Tokyo Game Show 2025: Day One Highlights & Top Game Demos
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The Tokyo Game Show (TGS), held every autumn, is the most anticipated event for gamers, creators, and business professionals worldwide. Why does it attract so many people and generate such excitement? The reason is that TGS is not just a game exhibition; it is a place where you can experience the “Future of Gaming” itself. In 2025, TGS exceeded last year’s scale, holding its largest-ever event, and the excitement reached its peak from day one.
As indicated by this year’s theme, “Infinite Playground, Too Much to Play“, a vast amount of domestic and international content gathered at the venue. In this article, we will detail our experiences from the Business Day on Thursday, September 25, 2025, including hands-on reports, the venue atmosphere, and the status of booths hosted by the creators who will shape the future.
- Tokyo Game Show 2025 Basic Information—Welcome to the Infinite Playground
- Largest Ever Scale! TGS 2025 Day One Report
- Elaborate Objects and Photo Spots Adorning the Venue
- Hands-on Experience with Noteworthy New Games: 'PRAGMATA' and 'Professor Layton'
- CAPCOM 'PRAGMATA'
- LEVEL5 'Professor Layton and the New World of Steam'
- Main Playable Games and Noteworthy Titles Confirmed on Day One
- The Presence of International Exhibitors and Global Excitement
- Game Academy Corner Where Future Creators Gather
- Genuine Impressions and Venue Status After Day One
- A Gateway to the Future Where You Experience the Potential of Gaming with Your Whole Body
- Addendum: TGS 2025 Total Attendance and Decision for TGS 2026 5-Day Event
- Minna no Rakuraku Magazine Staff Opens X Account!
Tokyo Game Show 2025 Basic Information—Welcome to the Infinite Playground
The Tokyo Game Show (TGS) is a game-related exhibition event organized by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA).
TGS 2025 Overview and Record for Largest Scale Ever
TGS 2025 is being held at Makuhari Messe, utilizing Halls 1 through 11, the International Conference Hall, and the Event Hall.
Dates and Venue
- Venue: Makuhari Messe (Mihama Ward, Chiba City)
- Business Day: September 25 (Thu) – 26 (Fri), 2025, 10:00–17:00
- Public Day: September 27 (Sat) 9:30–17:00, September 28 (Sun) 9:30–16:30
- *Note: The opening time for Public Days may be moved forward by 30 minutes depending on the situation.*
This year, TGS 2025 set new records for the largest numbers ever in terms of exhibitors, booth count, and participating countries/regions. This scale surpasses the 2024 event, which was previously the largest ever.
Exhibition Scale (As of September 25, 2025)
- Exhibitors: 1,136 companies (last year 985 companies)
- Booth Count: 4,157 booths (last year 3,252 booths)
- Countries/Regions: 47 (last year 44)
Both the number of domestic exhibitors (521 companies) and international exhibitors (615 companies) recorded their highest numbers ever, representing an expansion of approximately 115% compared to last year.
＞ Tokyo Game Show Official Website Here
Largest Ever Scale! TGS 2025 Day One Report
On the first Business Day, September 25, 2025, 52,352 people attended, significantly exceeding last year’s day-one attendance (42,031 people), and the venue was filled with excitement from the morning.
The venue is broadly divided into two areas: “1-8 HALL” (primarily games) and “9-11 HALL” (mostly game-related peripherals and merchandise). The “Family Game Park” is added to these two areas on the Public Days.
Elaborate Objects and Photo Spots Adorning the Venue
Many objects were already on display along the path leading up to the entrance of Makuhari Messe, welcoming visitors.
The overall impression was that while there were fewer giant objects compared to last year, the distinctive feature was the objects elaborately crafted down to the fine details. All the booths were impressively large and well worth seeing.
Particularly eye-catching objects and exhibits included the Square Enix booth, which featured the popular Slime object, and, after finishing the trial play of the *Dragon Quest I & II* remake, the Dragonlord (Ryū-Ō) photo spot appeared. The Dragonlord seemed to have a production where it appeared right after the demo finished, delighting visitors.
Hands-on Experience with Noteworthy New Games: ‘PRAGMATA’ and ‘Professor Layton’
Although trial play opportunities are mainly available in 1-8 HALL, they are also possible at game peripheral-related booths in 9-11 HALL. If you want to try popular games, we recommend joining the queues early, as quite a few people were already lining up even on the first day.
This time, we had a hands-on experience with CAPCOM *PRAGMATA* and LEVEL5 *Professor Layton and the New World of Steam*!
CAPCOM ‘PRAGMATA’
We tried the highly anticipated *PRAGMATA* at the Capcom booth.
