is making a significant effort to penetrate the Japanese market. Lastly, Century Games’ Whiteout Survival had an intricate booth, featuring cosplayers and a life-size model of their Frostpunk-inspired heating generator.
It’s clear that the Tokyo Game Show stood out among other expos due to the prominence given to mobile technology. Unlike some events where these areas are limited or cater only to specific audiences, mobile was placed front-and-center with impressive exhibits that truly caught my attention. Additionally, it was quite astonishing to find cars, bikes, and other captivating displays inside the venue, which added an unexpected element to the event.
What I thought
It’s hard to break down my views on the Tokyo Game Show, especially given how enormous the event was. But as you can probably tell I was pleasantly surprised to see mobile, console and PC presented on such an even footing. I also noticed that there was an enormous space for indies to be showcased with small, simple demo stations showing them off.
In contrast to some other, more glamorous expos I’ve attended during my early career, the Tokyo Game Show seems authentic and tailored to the average Japanese gamer. What makes it even more commendable is that you can stroll just five minutes from a booth showcasing major publishers like Sega and Konami, only to find a game published by a one-person studio nearby. This diversity in representation is truly noteworthy.
To be honest, I was genuinely thrilled with my experience at the Tokyo Game Show. It felt like an enlightening journey that was absolutely worth taking. The event gave me a unique insight into Japan’s gaming culture, a realm that has always been intriguing to me due to its air of mystery. As someone who values personal exploration, I can say that not many bother to delve into this fascinating aspect of Japan for themselves.
Games on display
Speaking of which, here are my own personal picks for the most distinct and memorable displays at the Tokyo Game Show 2024.
- Warframe Mobile’s “Jetstream Sam” display: I joked with the developers that Warframe: 1999’s principal character Arthur bore quite the resemblance to another famed cyber-ninja. However, what I can say was definitely distinct was the display consisting of a life-size statue, bike and impressive blade-spin mechanism that was the centrepiece of Digital Extremes’ Japanese expedition.
- Goddess of Victory: Nikke’s “real-life gacha”: This display, which encouraged attendees to head up and press a big red button for a “real-life” gacha pull of cosplayers is probably going to attract a mixed reaction. But I think the sheer size and complexity of the display is at the very least undeniably impressive. You certainly couldn’t pay me enough to clamber up a four-tier rickety scaffolding to pose for however many hours this was open.
- Whiteout Survival’s “mini-booth”: I think the most distinctive thing I saw at TGS was how many Western studios have tried to lean into the Japanese audience’s love of cosplayers and enormous displays. So while Whiteout Survival’s booth was miniscule compared to some of the others, it was undeniably impressive to see them make an appearance, especially given the competition.
- The Google Play “castle”: Despite iOS having such a major competitive edge in many markets, I noticed Google Play was far more forward with their presence at TGS. An enormous castle-like display offered attendees a chance to play a bespoke platformer in return for a free infusion of Google Play Points depending on their performance. An enormous screen meant you could follow what other players were doing as you queued, or merely passed by, and it was definitely an eye-catching sight.
Conclusion(?)
So that’s what I thought about the Tokyo Game Show, for now. Because my trip led me to see a lot more than just what I’ve listed here. So stay tuned because, in the coming days, I’ll have a lot more to tell you about just what things are like in the Eastern Hemisphere when it comes to mobile gaming!
Hey there fellow gaming enthusiast! If you’re running low on game ideas, give my recommendations a try. Check out the recent reviews for games like “Choice of Life: Wild Islands”. This fresh blend of visual novel and card game could be just what you’re looking for to spice up your gaming routine!
Instead, feel free to explore the current edition of our recurring segment showcasing the top 5 fresh mobile games worth playing this week. Give a few of the latest releases from the past week a spin!
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2024-10-04 19:18