Tokyo Game Show 2023: Gaming PCs Take Center Stage Amid Record Exhibitor Turnout

Politics, News Sept. 21, 2023, 10:44 a.m.

The Tokyo Game Show, a global gaming extravaganza, showcased gaming PCs resurgence and innovations, drawing record exhibitors and influencers while addressing pandemic-induced shifts in gaming preferences.

The Tokyo Game Show, one of the globe's premier gaming events, kicked off with a bang, drawing the spotlight to cutting-edge gaming PCs as its star attractions. The four-day extravaganza, which saw an estimated 200,000 attendees, has reclaimed the entirety of the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba for the first time in four years, a development made possible by the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.

The event, organized by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association, boasted a record-breaking 787 exhibitors hailing from over 40 countries and regions, with select offerings available online. While a plethora of new game titles and products across various platforms filled the exhibit halls, gaming PCs have undergone a resurgence in popularity.

Among the highlights was ASUS's introduction of its new portable gaming PC, the ROG Ally. This innovative device allows gamers to indulge in PC video games while on the move, akin to the wildly popular Nintendo Switch. It was designed to cater to the growing demand from individuals who wish to continue gaming even when they're away from the comforts of home.

Intel Corp. also took center stage, showcasing its latest gaming PCs equipped with advanced semiconductors developed in collaboration with several PC manufacturers. According to Shoko Ueno, the marketing director at Intel's Japanese unit, the pandemic prompted a surge in PC gaming adoption due to the scarcity of game consoles caused by chip shortages. "The market is expanding," Ueno noted, highlighting the thriving interest in gaming on PC platforms.

For the first time in the show's history, ten official influencers hailing from the Asia-Pacific region, each boasting a social media following of at least 100,000, were selected to promote the event in their respective languages. A dedicated lounge was set up to cater to influencers and creators, offering them a space to test games and upload content.

Out of the 787 exhibitors present, a notable increase from the previous year's 605, a substantial 406 hailed from overseas, with 30 opting for online participation. The initial two days primarily catered to media and industry representatives, with the doors flung open to the general public on the third day.

Tickets, priced at 2,300 yen ($15.50) per day, were exclusively available for online purchase in advance, with complimentary access granted to elementary school children and younger. The Tokyo Game Show, a fixture since 1996, stands proudly alongside E3 in the United States and Gamescom in Germany as one of the world's top three gaming events.

In other related news, an ex-Square Enix employee received a suspended sentence for insider trading, while Sony explores plans to list its financial unit to bolster its foray into the entertainment industry. Nintendo, however, saw a dip in net profit for the second consecutive year, largely attributed to weaker sales of its flagship Switch console.