Game Overview
- *PRAGMATA* is an action-adventure game developed and sold by Capcom. It is set in a research facility on the moon, telling the story of astronaut Hugh and the android Diana cooperating to fight the hostile AI controlling the facility and aiming for return to Earth.
- The game proceeds from a third-person perspective, and the player simultaneously controls both Hugh and Diana. Hugh uses firearms, while Diana hacks and disables enemy defense systems to expose their weaknesses.
- For puzzle elements, hacking is completed by moving a cursor across a grid in real-time, avoiding obstacles while reaching the target tile.
- It is scheduled for release in 2026 for Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Trial Report
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- The actual impression of playing was that it was a new sensation of a game, combining action and puzzle elements. It took some time initially to grasp the controls and the puzzle-solving mechanics, but once familiarized, it was extremely interesting and made us want to play longer.
- The graphics on the screen were exceptionally beautiful, and the controls were excellent, suggesting a quality that would satisfy TPS (Third-Person Shooter) fans while also demonstrating a depth that goes beyond the TPS genre.
＞ CAPCOM ‘PRAGMATA’ Official Website Here
LEVEL5 ‘Professor Layton and the New World of Steam’
We played *Professor Layton and the New World of Steam* at the LEVEL-5 booth.
Game Overview
- This game tells the story of archaeology professor Hershel Layton taking on puzzles alone after his apprentice, Luke Triton, departs for America.
- Coinciding with the start of TGS 2025, the game announced a release postponement to 2026 (it was originally scheduled for 2025).
Trial Report
- The trial play used the Switch 2’s mouse function for gameplay. As a fan, it is truly delightful that this series, featuring Professor Layton, the authority on puzzle-solving, continues to release new installments.
＞ LEVEL5 ‘Professor Layton and the New World of Steam’ Official Website Here
Main Playable Games and Noteworthy Titles Confirmed on Day One
Besides the titles mentioned above, many other talked-about games were lined up at the venue. Note that you may need an admission ticket (or numbered ticket) to try a game, and distribution may end early.
| Exhibitor | Title Name | Overview / Noteworthy Information |
|---|---|---|
| Capcom | PRAGMATA, Resident Evil Requiem, Onimusha Way of the Sword, and others | *PRAGMATA* is a new work combining action and puzzle elements, also playable at the Samsung SSD booth. *Resident Evil Requiem* and *Onimusha Way of the Sword* are playable in Japan for the first time and available for trial at the Capcom and PlayStation booths. |
| LEVEL-5 | Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, and others | *Professor Layton* is playable, using the Switch 2’s mouse function. The release date has been postponed to 2026. |
| Square Enix | Dragon Quest I & II, and others | The remake version of *Dragon Quest I & II* is available for trial play. The booth featured popular Slime objects and a photo spot for the Dragonlord (Ryū-Ō), which was very popular. |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) | Ghost of Yōtei, Nioh 3, Phantom Blade Zero, and others | Many titles, including *Ghost of Yōtei*, *MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls*, and *Nioh 3*, are available for trial play at the PlayStation booth. The release date for *Nioh 3* has been set for February 6, 2026. |
| Sega / Atlus | Like a Dragon Kiwami 3 / Like a Dragon 3 Gaiden Dark Ties, Sonic Racing Cross Worlds | The latest titles in the *Like a Dragon* series and *Sonic Racing Cross Worlds* are playable at the Sega/Atlus booth. *Sonic Racing Cross Worlds* incorporates Minecraft elements, making it enjoyable even for those unfamiliar with Sonic. |
| Level Infinite | Monster Hunter Outlanders, EXOBORNE | *Monster Hunter Outlanders* is being shown as a world-first playable demo. *EXOBORNE* is available for trial play in Japan for the first time. |
| Bandai Namco | Little Nightmares 3, and others | *Little Nightmares 3* is available for trial play (numbered tickets may be required). |
| Pearl Abyss | Crimson Desert | This is a highly anticipated single-player action RPG that was also announced at State of Play, drawing attention for its exceptionally beautiful screen graphics and high quality. It is scheduled for release on March 19, 2026. |
| Other Noteworthy Works | Shin Sangoku Musou 2 with Moushouden Remastered, INDIKA | The release of *Shin Sangoku Musou 2 with Moushouden Remastered* was announced at the Konami booth (set for March 19, 2026). *INDIKA* is a notable work that won the Game Designers Grand Prize 2025. |
The Presence of International Exhibitors and Global Excitement
TGS 2025 featured a record-breaking 615 overseas companies and organizations from 47 countries and regions, and this global excitement could be felt throughout the venue.
We were surprised by how many countries were developing games and exhibiting booths at TGS throughout the venue. 9-11 HALL, in particular, was highly international, resembling the atmosphere of a regional “XX Expo”.
