CESA details largest ever Tokyo Game Show for 2007

This year's Tokyo Game Show will be the largest in the event's history, as it becomes part of the Japan International Contents Festival to promote Japanese-developed content to a wider audience.

A total of 168 exhibitors have so far signed up for the event, including format holders Sony and Microsoft, and major publishers Sega, Capcom, Konami, Namco Bandai and Square Enix, amongst others.

The theme for this year's show is connected networks and how they have expanded the gaming business, under the the banner, 'Link up, Reach out, To the World'.

As previously announced, the event has expanded the Business Day component to two full days, featuring the TGS Forum 2007 and a keynote address from Sony CEO Kaz Hirai.

"With numerous major titles set to go on sale, this year's game show serves as an ideal forum for titles to steal a lead in the run-up to the critical end-of-year and New Year sales season, which can be expected to draw even greater interest from visitors to last year's event," said CESA.

This year will also see a renewed focus on mobile phone games, with three major carriers expected to attend as well as mobile sponsor NTT DoCoMo.

With over 51 exhibitors from around the world, for the first time companies from the Netherlands, Sweden and Thailand will be making an appearance, expanding the international reach of the show.

The Japan International Contents Festival is a series of events held in the region during autumn designed to promote games, animation, manga, music, film and broadcasting to a wider audience.

The Tokyo Game Show 2007 is expected to draw 180,000 people over the fours days, with the first two days dedicated to business professionals and the the final two days opening the event up to the general public.

It takes place September 20 — 23 at Makuhari Messe. More details can be found at the official website.