The Computer Entertainment Supplies’s Association (CESA) released statistics for Tokyo Game Show 2021, revealing that the event saw a sharp 99% decline in offline attendees. Due to the effects of the pandemic, TGS 2021 featured a significantly smaller venue that hosted a total of 1,574 visitors. [Thanks, Game Watch!]
The decline is attributed to the fact that attendance was limited to influencers and the press. Influencers and influencer support staff made up a total of 962 attendees, while the total of media attendees was 612. Press attendees were highest on the weekdays, while a majority of influencers attended the event over the weekend. Visitor numbers peaked on Saturday, October 2, 2021, where Tokyo Game Show 2021 saw a total of 502 attendees.
These numbers show a significant decline compared to Tokyo Game Show 2019 — the last time TGS hosted an offline event. By comparison, TGS 2019 reported a total of 262,076 offline attendees. On the other hand, Tokyo Game Show 2020’s physical event was canceled and was held entirely online. As of today, TGS 2018 holds the record for the most number of attendees, which reported a total of 298,690.
As with previous years, TGS 2021 took place at Tokyo’s Makuhari Messe Event Hall. Those who visited the physical event were able to play demos as well as interview game developers.
Furthermore, CESA has already announced the event dates for the next Tokyo Game Show 2022. TGS 2022 will similarly take place at Makuhari Messe Event Hall from September 15 to September 18, 2022.
