The Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024 has drawn record numbers, solidifying its position as one of the premier gaming events worldwide. According to preliminary reports from event organizers, 274,739 visitors attended this year's show, representing a 12.9% increase compared to the 243,238 attendees in 2023. This marks significant growth across almost all aspects of the show, further establishing TGS as a central hub for global gaming developments.

Tokyo Game Show 2024

TGS Summary

TGS 2024 saw a substantial rise in exhibitor participation, with 985 companies attending, compared to 787 last year. The number of booths also increased, with exhibitors occupying 3,252 booths, up from 2,682 in 2023. In total, 44 countries were represented at the event, the same as the previous year, underscoring the show’s international appeal.

A notable rise in game titles on display was evident, with 2,850 games showcased, compared to 2,291 in 2023. This growth highlights the continued expansion of the gaming industry, despite challenges posed by economic and market fluctuations.

Tokyo Game Show 2024 Showroom Floor 1

Platform and Genre Insights

While Nintendo was not present at the show, a significant number of Nintendo Switch games—295 in total—were on display, up from 234 last year. Other platforms, such as PlayStation and Xbox, also showed impressive growth. There were 156 PlayStation 4 and 238 PlayStation 5 titles at the show, compared to 144 and 158 respectively in 2023. Meanwhile, Xbox featured 172 X/S games, a noticeable jump from 103 last year, along with 86 Xbox One titles, up from 78.

Microsoft made several key announcements during the show, including the upcoming addition of Starcraft I and II to Xbox Game Pass, set for release on November 5, following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Japanese voiceovers were also revealed for upcoming titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, adding a local touch to globally anticipated releases.

Sony showcased the PlayStation 5 Pro, with games like Gran Turismo running on the new hardware, demonstrating the platform's power and performance. Meanwhile, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, featuring updated graphics, was one of the highlights for Konami fans, as external development teams like Virtuos contributed to its production.

Tokyo Game Show 2024 New Games

Growth in PC and Steam Titles

The PC and Steam gaming sectors showed strong growth at TGS 2024. Steam exhibited 625 titles, up from 437 in 2023, while PC games saw an increase from 363 to 496 titles. Mobile gaming was also on the rise, with 188 iOS and 190 Android titles compared to 161 and 163, respectively, in the previous year.

On the other hand, virtual reality (VR) appears to be declining. PlayStation VR2 featured just three titles, a sharp drop from 12 last year. Other VR platforms such as Valve Index and HTC Vive also saw reduced numbers of games, indicating that VR may be losing momentum as a prominent segment of the gaming market.

Tokyo Game Show 2024 Sneak Preview

Genre Breakdown

The show featured a wide array of genres, with action games seeing the largest increase—500 action titles were showcased, up from 353 last year. Other categories such as adventure games (397 titles) and action-adventure games (187 titles) also saw increases. However, some genres experienced declines, including RPGs (down to 347 from 379) and simulation games (208, down from 257). These shifts reflect ongoing trends and preferences within the global gaming community.

Regional Trends and Industry Shifts

Several industry experts at TGS 2024 highlighted key differences in the gaming markets across regions. Kenji Matsubara, CEO of SNK, noted that Japanese game companies adopted a more conservative approach during the pandemic, which allowed them to avoid mass layoffs that have affected Western gaming firms. This cautious strategy has enabled many Japanese and Asian companies to remain stable as the global gaming market experiences fluctuations.

Chinese game companies also continued to make their presence felt. Black Myth Wukong, developed by Game Science, sold 20 million copies within its first month of release, illustrating China's growing influence in the gaming industry. Other Chinese hits like Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail further cemented the country’s position as a rising powerhouse in the global market.

Ken Kutaragi, the father of the PlayStation, delivered a keynote address at the event, envisioning the future of gaming as driven by real-time computing and artificial intelligence. He predicted that AI-infused media could transform the entertainment landscape, expanding beyond traditional gaming.

Tokyo Game Show 2024 Showroom Floor 2

International Collaborations

TGS 2024 also highlighted significant international collaborations within the gaming industry. Saudi Arabia’s Misk Foundation, which owns a majority stake in SNK, has expanded the company’s workforce from 200 to 600 employees. This growth has allowed SNK to revive beloved franchises like Fatal Fury, which made a comeback at the show after a 26-year hiatus.

Saudi Arabia’s gaming ambitions were further emphasized by Qiddiya Gaming’s presence at TGS. Their cyberpunk-themed booth promoted Qiddiya, a futuristic city under construction near Riyadh, which aims to become a hub for esports and gaming.

Final Thoughts

Tokyo Game Show 2024 showcased the growing vibrancy and global reach of the gaming industry, with increases in attendance, exhibitors, and game titles. As platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, and PC continue to thrive, and as international collaboration grows, the event underscored the dynamic nature of the gaming market.

While certain sectors, such as VR, may be seeing a decline, the overall industry appears to be on a positive trajectory, with innovations in AI and real-time computing on the horizon. The gaming world is becoming more interconnected, with both emerging and established markets contributing to its expansion. TGS 2024 reflected this growth, setting the stage for even greater developments in the future.

Source: GamesBeat