The Tokyo Game Show is one of the main events that players look to when searching for exciting game news. Sadly, like so many live events this year, theTokyo Game Show of 2020 was canceled. Fortunately, that’s not the end of the story.
TheTokyo Game Showhas been going stronger each year since its debut in 1996. The show not only hosts pavilions dedicated to showing off the latest games in the industry, but also sections dedicated to helping those in the industry itself. The business side of the Game Show, where those in the industry meet up and ocming game producers and designers, exists alongside the fan interaction and cosplay.
RELATED:IGN’s Summer of Gaming Event is a Digital Mini-E3
This year’sTokyo Game Show was cancelled due to COVID-19, of course, but it will be held online. It has been known for a while that the Show would reincarnate this year as a digital event, but when was a real question. After all, various parties would need time to register for the event in advance, especially the business-centric side of the show. It has now been officially announced that the online Tokyo Game Show will be taking place from September 23rd-27. This is, interstingly, only one day off from the originally planned dates of the show.
Unlikethe rescheduled Summer of Gaming, the Tokyo Game Show is keeping all its reveals concentrated in this one period. Attendance is free for everything except those wishing to connect with game makers looking to do business. The free attendance means access to several online presentations of games by big and small companies alike. Indie game makers must fill out a form with their games information and present the game via video streaming. These streams can be reached via links at the main web address.
This may prove to be a problem for some companies, as they will have to furnish their own space.Limited Run Games delayed its digital E3 appearancealready, and while the most likely reason was to not conflict with the protests at the time, there could be other factors. Creating an impressive physical presentation space that can be digitally sound is not a challenge every company will rise to.
Then again, it may not be one every company at Tokyo Game Show needs to rise to. ThePS5 reveal was well receivedand had nothing but a backdrop and a few speakers, besides showing off the games and console. If anything, the digital format may be good for the Tokyo Game Show. With no physical space, entry fee, or physical presentation requirements, there’s a real chance it could be bigger than ever.
