Tokyo Game Show 2024 Attracts Massive Crowds and Industry Leaders | The DeanBeat

I attended my first Tokyo Game Show (TGS) this week, marking a milestone after 27 years of covering the gaming industry. The event drew nearly 275,000 visitors, a 12.9% increase from last year, featuring a vibrant mix of gamers and cosplayers.

This year's show is impressive, with 985 companies exhibiting, up from 787 in 2023, across 3,252 booths—compared to 2,682 last year. The event represents 44 countries and showcases 2,850 titles, an increase from 2,291 the previous year. We eagerly await the final attendance numbers.

Platform Highlights

Although Nintendo did not participate, there are 295 titles for the Nintendo Switch, rising from 234 last year. Notably, Pocket Pair, the developer of Palworld, presented a large booth and attracted many cosplayers, despite ongoing legal debates with Nintendo over its game, humorously dubbed "Pokemon with guns."

Game counts are on the rise for other platforms as well, with 156 PS4 and 238 PS5 games shown, compared to last year's 144 and 158. Sony showcased the PlayStation 5 Pro with Gran Turismo, demonstrating impressive graphics.

Xbox featured 172 Series X/S titles (up from 103 last year) and 86 Xbox One games (up from 78), highlighting new games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle during a special broadcast. Notably, Starcraft I and II will be available on Game Pass starting November 5, alongside a Japanese voiceover reveal for Indiana Jones.

Game Development Trends

Konami presented a visual update for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, while studios like Denki Works and Critical Reflex premiered Tanuki Pon’s Summer. Virtuos, led by CEO Gilles Langourieux, noted an improvement in the gaming market, having contributed to the Snake Eater development for over two years.

Other statistics reveal 625 Steam games (up from 437), along with increased titles for PC, iOS, and Android. However, VR gaming shows signs of decline, with fewer titles for PSVR2 and Valve Index.

Genre Insights

In terms of genres, there are 500 action games this year (up from 353), while RPGs and simulation games saw decreases. The Japanese gaming landscape appears more stable compared to Western counterparts, as firms did not excessively expand during the pandemic, avoiding significant layoffs.

Keynote Highlights

Ken Kutaragi, the father of PlayStation, delivered a keynote at TGS, predicting a shift towards AI-infused media and real-time computing, potentially eclipsing current gaming industries. He noted the success of Chinese game firms such as Game Science, which saw remarkable sales with titles like Black Myth: Wukong.

Networking Opportunities

Throughout the week, I visited major companies including Sony Electronics and Sega and co-hosted a dinner with Xsolla, marking an important return for GamesBeat to Japan after eight years.

Global Perspectives

The gaming industry is increasingly globalized. For instance, SNK’s sister company Manga Productions recently acquired Toei, utilizing its talent to foster interns in Saudi Arabia. Kenji Matsubara, CEO of SNK, has significantly expanded the company, reintroducing Fatal Fury after a 26-year hiatus.

Qiddiya Gaming, led by Mike Milanov, promoted their cyberpunk-themed esports district at TGS, attracting a large audience for a panel featuring Street Fighter esports stars.

In conclusion, TGS 2024 showcased a thriving gaming culture, reflecting a resilient global gaming business. It was exciting to witness a region previously overlooked in my travels become a vibrant hub for innovation and engagement in the industry.