Tokyo Game Show details revealed

The Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association and Nikkei Business Publications, announced some details on the 2009 Tokyo Game Show, which will be held over a four-day period between Thursday, September 24 and Sunday, September 27, 2009 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, Japan. Yeah, it’s not in Tokyo. Go figure. The Game Science Museum, which will exhibit game technologies, histories, and trends, will be set up this year in Halls 2, 4, and 8 (Kids’ Area).

Meanwhile, hall 2 will feature games related to sengoku samurai (feudal warlords), a theme that has recently been enjoying great popularity in Japan, as well as an exhibition of the armor and helmets of nine of the most popular Japanese warlords.

Hall 4 will exhibit the structure of the latest game consoles in an easy-to-understand way, and introduce the latest technology being applied to gaming. The Kids’ Area will show how game character graphics have evolved in a way easily understandable for children as well.

The organizers also wanted to point out that the show will use “green power” like last year; the show’s power will be generated by a biomass power station.

Admission for adults will be ¥1,200 for a same-day ticket, while children (elementary school age and younger) get in free of charge.

For more info check out tgs.cesa.or.jp.

Life Lessons at GDC 2009

 The Game Developers Conference announced some conferences this year that help developers and publishers deal with the shifting and volatile economy. The conference will feature talks and lectures that will highlight where the game industry’s strengths and weaknesses lie, and how studios can take advantage of technology and common sense techniques to save money and survive.

There will also be a number of cautionary tales that companies can learn from like the rise and fall of Flagship Studios. Featured speakers and sessions after the break.

Read the rest of this entry »

E3 Details, Exhibitors List

The Entertainment Software Association revealed further details about this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo. For one it it will take place June 2-4 this year instead of sometime in July and will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The ESA has also changed the name back to E3 and dropped the “Summit” off the name, perhaps in a bid to return the show back to its roots.

Another interesting change for exhibitors is that it no longer requires membership in the ESA. That means all of those companies that dropped out of the trade group can still show their goods on the show floor. Exhibit space is available for both ESA members and non-members alike for any company involved in console, PC, online, and mobile game publishing and developing, qualified business partners, as well as makers of video game hardware and peripherals. The 2009 event is still being produced by IDG World Expo. The list of exhibitors that have pledged to exhibit can be found after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »