Tokyo Game Show
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The Tokyo Game Show (東京ゲームショウ), or simply TGS, is a video game expo / convention held in Tokyo, Japan. In 2007, it will likely become the largest video game expo in the world because of the downscaling of E3 that was announced in mid-2006.[1] Unlike E3, the Tokyo Game Show allows the general public to attend during the final two days.[2] As a result, it has much higher attendance than E3.
History
The first Tokyo Game Show was held in 1996.[3] It used to be held twice a year, once in the spring and once in the autumn, but this format was discontinued in 2002, when the show was held only in the autumn.[4] This is the schedule for the show used to this day.
Summary of events
2004
The Tokyo Game Show 2004 was held on September 24, 25 and 26. It featured 117 exhibitors showing off more than 500 computer and video game-related products to the 160,000 visitors.[5]
2005
The Tokyo Game Show 2005 was held on September 16–18.[6]
Microsoft held its own press event on September 15, one day before the opening of the Tokyo Game Show.[7]
The show was opened with two keynote speeches on September 16. The first was given by Robert J. Bach, senior Vice President for the Home and Entertainment Division and chief Xbox officer at Microsoft.[8]
While traditionally Nintendo does not participate in the Tokyo Game Show, its president, Satoru Iwata held a keynote speech this year. There he revealed the controller for Nintendo's next generation video game console Wii.[9]
There were hints by Ken Kutaragi that the PlayStation 3 would be playable at the Tokyo Game Show,[10] but this was not the case. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots was shown publicly for the first time in trailer form.
2006
The Tokyo Game Show 2006 will be held on September 22–24 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. This year will also be a celebration of the 10th anniversary for the Tokyo Game Show.[11]