1. HOME
  2. Global Reports
  3. Exhibitions & Events
  4. Taipei Game Show 2026: January 29–February 1 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.History and Highlights of One of the Asia-Pacific Region’s Leading Game Trade Shows
Exhibitions & Events

Taipei Game Show 2026: January 29–February 1 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.History and Highlights of One of the Asia-Pacific Region’s Leading Game Trade Shows

Exhibitions & Events, Global Events, 未分類

From January 29 to February 1, 2026, Taipei Game Show 2026 will be held at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. This year’s edition will bring together 399 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions, showcasing more than 500 game titles. The event features a hybrid format in which business matchmaking and public exhibitions are conducted within the same venue, positioning it as a key opportunity for industry professionals to identify the year’s earliest trends.

Key highlights include the strategic reconfiguration of the B2B area, an increased focus on AI-related technologies, and growing anticipation surrounding next-generation hardware. This article provides an overview of the history and major points of interest of Taipei Game Show on the eve of the event, examining it from both business and entertainment perspectives.

tgs2026

Taipei Game Show 2026: Event Overview and Venue Layout

Taipei Game Show 2026 is a multi-format event composed of three main elements: a B2C zone for the general public, a B2B zone for industry professionals, and a conference program known as the Asia Pacific Game Summit (APGS). The event is organized by the Taipei Computer Association (TCA), which has developed a refined event structure based on many years of operational experience.

The 2026 edition will take place at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, specifically using Hall 1 (TaiNEX 1), a core hub of Taipei’s MICE industry. Both the 1st floor and 4th floor of the venue will be fully utilized. This layout is designed to balance the energy generated by hundreds of thousands of public visitors with an environment suitable for focused business discussions.

Taipei Game Show official web site : https://tgs.tca.org.tw

tgs2026

The event schedule varies by zone. The B2C zone, open to the general public, will be held over four days from January 29 to February 1, 2026, operating from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Exhibits will include PC online games, mobile games, and console titles. In contrast, the B2B zone and APGS will be held over two days on January 29 and 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., providing a platform for business meetings and conference sessions.

The most significant change in the 2026 venue configuration is the consolidation of the B2B zone and APGS into Area I on the 1st floor. This adjustment improves convenience by enabling smoother movement between conference sessions and business meetings. The venue is easily accessible via Nangang Exhibition Center Station on the Taipei MRT network, offering convenient connections from central Taipei. The organizers are also working in coordination with official partner hotels to accommodate international visitors.

tgs2026

The History of Taipei Game Show and Its Role as a Gateway to the Asian Market

The history of Taipei Game Show dates back to 2003. The event initially began as a local exhibition attracting several thousand visitors, with a primary focus on PC online games, which were the dominant platform at the time. As the Taiwanese market expanded, the scale of the show also grew steadily.

From 2014, the introduction of the Asia Pacific Game Summit (APGS) strengthened the conference function of the event, expanding its role beyond new title announcements to include the sharing of industry knowledge and insights. In 2015, the launch of Indie House, a dedicated area for independent games, further diversified the show’s structure and content.

Following a full recovery after the pandemic in 2023, the event continued its expansion. In 2025, total attendance reached 370,000 over four days, establishing Taipei Game Show as a large-scale event that in some years surpasses the visitor numbers of Tokyo Game Show. This scale highlights the level of attention directed toward the Taiwanese market. One of the show’s most significant roles lies in its function as a strategic gateway to the Asian market, including Greater China.

Held Annually from January to February, Bringing Global Games Together

The timing of the event, held each year between January and February, is also strategically important. While many events in Europe and North America serve as promotional platforms tied to the year-end shopping season, Taipei Game Show functions as a final promotional opportunity for titles targeting the Lunar New Year period and releases planned for the first and second quarters of the year.

Taiwan represents a distinctive market where console gaming cultures from Japan, the United States, and Europe intersect with PC and mobile gaming cultures prevalent in China and South Korea. Player responses observed in this environment often serve as a key indicator for broader expansion across Asia. For this reason, publishers and developers from around the world closely monitor Taipei during this period each year.


tgs2026
tgs2025

Key Highlights for 2026: Innovation in the Business Area and Technology Trends

At Taipei Game Show 2026, several notable changes and trends are expected to draw the attention of industry professionals. The following section focuses first on developments on the business side of the event.

