A costume player model helps advertise a new game at Tokyo Game Show 2013. Costume play, or cosplay, is the act of wearing costumes and accessories that resemble clothing from video games or movies and has become very popular in some gaming circles. (Eric Guzman/Stars and Stripes)
A costume player model helps advertise a new game at Tokyo Game Show 2013. Costume play, or cosplay, is the act of wearing costumes and accessories that resemble clothing from video games or movies and has become very popular in some gaming circles. (Eric Guzman/Stars and Stripes)
A case at the Sony booth at Tokyo Game Show 2013 shows the design of the PlayStation 4 before its release. (Eric Guzman/Stars and Stripes)
Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind the ‘Metal Gear Solid’ video game series, reveals the title of the newest ‘Metal Gear Solid’ game at Tokyo Game Show 2013. (Eric Guzman/Stars and Stripes)
The design team behind ‘Lady Bergamot’ field questions about the development process of the game from journalists and gamers at Tokyo Game Show 2013. (Eric Guzman/Stars and Stripes)
TOKYO — The Tokyo Game show, one of the biggest events on every gamer’s calendar, is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people to Chiba’s Makuhari Messe convention hall next week.
In its 24th year, the show promises more action and surprises than ever on Sept. 18-21. Major players such as Sony and Microsoft are slated to make announcements about their current flagship gaming consoles alongside big reveals from Google and other companies that are breaking into the gaming industry.
The attendance record for the event, run by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association, was broken last year, with more than 270,000 visitors from more than 36 countries. This year’s gathering looks to be just as popular, with no shortage of new games and peripherals vying for attention in eight crowded halls.
The theme this year is “Changing Games: Transformation of Fun.” With the major gaming consoles still in their nascent stages, the potential for big reveals is nearly limitless, as the technologies running each system have yet to meet their full potential.
Square Enix and Sony have developed a notably strong presence here. Anticipation is running high for popular titles “Destiny” and “Kingdom Hearts.”
Sept. 18 and 19 are considered business days and are not open to the public; all comers are welcome for the weekend.
