Arielle Busetto, JAPAN Forward

For video game lovers around the world, it will come as no surprise that the Tokyo Game Show is still set to happen between September 23 and 27.

This year, due to COVID-19, the in-person event has been canceled, but some of the festivities are still happening online.

We teamed up with IGN Japan’s Editor-in-Chief Daniel Robson to give you a preview of what to expect out of the show, and our top picks of what’s not to be missed.

One of the biggest changes is access. You don’t have to travel to browse the new releases and watch the events. Anyone can access TGS’s online streaming from anywhere in the world.

Mostly Online Presentations

In most years, over a quarter of a million people from all over the world head to Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, on the outskirts of Tokyo for Tokyo Game Show’s annual event. This year, to prevent the spread of infection, the organizers have opted for an online format.

The most important part for video game fans will be the online streaming on the official TGS website. Starting the evening of September 24, the most prominent Japanese companies will be giving presentations on their new releases for this year.

The usual suspects include CAPCOM, KONAMI, SQUARE ENIX, BANDAI NAMCO, and much more.

For the diehard esports fans, there will also be a couple of streaming events during the tournament.

TGS caters both to video game fans and to businesses that would like to work with each other. For that purpose, TGS is hosting a special website where different companies can be found and contacted accordingly.

However, if there is something that you are particularly looking for, make sure to check the various individual company websites, as some are scheduled to have their own streaming events in addition to TGS streaming.