Tokyo Game Show 2025 Opens With Record Exhibitors

The 35th Tokyo Game Show opened Sept. 25 at Makuhari Messe, featuring 1,138 exhibitors, with more than half from overseas. The first two days are reserved for industry professionals, while the public can attend Sept. 27-28. The event remains among the largest platforms for developers to showcase games and track industry trends.

This year, the show introduced an AI Technology Pavilion to highlight tools and services that leverage artificial intelligence in game development. The event also debuted an All Accessibility Corner, featuring devices designed to make games playable for users with disabilities. 

Hori Co., for example, demonstrated a controller compatible with assistive switches and joysticks, offering an alternative to standard dual-hand controllers.

Gaming Market Growth and Industry Context

The focus on AI and accessibility comes amid continued growth in the global gaming market. Spending on console, PC, and mobile games reached 31 trillion yen, or about $210 billion USD, in 2024, a 50 percent increase over four years, according to the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association.

In Japan, games accounted for 62 percent of the country's 5.8 trillion yen in entertainment exports in 2023, with anime contributing 30 percent of this total. The figures highlight the economic importance of gaming within Japan's broader entertainment industry.

The Tokyo Game Show was first held in 1996 and initially ran twice yearly before switching to an annual format. Over nearly three decades, it has developed into a key platform for developers to present products, establish partnerships, and monitor market trends.

The inclusion of AI-focused exhibits and accessibility tools reflects current industry priorities, from technology adoption to inclusive design. The show also provides perspective on global trends as companies such as WinZO, Zupee, JioGames, and Vi drive adoption and revenue growth in India, positioning the country as an increasingly influential player alongside established markets.

By combining global market insights with emerging regional developments, this year's show provides a view of how technology, accessibility, and market expansion are shaping the future of game development and entertainment exports.