Tokyo Game Show: 2014 Report

Over 250,000 attendees descended on Makuhari Messe in Chiba to experience Tokyo Game Show 2014 between September 18th and 21st, with both major publishers and independent developers competing for attention across the 4-day business and public event.

Organized by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), in cooperation with Nikkei Business Publications Inc, the 2014 event saw a record number of exhibitors out in force including all the major Japanese publishers in attendance, such as Sony, Sega, Konami and Square Enix (Nintendo typically use E3 instead to showcase their latest releases). Microsoft were in town heavily promoting their recently released Xbox One console, whilst Sony had a huge exhibit promoting the latest and upcoming releases, including Destiny, MGSV: The Phantom Pain, FIFA 15 and Driveclub. They also had a special area promoting upcoming PS4 release The Order: 1886 as well as their PS4 VR accessory and Oculus Rift-competitor, Project Morpheus.

As well as the General Exhibition Area, this year's event also saw a dedicated Smartphone Game & Social Game Area, Game Device Area, Indie Game Area, a dedicated Merchandise Area, as well as many others. Typical of such events, a huge dedicated area is made available to cosplay which attracts a huge crowd from both participants and photographers alike.

Makuhari Messe is well-suited to Tokyo Game Show, as a large exhibition space that hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Tokyo Motor Show. It's a 5-10 minute walk from JR Kaihin-Makuhari Station on the JR Keiyo Line and Musashino Line, which is reachable from Tokyo Station in 30 minutes or so.