Your Starter Pack for Tokyo Game Show 2025: What to Know Before You Go

Bound for Tokyo Game Show? Here’s your ultimate starter pack.

Tokyo Game Show 2025 is almost here! With over 1,000+ exhibitors, it is poised to be one of the largest in its nearly three-decade history. As the Japanese gaming industry’s biggest convergence of creators, publishers, fans, and industry professionals, it’s a fantastic place to play games, network, and get a glimpse of the latest from the Asian market and beyond. 

In this post, you can find everything you need to know about this year’s TGS expo, including an overview of the developers and publishers attending. We’ll highlight some of the most anticipated TGS announcements, as well as provide tips to help you navigate the event itself. Look no further for the ultimate starter pack to help you get the most out of your time there!

Off Base will be on-site at TGS 2025! We would love to meet up, so feel free to reach out! The best part of these events is connecting, talking about games and creative, and chatting about the industry at large. 

When is Tokyo Game Show 2025?

TGS 2025 is being held from September 25 – 28 at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba, Japan. 

Tokyo Game Show 2025 Schedule

Divided between “Business Days” and “Public Days,” TGS accommodates both sides of the gaming market. So, whether you’re an industry professional or a hardcore fan, the event has something for you! Here’s how this year’s show is scheduled:

• Part 1: Business Days: September 25 – 26
  • These days are strictly for gaming industry professionals.
• Part 2: Public Days: September 27 – 28
  • These days are for casual consumers to check out the show.

Event Overview

Since its inception in 1996, the annual event has been widely recognized as one of the largest in the Asian gaming market, establishing itself as the premier platform for developers and publishers to showcase games, hardware, and accessories to consumers in that region. 

Thanks to its two-part structure, TGS is a major gaming cultural hub, where the two sides of the industry intersect. On one side, veteran industry professionals discuss business and hold classes to educate people on a variety of topics. On the other side, fans come to express their love of gaming through cosplay, participating in fighting game tournaments, or purchasing an abundance of merch. The result is a dynamic, all-encompassing expo that shares the excitement of gaming with the masses.

Who Is Attending Tokyo Game Show 2025?

Several publishers have confirmed their attendance at TGS 2025, and they’re all set to have a sizable presence! Here are all the major names you can expect at the show:

• Bandai Namco
• Capcom
• Electronic Arts
• Koei Tecmo
• Konami
• Microsoft
• Nintendo
• SEGA / ATLUS
• SNK
• Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Square Enix

For a comprehensive list of all the publishers, studios, and companies attending, check out the TGS 2025 Exhibitor page. 

Tokyo Game Show 2025 Lineup

Many highly anticipated games and announcements are expected to appear at this year’s show. Below you can find a list of the biggest titles confirmed so far:

Capcom

• Onimusha: Way of the Sword 
• Resident Evil Requiem 
• Pragmata
• Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection 

Koei Tecmo

• Nioh 3
• Ninja Gaiden 4
• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

Microsoft

• Forza Horizon 6 [Rumored]

Namco Bandai Entertainment

• Code Vein II 
• Digimon: Time Stranger
• Little Nightmares III
• Once Upon a KATAMARI

Sony Interactive Entertainment

• Ghost of Yotei
• Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls

Square Enix

• The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales
• Dragon Quest I+II HD-2D Remake
• Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
• Octopath Traveler 0

How to Get There & Get Around

The closest airport is Narita International Airport, approximately 39 km (24 miles) away from the event venue, so you’ll need to find an additional means of transportation. Whether you start your journey from the airport or your hotel, you have several options to get around. Note that TGS is nearly 60 km (37 miles) away from Central Tokyo, so if you intend to set aside time visiting any locations there during your trip, make sure to plan accordingly.

By Train 

The fastest, most convenient transit option is Tokyo’s train system. From Narita International Airport, take the JR Keiyo line to Kaihinmakuhari Station in Chiba City.

While in Central Tokyo, be sure to use the JR Yamanote line, as it’s the easiest train to use around that particular area.

Generally, trains are the most dependable way to get around Tokyo, so we recommend planning your trip with them in mind. For reference, trains run every 5-15 minutes, depending on the time of day. 

By Taxi 

If you’re in a group of three to four people, taxis are a solid option to get to the event and other places nearby in Chiba City. If you’re in Central Tokyo, be aware that traffic can be heavy, so plan your travel wisely.

