Japan's Gaming Industry Takes Center Stage at Tokyo Game Show | Opinion

What led to the demise of E3, while the Tokyo Game Show continued to thrive? This question lingered in my mind as I left Japan's premier gaming trade show. The event was unusual, with many major publishers in attendance but lacking big-name games to showcase. Bandai Namco's booth focused on Dragon Ball Z and Sword Art Online tie-in games, while Square Enix's highlight was a remake of Dragon Quest 3. Sony made its first appearance since 2019, but without a significant new game, its presence was somewhat overshadowed by Capcom's Monster Hunter Wilds. The company did support Kojima's stage show, revealing new information about Death Stranding 2, but the game was not playable, and its booth felt sterile by comparison. In contrast, smaller publishers made a significant impact, with Level-5's booth being a notable presence, particularly with Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. Recent investments in SNK allowed the firm to make its largest-ever showcase, promoting the latest Fatal Fury, and Palworld's booth was filled with photo spots and demo booths. The question remains, why bother attending the show without major titles? The answer lies in the event's ability to bring together companies, developers, and players, providing a platform for them to connect and showcase their work. Conversations surrounding TGS were dominated by what was missing, rather than what was present. The PS5 Pro was a notable absence, with only a select few able to experience it, and its pricing raised concerns among developers and players. In Japan, the Nintendo Switch is the leading console, with PlayStation sales dwarfed in comparison. The cost of the PS5, starting at ¥49,980, and the upcoming PS5 Pro, priced at ¥120,000, is a significant factor in this disparity. The lineup of games is also an issue, with domestic titles dominating the Japanese market. While Sony once had in-house Japanese studios, it now relies on third-party developers to fill the gap. The indie scene is growing in Japan, with new publishers entering the market to support creators. However, the shift in power towards more established indie developers and publishers is reflective of the need for funding and increased scope to stand out in a competitive market. The Tokyo Game Show is a unique event that serves as a platform for the Japanese gaming industry to showcase its strength and variety. With the global center of PlayStation now in the United States, the show provides an opportunity for Sony to reach out to its core audience in Japan. Microsoft has also recognized the importance of the Japanese market, marketing its titles outside the show and announcing the complete Japanese localization for its Indiana Jones game. The show is not just about communicating with domestic players but also about showcasing Japanese gaming to the world. With a record-breaking attendance of 274,739, the Tokyo Game Show demonstrates the excitement and passion for gaming in Japan. The event provides a chance for Japanese trade to build bridges with the global industry and make a statement about the country's gaming scene. Despite the absence of major titles, there was plenty to enjoy, from new developers making their mark to a vibrant indie scene. Japanese gaming is more diverse and extensive than ever, and it's essential to pay attention to this growing industry.