Summer has drawn to a close, but that doesn't mean the end of reveal events. Tokyo Game Show 2022 is fast approaching, and with it comes announcements from some of the biggest names in the industry. News from Japan's domestic publishers, international names, and a variety of non-reveal segments make it an event that can't be missed.
Tokyo Game Show is the largest event of its kind in Asia, and one of the largest worldwide. This year's show is set to run from September 15 to 18 in Chiba, Japan. With lockdowns ending in Japan, it returns to a fully in-person event for the first time since 2019. Thankfully, for the majority of fans who can't make it, there's also an online stream of all the show's events. The annual tradeshow is dedicated to the biggest names in Japan's video game industry. Regular attendees include Konami, Capcom, and Square Enix. Fans can expect reveals for the already-stacked fall season, as well as for 2023 and beyond.
News from Major Console Publishers
Of the three major consoles, only Xbox will be represented with an event at Tokyo Game Show 2022, via Microsoft's returning presence. Microsoft's consistency is no surprise. It's long been the underdog in the Asian market, but has started to turn that around this generation. It will likely be looking to continue to gain footing in a region where it's long been the worst performer.
Nintendo has traditionally not participated in the show, but there are some indications it has a Nintendo Direct in September planned for fans who still need their fix. Meanwhile, Sony has been decreasing its presence for a number of years now. This year, like previous ones, they will have no official show or event. However, there will still be a Sony presence at the indie section of the show floor, showing off games from those smaller developers.
Microsoft's show takes place on September 15 at 6 p.m. JST / 2 a.m. PT. Not much has been revealed about what to expect so far, but the company might be looking to flex titles coming from its behemoth acquisition spree, such as Bethesda's Starfield or Redfall. Those two games had details such as Japanese localization announced at Tokyo Game Show 2021, so a returning appearance may be on the cards.
Konami
The most anticipated segment of Konami's show will likely be the promised reveal of a new game from a "series which is loved all over the world". Hopes it could be the return of Silent Hill or Metal Gear Solid are contradicted by indications it will be from a much smaller project, however. Thankfully, there's still a chance the reported Silent Hill 2 remake or Metal Gear Solid remasters could have some details announced during the show.
Konami's show takes place on September 16 at 9 p.m. JST / 5 a.m. PT. Voice actor Yuji Kaiji will be making an appearance during the show to announce the new game, but supposedly only to represent fans. Kaiji's credits range from Eren Yeager in both the anime and video game adaptation of Attack on Titan and Link in the Hyrule Warriors series, so some think that his presence isn't intended to hint at any specific franchise. Konami's lineup also includes smaller titles, such as its hit Yu-Gi-Oh! games and eFootball 2023.
Capcom
Capcom looks like it will have a lot to show, considering it has two separate shows during Tokyo Game Show 2022. The first show takes place on September 15 at 11 p.m. JST / 7 a.m. PT and will cover the majority of its announcements. Confirmed to be part of the show are two additions to the Resident Evil franchise: Resident Evil Village VR for the PSVR2, and Resident Evil Village Gold Edition, a re-release bringing new content to the game. Upcoming third-person shooter Exoprimal is also getting some news, along with Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection and updates for Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak.
The second show takes place on September 17 at midnight JST / September 16 at 8 a.m. PT and is dedicated entirely to Street Fighter. This segment will likely feature more news on Street Fighter 6, which was announced in February and is set to release in 2023. Some news such as new Street Fighter characters has already been revealed during other events, so fans hoping for a gameplay reveal at Tokyo Game Show.
Square Enix
Square Enix has already announced all of its plans for Tokyo Game Show 2022. As usual, a lot of the anticipation is around what is coming for the Final Fantasy franchise. Even though there's a chance that fans will get no new information on Final Fantasy 16 or Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth, despite both games being on Square Enix's list, fans of the series will be far from deprived. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion, Final Fantasy 14, and Final Fantasy Brave Exvius are just some of the titles confirmed to be featuring in the show.
Square Enix will take the stage on September 16 at 10 p.m. JST / 6 a.m. PT. Square will also reveal details on other titles from their JRPG-heavy library, including Tactics Ogre Reborn, Dragon Quest Treasures, and Romancing Saga - Minstrel Song. The publisher's show doesn't stop there. Forspoken, Harvestella, and the Nintendo Switch port of NieR Automata will also be shown.
Everything Else to Keep an Eye on
While that covers the major players of the Tokyo Game Show 2022, there's still a lot more for gamers to look forwards to. Sega will also be present, showcasing more on the hotly-anticipated Sonic Frontiers. Sega will share the stage with its subsidiary Atlus, who are bringing remasters and re-releases of Persona 3, 4 and 5. Upcoming Bandai Namco titles like One Piece Odyssey, Dragon Ball: The Breakers, and Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation 2 are scheduled to be shown, too.
The Japan Game Awards 2022 also takes place during Tokyo Game Show. The yearly ceremony presents awards in categories such as Global Prize Japanese title, Global Prize overseas title, and the coveted Grand Prize.