Fall in Japan is commonly associated with gaming – and in 2025, the Tokyo Game Show will be raising the bar. What started as a national event has evolved into an international celebration for the gaming sector. This year, the organizers are anticipating an unprecedented line-up: 772 exhibitors from across the globe will showcase their latest offerings at the Makuhari Exhibition Center. A figure that is sure to astonish even the most seasoned industry insiders.
From Chiba to the globe: Why TGS 2025 will be more expansive than ever
The venue is situated just outside Tokyo, in Chiba – and has become one of the most recognized trade fair locations within the global gaming community. Out of the 772 exhibitors, 299 hail from overseas. This clearly illustrates that the TGS has matured into a worldwide platform, where not only Japanese studios shine, but developers from Europe, North America, and South Korea also compete for the spotlight.
Vibrant, loud, and imaginative: the official trailer for the fair combines pixelated visuals with energetic 8-bit sounds – a tribute to retro gaming that evokes nostalgia. The audience is also expanding: The visitor count surpassed a quarter of a million as early as 2024. This year, the threshold of 300,000 is expected to be crossed for the first time as the gaming season in Chiba reaches its zenith.
All attention on Tokyo: These publishers and debuts will take center stage
Now the excitement begins: if you wish to discover the future of gaming in the coming years, TGS 2025 will provide a clear preview. Major players like Sony, Square Enix, Capcom, SEGA, Bandai Namco, Ubisoft, Konami, and EA will not only showcase their flagship titles but are also developing surprising new ventures, some of which will be presented publicly for the first time. Among other updates, anticipations include Final Fantasy XVII, the latest Monster Hunter, and a previously undisclosed co-op game from FromSoftware.
Notably, the indie sector is continuing to flourish. Smaller studios will be presenting their ideas across several halls. For the first time, a platform for student game design projects from Japan, the USA, and Germany will be featured. Often, this is where the most innovative ideas originate, away from the mainstream.
According to the organizers, the business sectors, which have been significantly enhanced this year, are particularly favored. They are designed specifically for publishers, developers, and tech firms. This reflects that TGS is increasingly serving as a networking hub between East and West. Anyone looking to experience gaming on a global scale in 2025 will find the ideal platform in Chiba.