Tokyo Game Show 2017 was huge. Models, cosplay, display booths, and live events filled the day. The excitement was palpable. New console titles were everywhere. The day made me rethink my choice of gaming platform. From start to finish, it was perfect for event photography.
Makuhari Messe was the venue. The enormous convention center is in Chiba Prefecture, outside of Tokyo. The two-hour train with camera gear is like a marathon event.
TGS always has many stage events. One company brought along something different in 2017, Japanese-style wrestling. If you have never seen wrestling in this country, you should, as it is entertaining. They had female and male matches. The wrestlers were athletic and fun to watch.
One thing I was disappointed with was Wargaming and its World of Tanks. They downsized again. They had a big booth, but no big tanks. In previous years, the combination of models and AFVs brought hordes of photographers. It was sad not to see that in 2017.
Once, they had mock-ups of the WW2 O-Ho Japanese tank and the smaller Type 95 tank, but nothing on Business Day 2017. Is that a reflection of the game’s state? I’m not sure, but it was a pity they had nothing huge to photograph again. Maybe something might change when the public attends on Saturday and Sunday.
A good thing for the gaming industry was that more PC and console games were on display than mobile phones. The Sony Xperia booth was big, but those of other companies were much smaller in size and number at TGS 2017. VR gaming showed growth, which is a trend we know will continue.
I didn’t go on the public holidays, which was a shame. More models would have been there. What would Tokyo Game Show 2017 be without them? The girls I photographed were stunning. How many photographers would attend the event if they disappeared? They are an integral part of the event.
Conclusion
Tokyo Game Show 2017 was awesome, even though the crowds were taxing. Everything is exciting. You should visit it at least once if you love gaming. Luckily, it will return in 2018. I’m sure it will be great. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan has been photographing Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5.
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