This year’s edition of the Tokyo Game Show is pivoting to an online event, organizer Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association announced today.
The CESA originally planned to host the annual gaming expo at Makuhari Messe convention center in its habitual late September slot. Plans fell through due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic forcing the cancellation of the event.
The retooled digital event, dubbed Tokyo Game Show 2020 Online, will take place from September 24 – 27 on the official Tokyo Game Show website and social channels to replace the canceled physical.
The Tokyo Game Show 2020 Online will feature announcements from a selection of major publishers and indie developers as well as updates on upcoming titles and services as well as details about game-related products and merchandise. Alongside, the CESA will host live-streamed eSports tournaments, online exhibits, online business matching, and online round-table panels covering the latest topics in video games. All content will be available for free.
Here’s the official blurb of what the CESA is aiming for with Tokyo Game Show 2020 Online:
“TGS2020 ONLINE, the first-ever online event organized by TOKYO GAME SHOW, will provide opportunities for everyone to experience the fun and potential of cutting-edge technologies brought through games. The online world is a diverse space where people from all over the world can connect with each other beyond physical distance and time barriers in real time. Games have a possibility to cross the boundaries of games themselves and change our future in various fields. With the evolution of technology and the power of games, even more exciting future is just around the corner.”
A full list of exhibitors has yet to be released. If previous editions stand as any measure of what the line-up will look like, we can expect a strong selection of Japanese developers and publishers such as Konami and Bandai Namco. Sony generally uses the event to promote upcoming PlayStation releases, suggesting we may also catch a further glimpse of upcoming PS5 titles.