Like many other events in the gaming sector, the Tokyo Game Show was canceled this year, due to the health emergency caused by the coronavirus. Although the convention was scheduled for next September, the organizers have decided to cancel the event and switch to an entirely digital format. At the moment we do not know if the “normal” convention times will be respected or not, or if different dates will be selected in the near future.
The well-known Japanese videogame fair, presented by Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA), was initially held twice a year, before the event moved on to its current one annual format starting in 2002. Since the show premiered way back 1996, the TGS was held every year, attracting a total of more than 400.000 participants. Surely the transition to an online event will not guarantee the same "emotions" from the public, but will allow the Tokyo Game Show to take place in total safety.
It will be interesting to see how the gaming industry manages these digital fairs. On the one hand, it could make these events even more accessible to fans, but the format change may not spark much interest from players. Although many of the most important events in the world of video games have been canceled, events like the Summer Game Fets, the EA Play Live and Game Developers Conference (all in an entirely digital version), will allow fans to stay constantly updated on upcoming titles in development and in release.