Game Academy Corner Where Future Creators Gather
A Game Academy Corner was also set up, with many schools exhibiting booths. The Academy Corner features 65 companies/organizations.
This area is where the future creators of the Japanese game industry gather. The displayed games included works created by individuals ranging from high school students to those in their 60s, showcasing diverse talents.
Content industries, such as gaming, are positioned as key industries for Japan. The government aims for further market expansion and global deployment of Japan’s content industry by supporting individual creators, and the Academy Corner is an important location that plays a part in this effort.
Genuine Impressions and Venue Status After Day One
The biggest realization after the first day was that TGS 2025 truly embodied its theme: “Infinite Playground, Too Much to Play“.
Venue Structure and How to Enjoy the Event
- The venue is divided into 1-8 HALL (Game Experience) and 9-11 HALL (Peripherals/Merchandise).
- The Merchandise Corner has 45 companies exhibiting, and the Gaming Hardware Corner has 62 companies. Gaming devices and gaming furniture were also displayed in 9-11 HALL, and among the merchandise booths, areas like the Kojima Productions booth attracted significant popularity.
- High satisfaction can be achieved just by touring the objects and photo spots at each booth, as well as the regularly held stage events, even without trial play; the day truly flew by.
Food and Rest Areas
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- There are food courts in both 1-8 HALL and 9-11 HALL where food and drink are available. Rest spaces, such as benches, are also provided.
- We tried the “Lunar Curry Rice“, a collaboration food item with Capcom’s *PRAGMATA*. Other appealing foods, such as A5 Wagyu hot dogs, were also offered.
- Since the food court is outdoors, we felt that heatstroke prevention measures were particularly necessary. Although vending machines are available at the venue, it is wise to purchase and bring drinks in advance to avoid crowds.
- There are food courts in both 1-8 HALL and 9-11 HALL where food and drink are available. Rest spaces, such as benches, are also provided.
Day One Excitement
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- The attendance on Day One (Business Day) was 52,352 people, significantly surpassing last year’s figure (42,031 people), so considerable congestion is anticipated on the Public Days. If there are games you wish to try, prompt action is essential.
A Gateway to the Future Where You Experience the Potential of Gaming with Your Whole Body
Tokyo Game Show 2025 concluded as the largest-scale event ever, and its energy and content diversity truly made it an “Infinite Playground”.
- The Gaming Experience is Not Limited to Trial PlayThe ways to enjoy the venue are not limited to trying out new games. You can gain sufficiently high satisfaction just by touring the creatively designed booth objects and photo spots, as well as the regularly held stage events. The appeal of TGS is being able to fully enjoy the entire worldview created by the creators, not just the games themselves.
- Please Prioritize Health Management While Enjoying the EventThe venue is extremely large, and just walking around will drain your stamina. Since the food court area, in particular, is set up outdoors and rest spots are limited, please be very careful not to get sick, especially from heatstroke. We recommend preparing drinks for hydration in advance and taking breaks without pushing yourself, ensuring you have a comfortable visit.
- We Want You to Experience the “Potential of Gaming” with Your Whole BodyThis year’s TGS was a place where you could truly feel the expansion and potential of the gaming industry, featuring AAA titles from major domestic companies, the advance of international exhibitors, and the passion of future creators showcased in the Game Academy Corner. TGS is the best gateway to experience how future gaming experiences will evolve with your whole body. We encourage you to feel the infinite potential of games in this massive space of enthusiasm.＞ Tokyo Game Show Official Website Here
Addendum: TGS 2025 Total Attendance and Decision for TGS 2026 5-Day Event
*Added on September 29, 2025*
Tokyo Game Show 2025 (TGS2025), held under the theme “Infinite Playground, Too Much to Play,” concluded its four-day run from Thursday, September 25, to Sunday, September 28, 2025.
According to the announcement by the organizer, the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), the total attendance for the four days of TGS 2025 reached 263,101 people.
The attendance for each day is as follows:
- September 25 (Thu) Business Day: 52,352 people
- September 26 (Fri) Business Day: 54,779 people
- September 27 (Sat) Public Day: 77,415 people
- September 28 (Sun) Public Day: 78,555 people
TGS 2025 was held on the largest scale ever, with 1,136 companies and organizations exhibiting from a record 47 countries and regions, surpassing last year’s figures.
Tokyo Game Show 2026 to Be Held Over a Record-Breaking 5 Days
CESA also announced the dates for next year’s “Tokyo Game Show 2026,” revealing that it will be held for the first time over five days.
Tokyo Game Show 2026 is scheduled to be held from September 17 (Thu) to 21 (Mon/Holiday) (the physical venue is planned to be Makuhari Messe). TGS states that it will continue to evolve in the future.
Minna no Rakuraku Magazine Staff Opens X Account!
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