Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2019 : One World, Infinite Joy

Tokyo Game Show (TGS)©2002–2019 CESANikkei Business Publications, Inc.

TGS is an annual video game expo where domestic and international game developers/distributors have the chance to show off their products. That was and still is the main focus, but it has certainly branched out.

Monster Hunter - Iceborne

This year, TGS will be held for four days from the 12th till the 15th of September. The first two days are "Business Days" and the latter two days are "Publice Days". During these "Public Days", you will be surrounded by more than 250,000 people (TGS estimation) where you will be trying-out the latest PS4, Xbox, PC, iPhone, VR, and Nintendo Switch games.

We'll be going into much more detail about the main attractions of TGS below, so just like the famous game character who once said: "Let's break it down!"

Game trial areaGetty Images for TOKYO GAME SHOW

Final Fantasy 7 REMAKE - Square Enix

Nioh 2 - Koei Tecmo

This area is jam-packed with gaming booths where the famous video game companies will be at. Big companies such as Playstation, Konami, Bethesda, Capcom, and many more have come to the scene to bring you big titles. Doom Eternal, Final Fantasy 7 remake, Cyber Punk and Monster Hunter Iceborne are just a few titles to get your attention.

KONAMI booth - Contra

CAPCOM booth - Project Resistance

Vive VR booth in 2018©2002–2019 CESANikkei Business Publications, Inc.

MR booth in 2018©2002–2019 CESANikkei Business Publications, Inc.

This area should get your blood going. It consists of VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality) and MR (Mixed Reality). Explaining the difference between them will weigh this part down, so you can rely on good ol' Mr.google for that. It gets better & better each year, so be prepared for some immersion.

VR booth in 2018Getty Images for TOKYO GAME SHOW

E Sports Corner©2002–2019 CESANikkei Business Publications, Inc.

E Sports Corner©2002–2019 CESANikkei Business Publications, Inc.

Unless you've been living underground, you must've heard about e Sports (electronic sports). For the noobs out there, it's simply a form of competition using video games.

These multiplayer video game competitions have gotten bigger & bigger every year. It has been estimated that the total audience of Esports has grown to 454 million viewers and has revenues over one billion dollars (US). The biggest games in Esports include League of Legends, Dota 2, Rainbow Six Siege, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros, and the list goes on.

E Sports Corner©2002–2019 CESANikkei Business Publications, Inc.

E Sports Corner©2002–2019 CESANikkei Business Publications, Inc.

This year however, tournaments for Dead or Alive 6, Puzzle & Dragons, Street Fighter V, Dragon Quest Rivals, and Puyo Puyo will be held. Prize money of up to 10 million yen will be given to the winner! Thinking games are only for children is a thing of the past.

Smart Phone Game Corner©2002–2019 CESANikkei Business Publications, Inc.

As the title explains itself, you can check-out the latest iOS, Android and other Smart Phone/Tablet games here. They also include PC internet browser games (eg: Social games) as well, if you're not much of a fan of small screen devices.

Indie Game Corner©2002–2019 CESANikkei Business Publications, Inc.

Indie Game CornerGetty Images for TOKYO GAME SHOW

Indie games are developed by individuals, small teams, or small companies. Just because they're not mainstream, doesn't mean they should be overlooked. Indie games like Dead Cells, Don't Starve, Super Meat Boy, Cuphead, Celeste, Undertale are just a few to name.

Look out for gems because you just never know who will become the next shining giant.

Family Game Park©2002–2019 CESANikkei Business Publications, Inc.

©2002–2019 CESANikkei Business Publications, Inc.

If you have arrived at TGS with the kids, then the Family Game Park is for you. Video games or game related products can be enjoyed by the whole family. Only kids still in elementary school (or younger) will be allowed to enter; with the accompanying guardian/parent of course.

TGS Cosplay

TGS Cosplay

The majority of people who go to TGS are there for the games, but there will be quite a lot of people who'll be dressing up as their favourite game character.

The cosplay event "Cosplay Collection Night @TGS" will be held on Saturday (14th) 18:30 - 20:00 at the event stage in Hall 1. Cosplayers from around the world will be coming together to cheer on the cosplay skits and fashion show performances.

Cosplay Collection Night @TGS details:
https://expo.nikkeibp.co.jp/tgs/2019/en/event/cosplay.html

TGS Cosplay Show in 2018©2002–2019 CESANikkei Business Publications, Inc.

One thing you have to keep in mind though is that there are rules if you're going to join in on the cosplay fun.

You can view the full list of rules & regulations for cosplayers here:
https://expo.nikkeibp.co.jp/tgs/2019/en/visitor/cosplayers.html

TGS Cosplay

You can buy the figurine, not the life-size car

One thing that some visitors can't miss is the shopping area. Limited game related items and TGS exclusive items will be on sale. Ranging from T-shirts, accessories, figurine display stands, towels, bags, and the list goes on.

Rest area

The even hall has around 5,000 seats where you can take a breather. It's located between hall 1-8 and hall 9-11, so when your legs start to become numb, grab something at the food court and make your way to the rest area.

Okonomiyaki, Beefsteak Donburi, Kaisendon are some of the choices you have. For TGS 2018, you could get a discount coupon for the meals if you used the official TGS app. They haven't officially stated that there will be coupons this year, but we're fairly sure there will be.

Even if there aren't discount coupons for the food court, you can access the floor map, queuing times for game trials & more via the app.

Official TGS app details:
https://expo.nikkeibp.co.jp/tgs/2019/en/exhibitors/app.html

Getting same day tickets near the entrance

Same day tickets for adults will cost 2,000 yen. Advance tickets will cost you 1,500 yen which are available now. Visit the site below to get your advance ticket online. You will need to sign-up to EventRegist (free) and use one of the following: Paypal, JCB, MasterCard, or Visa to purchase your advance ticket.

Parents will be happy to know that children under 12 years old are free of charge.

For more Public Day Ticket info:
https://expo.nikkeibp.co.jp/tgs/2019/en/visitor/ticket.html

TGS event hall

Location: Makuhari Messe (Mihama-ku, Chiba City) Exhibition Hall 1-11, Event Hall / International Conference Hall

Access: 10 minute walk from Kaihimmakuhari Station (海浜幕張駅)

Date:
12th and 13th September, 2019 (Business Days)
14th and 15th September, 2019 (Public Days)

Open Hours: 10:00–17:00
(Depending on the situation, it may open 30 minutes earlier. Entry to the venue is until 16:00)

TGS event hall

Official Website:
https://expo.nikkeibp.co.jp/tgs/2019/exhibition/en/

Official TGS app details:
https://expo.nikkeibp.co.jp/tgs/2019/en/exhibitors/app.html

Enjoy the show!

Makuhari Messe International Conference Center

Chiba Chiba-shi Mihama-ku Nakase 2-1

0432960001

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