TOKYO: The Tokyo Game Show 2021 kicked off on Thursday in an online format, just like last year, amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, with most companies offering a peek into their new games through online platforms.
With restrictions placed on large-scale events to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, companies are also offering new ways to experience their games at the event, including those using virtual reality.
The major gaming event will be held until Sunday.
An exhibition area was set up at the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba, east of Tokyo, for influencers and members of the press.
Sega Corp., which handles overseas sales of action game “Demon Slayer–Kimetsu no Yaiba–The Hinokami Chronicles,” will allow participants to play the new game at a dedicated booth.
Organizers also set up a virtual reality version of the event for the first time ever, allowing people to look around the companies’ booths using VR goggles and computers from anywhere.
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. and Japanese advertising giant Dentsu Group Inc., which provide the technology foundation for the virtual event, will assess the advertising impact in a virtual space.
A total of 351 companies will take part in the Tokyo Game Show this year.
Last year’s event, which was held in an online format for the first time, was joined by 424 companies and its official online program attracted over 31.6 million views.
JIJI Press