When anyone mentions the Video Games industry, who doesn’t think of Japan? With giants such as Sega, Nintendo, Capcom, Square Enix and many, many more responsible for some of the most iconic consoles, franchises, characters and stories of the past, present and future, Japan’s cultural influence and enduring legacy is undeniable.
With this in mind, you can only imagine that when the annual Tokyo Game Show comes around, Tokyo is abuzz with excited international attendees ready to experience just a taste of what the powerhouse of the Video Games industry has to offer.
Our Technicolor Games VP of Global Business Development, Eric Williams, was in the thick of it, and after a busy few days we put Eric in the hot seat to share his low-down on the show.
What was the objective for you and Technicolor Games at Tokyo Game Show (TGS)?
My objective was to meet with our current partners, align on 2025 needs, expand our reach to new partners, and gather the latest industry trends from the market.
What were your highlights?
The vibe at TGS was fantastic this year. I had numerous discussions about new titles and projects in development. It was a great opportunity to spend quality time with our partners, and the show itself was impressive. The booths and games showcased on the floor were top-notch.
What was the craziest thing you saw at the show?
Sega’s booth was insane. Their showcasing of Sonic X Shadow Generations and Like a Dragon: Yakuza Pirate in Hawaii, was nothing short of epic.
How does Tokyo Game Show compare to other game events you’ve attended this year?
It’s a completely different market for our industry. It’s exciting to see and understand the new developments and emerging needs in the Asian market, which contrasts with what we typically see in other regions.
Did you notice any differences in major trends or conversations compared to XDS and GDC?
There was a shared focus on 2025 across the board, but I noticed more discussions centred around prototyping, development, and assessing vendors’ capabilities in terms of quality and location.
How do Japanese attitudes towards the Games industry differ from those in North America and Europe?
Gaming is deeply integrated into everyday life in the Japanese market. What really stood out was the strong, positive attitude toward expanding the industry and the genuine passion for the work we do.
What are your key takeaways?
A lot of developers are focusing on new titles in the AA to AAA space. 2025 is shaping up to be a year with more projects getting greenlit, which is promising for the industry.
Experience some of Eric’s TGS highlights here:
If you would like to get in touch with Eric or any of our Business Development team, you can contact them here
