CHIBA, Japan (Bernama-Kyodo) – The Tokyo Game Show kicked off on Thursday, featuring a special area showcasing examples of how artificial intelligence is utilised in the gaming sector, as the technology’s popularity rises across industries.
A record 900-plus exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions participated in this year’s event, displaying their newest titles to game lovers in one of the world’s largest such gatherings, Kyodo News reported.
One of the key highlights is the AI technology pavilion, where select firms will exhibit various ways in which the ever-evolving technology can be applied in the development of games, such as converting text into 3D videos and producing live commentaries for sports games.
Around 250,000 visitors are expected at the four-day annual extravaganza, held at Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba, near Tokyo, according to organiser, the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association.
The number of exhibitors increased from last year’s 787, which was then an all-time high, with over 500 coming from overseas. More than 2,000 titles will be displayed at the event, according to the association.
Among the exhibitors, Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. returned after a five-year absence to unveil its latest console, “PlayStation 5 Pro.” The product, featuring upgraded graphics processing units for enhanced image quality, goes on sale on Nov 7.
The first two days are mainly reserved for media reporters and industry officials, with general visitors allowed in from Saturday.
Tickets for the general public, priced at JPY3,000 (USD21) for one day, are not sold at the venue and need to be purchased online in advance. Children of elementary school age and under can enter free of charge.
The Tokyo Game Show, launched in 1996, is one of the world’s biggest gaming events, alongside Gamescom in Germany.
The organiser of E3, another event of a similar scale in the United States, decided last year to no longer hold the event.