Renewal of the B2B Zone and Maximizing Business Efficiency

As previously noted, 2026 marks the first year that the B2B zone has been relocated to the 1st floor of the venue, accompanied by an expansion in scale. The B2B zone will host more than 100 companies from 16 countries and regions. Exhibitors represent a wide range of sectors, extending beyond game developers to include payment solution providers, advertising technology companies such as MovableAD, as well as firms specializing in localization, voice production, and data analytics. Together, these exhibitors cover the broader game industry ecosystem, offering solutions that address challenges from development and distribution to monetization.

Another factor enhancing the event’s practical value is its business matching system. The online platform becomes active prior to the show, enabling participants to arrange meetings in advance. As of December 2025, more than 1,000 overseas buyers from 35 countries and regions had already registered. This system supports an efficient business flow in which meetings are scheduled online ahead of time and then conducted in person during the event. According to the organizers, approximately 2,000 business meetings were held in 2025, and a similarly active level of networking is anticipated for 2026.

tgs2026

The Evolution of APGS, with a Focus on AI Technologies

Another major highlight of the event is the growing emphasis on technology trends at the Asia Pacific Game Summit (APGS). In addition to the main stage, a new “AI Stage” will be introduced this year. Key themes will examine how generative AI and emerging technologies are reshaping game development processes and marketing strategies.

On the AI Stage, leading technology companies such as NVIDIA, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud are scheduled to participate. NVIDIA will present a session titled “Design to Inspire,” focusing on how RTX technologies and AI are transforming creative workflows. AssetHub will discuss the practical application of AI in 3D asset production. Demonstrations of AI-powered multilingual dubbing technologies are also planned, offering insights that are highly relevant for the Asian market, where multilingual deployment is often essential.

The main stage will also feature sessions addressing a broad range of perspectives. Shuhei Yoshida, a leading figure in the indie game community, is scheduled to deliver a talk under the theme “From Taiwan to the World.” In addition, Toei Animation will share insights into the expansion of anime IP into game-related business opportunities. Together, these sessions cover development, management, and IP strategies, providing business attendees with opportunities to engage with current industry insights between meetings.


tgs2026

Key Highlights for 2026: A Strong Presence of Titles from Japan

While the business area continues to expand, the B2C zone for general visitors is also reaching its largest scale to date. By looking at the exhibitors and showcased titles, it is possible to identify several market trends shaping 2026.

Major Publishers and Growing Expectations for Next-Generation Hardware

On the 4th-floor B2C area, large-scale booths by major publishers will line the exhibition floor. Of particular note is Nintendo, which will exhibit for the fourth consecutive year. Whereas Nintendo previously relied mainly on local distributors, it has continued to operate a large, directly managed booth and further expanded its scale. This move suggests the increasing strategic importance of the Taiwanese market. Exhibited titles include Kirby Air Ride and Mario Kart World.

Japanese publishers are also presenting strong lineups. Bandai Namco Entertainment will showcase titles approaching release, such as CODE VEIN II and ELDEN RING: Tarnished Edition, creating an atmosphere similar to a pre-launch event.

Capcom, in collaboration with its local partner Justdan, will present playable demos including Resident Evil Requiem, released to mark the franchise’s 30th anniversary, as well as titles from established series such as Super Danganronpa 2×2 and Monster Hunter Stories 3, which has been announced as compatible with next-generation hardware.

Additional highlights include Dragon Quest VII Reimagined from Square Enix, and titles from Koei Tecmo Games such as Nioh 3, Dynasty Warriors 2 with Xtreme Legends Remastered, and Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake. A wide range of leading Japanese IPs will be gathered in one venue, creating an environment in which many unreleased titles can be experienced ahead of launch.


Selected Exhibitor Highlights (Based on Special Websites and Press Releases)

tgs2026

Nintendo: More Than 120 Demo Stations and a Wide Range of Experiential Programs

Nintendo will expand its booth size by approximately 1.4 times compared to last year and install over 120 demo stations. Visitors will be able to experience more than 35 titles, including unreleased games. Nintendo titles on display include Kirby Air Ride, Hyrule Warriors: Sealed Chronicle, Mario Kart World, Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. In addition, around 30 titles from third-party software publishers will also be showcased.

