Tokyo Game Show 2026 Announced Celebrating 30th Anniversary with Record 5 Day Event
The Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), in co-organization with Nikkei Business Publications and Sony Music Solutions, has officially announced the event outline for Tokyo Game Show 2026 (TGS2026). Celebrating its momentous 30th anniversary, the event will be held for a record-breaking five days. We provide the details on this world-class gaming festival, which will be held in a hybrid format centered on the physical venue at Makuhari Messe combined with online initiatives.
Historic 5 Day Schedule and Venue Details
TGS2026 will take place from September 17 (Thursday) to September 21 (Monday, Holiday), 2026. The physical venues include Makuhari Messe (Exhibition Halls 1 to 11, International Conference Hall) and TKP Tokyo Bay Makuhari Hall in Chiba. This year marks the first-ever five-day duration for the event. The schedule designates September 17 and 18 as Business Days, while the Public Days have been expanded to three days, running from September 19 to 21.
The decision to add an extra Public Day aims to alleviate the congestion often seen in previous years. By extending the period, the organizers hope to create more opportunities for visitors to enjoy trial play of the latest titles and improve the overall experience value. The organizers expect 300,000 visitors over the course of the event.
TGS Web https://events.nikkeibp.co.jp/tgs/2026/en/exhibitor/
30th Anniversary Theme and Special Projects
The theme for this milestone year is The Longest Five Days of Nonstop Play. As TGS enters a new stage in its 30th year, it aims to scale up the volume and passion of gaming, allowing visitors to fully experience the world of games. To commemorate this anniversary, a special limited logo featuring a gold color scheme has been unveiled to liven up the special year. Numerous special projects are being planned to be enjoyed both at the venue and leading up to the event.
New Tickets and Global Expansion
Starting in 2026, new ticket categories will be introduced for both Business and Public Day admissions. These tickets will offer added services to satisfy visitors within the limited venue infrastructure, thereby enhancing the value of the event. Additionally, to solidify its position as a global event, TGS will strengthen overseas promotions. This includes adding new cities for exhibitor briefings and participating in other international game and entertainment events to attract more exhibitors and visitors from abroad.
Exhibitor Recruitment and Expanded Indie Support
Exhibitor applications have officially started. The deadline for large-scale exhibitions of 42 booths or more is May 8 (Friday), while applications for fewer than 42 booths close on May 22 (Friday). Support for indie developers continues with the Selected Indie 80 project, which offers free exhibition space for 80 selected titles.
Applications for Selected Indie 80 are open until April 30 (Thursday). Selected developers will receive benefits such as provided PC and monitor equipment and automatic entry into the Sense of Wonder Night pitch contest. A new initiative for this year allows the first 40 applicants to choose their booth location, making early application highly advantageous for developers.
Summary
With an expected visitor count of 300,000, TGS2026 promises to be a historic event for the gaming industry. The expansion to five days, the introduction of high-satisfaction tickets, and the enhanced support for indie creators demonstrate a commitment to evolving the event for its 30th anniversary. As the world gathers at Makuhari Messe and online, all eyes will be on this celebration of gaming culture. Future updates on tickets and events are eagerly awaited.
