Tokyo Game Show opens with wide range of exhibitors

The Tokyo Game Show has kicked off, showcasing the latest games and related products by exhibitors from various industries.

The five-day event opened on Thursday at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, near Tokyo.

This year marks 30 years since the annual event began. A record 1,138 companies and organizations from 53 countries and regions are taking part this year.

A company in Tokyo that handles high-precision spatial data used for autonomous driving technology introduced uses of actual townscapes and road data in racing games.

Another company known for its popular characters launched its own game brand this year and is introducing a new rhythm and dance game at the event. The company's Managing Executive Officer Hamasaki Kosuke said that in the growing game market, he believes creating opportunities for people to interact with his company's characters is important. He added that this is why the company decided to participate in the game market. Games incorporating generative AI technology are also being showcased. One of them is a game produced by a South Korean company that allows players to hold natural conversations with game characters. A story proceeds according to the conversations. The company says it wants players to feel a connection with the characters through the conversations.

The Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association, or CESA, is the organizer of the game show. CESA Chairman Tsujimoto Haruhiro said that a synergy effect can be expected as different industries enter the market and diverse personnel get involved, leading to an increase in the gaming population. He said the association will continue to promote the game industry and develop human resources.

The Tokyo Game Show will be open to the public from Saturday to Monday.