Beyond hands-on demos, the booth will feature a variety of experiential programs, such as venue-exclusive photo frames for Nintendo Today!, a Super Mario 40th anniversary history wall, and AR photo opportunities linked to Pikmin Bloom, including special on-site locations. Character photo sessions with Mario and Pikachu are planned, along with stage programs scheduled for the final day of the show.

tgs2026

Bandai Namco Entertainment: Playable Demos of ELDEN RING: Tarnished Edition and Daily Stage Programs

Bandai Namco Entertainment will offer playable demos of 12 titles, including unreleased games. The lineup includes CODE VEIN II, ELDEN RING: Tarnished Edition, My Hero Academia: All’s Justice, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, and Tekken 8. Additional playable titles include ONE PIECE: Pirate Warriors 4, Little Nightmares III, Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival, Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO, Once Upon a Katamari, and Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree.

Daily stage programs will feature developers and content creators, presenting new information alongside live gameplay demonstrations. For Tekken 8, a representative selection event for the Nagoya Asia Tournament will also be held. Photo opportunities will include a motorcycle display and cosplay appearances related to CODE VEIN II, a sculptural recreation of the Erdtree from ELDEN RING: Tarnished Edition, and dedicated photo spots inspired by Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. In addition, a stamp rally and limited-edition novelty items tied to purchases are planned.

tgs2026

Koei Tecmo Games: Three Playable Titles Including Nioh 3, Plus Limited-Edition Badge and Signing Campaigns

At the Koei Tecmo Games booth, visitors can experience playable demos of Nioh 3, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake, and Dynasty Warriors 2 with Xtreme Legends Remastered.
In the merchandise area, customers who purchase designated titles will receive a limited-edition original pin badge for each purchase. Badge designs can be selected, with all items available in limited quantities. In addition, customers who pre-order Nioh 3 or Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake will receive a priority demo ticket (fast pass) for the corresponding title.

Diversity in Indie Games and Board Games

Another defining aspect of Taipei Game Show is the indie game area known as Indie House. In 2026, the area will expand by 20% year on year, welcoming 191 development teams from 23 countries and regions. More than 250 titles will be exhibited. Alongside on-site demos, coordinated sales campaigns will be conducted on online platforms such as Steam.

Through this O2O (Online to Offline) approach, visitors can purchase games they discover at the venue via online channels, while exhibitors benefit from expanded revenue opportunities beyond the show floor.

tgs2026

Interest in analog games remains strong at Taipei Game Show 2026.
The area titled “Board Game Wonderland” will bring together 31 participating companies, with more than 80 titles on display. In addition to well-established trading card games such as Pokémon Trading Card Game and Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game, the lineup will also include Disney’s Disney Lorcana.
By presenting both digital and analog content within the same venue, the area highlights an entertainment experience that crosses traditional boundaries between formats, reflecting the continued diversification of the game market.

tgs2026

Taipei Game Show 2026: A Venue to Capture Game Industry Trends for 2026

Taipei Game Show 2026 goes beyond the framework of a conventional game exhibition, functioning as a platform that reflects both the current state and future direction of the Asia-Pacific market. The consolidation of the B2B area on the 1st floor has strengthened business matchmaking, while the Asia Pacific Game Summit (APGS) offers in-depth perspectives on AI technologies. At the same time, the B2C area showcases next-generation hardware and major upcoming titles, resulting in a program characterized by a high level of density across multiple dimensions.

The enthusiasm generated by more than 370,000 visitors in the previous year underscores the market’s scale and potential. An increasing number of companies around the world position Taipei as a hub for expansion into Asia and as a key promotional venue at the start of the year. For industry stakeholders, Taipei Game Show 2026 is expected to provide an opportunity to directly observe ongoing structural changes within the Asian game industry.

MICE TIMES ONLINE is a Kyoto-based web media platform dedicated to MICE, conventions, and events. We deliver news and insights from Japan and across Asia, with the concept of “Capturing the Now of MICE” — staying on top of the latest trends and developments in the industry. We welcome contributions of information as well as inquiries regarding potential business partnerships.

Categories