By Bus 

Typically, buses aren’t as traveler-friendly as other forms of transit. The only instance where taking the bus is recommended is when traveling to the Makuhari Messe convention center or your chosen hotel from Narita International Airport via the Airport Limousine Bus system. For reference, here’s a list of all the hotel stops that the Airport Limousine Bus system covers. 

Quick Tips & Things to Prep

• Bring Your Own Data –  Pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM is a must! Public Wi-Fi access isn’t always guaranteed in Japan, so it’s helpful to have your own personal internet connection.
• Install Google Translate – While we’ve prepared some helpful phrases to know below, it always helps to have a translation app handy to help communicate with the locals for more complicated social situations. 
• Download Tokyo Map Data – It never hurts to have the Tokyo map data installed locally on your phone, just in case! 
• Set up an IC Card – In Japan, locals use what’s known as an Integrated Circuit (IC) Card to pay for transit and even purchase items from vending machines and participating shops. If possible, make sure to set one up before your trip!
  • iPhone Users: You can add and load a Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA IC card to the Apple Wallet app. [Directions] 
  • Android Users: Currently, international Android users cannot use IC cards on their phones and must purchase a physical card at ticket machines and ticket counters at the train station.
• Give Yourself Time – Makuhari Messe is a massive convention center, so try setting aside extra time in advance to get your bearings and explore the various TGS exhibitor booths.
• Show Up Early for Hands-On – If you’re eager to get hands-on with games, be sure to arrive at the publisher booths early. Most big publishers use a ticketing system, where they’ll hand out tickets at certain times (usually once in the morning when they open and once in the afternoon) that give you a spot for demos throughout the day. If you miss those tickets, there is no room for any walk-ins! 
• Dress for Warm Weather – Even though the venue is air-conditioned, the combination of the crowd and Japan’s humidity can make it quite warm. Bring clothes made with lighter fabrics to maintain a comfortable temperature!
• Leave Early If You Can – If possible, try to leave sometime before the show closes up each day to avoid crowded trains and heavy traffic. 
• Be Extra Mindful of Your Surroundings – In Japan, it’s considered polite to avoid blocking someone’s view or path. For example, if you’re tall and watching a live stage, take a small step back so others can see. A little consideration goes a long way!

How to Network Like a Pro

• Download the TGS 2025 app to help you get around the event and make it to meetups on time. It should be available on your phone’s app store near the start of the event.
• Prioritize Business Days for their numerous networking opportunities. We recommend signing up for the TGS Business Matching System, which connects you to a platform where you can arrange meetings with other industry professionals.
• Don’t hesitate to use the dedicated business area inside Makuhari Messe for networking. You can also try arranging coffee chats nearby during the day or dinners in Central Tokyo in the evenings. 
• Don’t overbook! Allow time for spontaneous meetups as you explore the show. It helps to get a sense of the show and let yourself find networking opportunities organically.
• Exchanging physical business cards remains a common practice when making new connections in Japan. As a foreign visitor, physical business cards are handy for introducing yourself, easing into conversations, and ensuring that whoever you give them to has your contact information. If possible, be sure to print some copies before your trip!

Helpful Phrases to Know

While Japan can be somewhat accommodating to English speakers, it’s good to know some basic Japanese phrases to help you get around. Here are a few essentials to commit to memory before your trip:

• Hajimemashite (初めまして): “Nice to meet you” — A great phrase to say when you meet someone for the first time.
• Arigato (ありがとう): “Thank You”  –  Always remember to say thanks!
• Sumimasen (すみません): “Excuse me” or “Sorry” — A phrase to politely get someone’s attention, move through crowded spaces, or simply apologize. 
• Toire ha dokodesuka? (トイレはどこですか？) “Where is the bathroom?” — When nature calls and you don’t know where you’re going, you’re just gonna need to ask!
• Shiyu-u Dekimasuka? (試遊できますか？):  “Can I try the demo?” — A useful phrase to know when navigating the many demo booths available at TGS. 

See You In Japan!

We’re looking forward to an exciting time at Tokyo Game Show 2025, from the big new game reveals to the insightful conversations about what’s next in the gaming industry. Off Base will be there, and we’re game to meet up!

Want to connect with us? DM Bella Flowers on LinkedIn, or reach out via our contact form.

Helpful Resources

• Tokyo Game Show Website — The official website for Tokyo Game Show 2025.
• Tokyo Game Show Exhibitor Page — A comprehensive list of all confirmed exhibitors attending the event.
• Buy Tickets — Attendees can purchase tickets for the event’s Business Days and Public Days.