Is It Still Worth Flying to Tokyo for TGS? | What Livestreams Can’t Replace at Japan’s Biggest Game Show

Should You Still Attend Tokyo Game Show in 2025?

Tokyo Game Show isn’t just alive — it’s thriving.
Despite the dominance of livestreams, recap videos, and influencer coverage, TGS saw record-breaking in-person attendance in 2024, with over 270,000 visitors descending on Makuhari Messe.

So… why are people still going?

This article breaks it down — using official reports, firsthand experience from visitors and exhibitors, and the growing contrast between “watching TGS” and “being at TGS.”

If you’ve ever asked:
“Is it still worth attending TGS in person?” — this guide is for you.

The Facts: TGS Isn’t Dying — It’s Evolving

Let’s look at the data from TGS 2024 (official source: CESA):

• In-person attendance: 274,739 (a new record)
• Online views: Over 15.9 million globally
• Exhibitors: 985 companies from 44 countries/regions
• Hybrid format: Continued focus on both livestreams and physical booths

So, more people than ever are watching TGS — but also more are showing up in person.
This isn’t a decline. It’s a divergence.

Who Should Still Attend in Person? (And Who Shouldn’t)

Let’s be real:
TGS is not for everyone.
Some people walk away thrilled. Others regret the flight, lines, and chaos.

Here’s a practical breakdown:

✅ It’s worth it if you…

• Crave physical interaction — with hardware, demos, or cosplay culture
• Are an indie dev or creator who thrives on in-person feedback
• Love discovering hidden gems in obscure booths and doujin corners
• Want event photography or vlog content for social media
• Enjoy being immersed in the communal excitement of a major event

❌ Maybe skip it if you…

• Just want new info — livestreams and recaps are faster
• Get overwhelmed by crowds or long waits
• Expect to play major AAA demos easily — most have 2+ hour lines
• Are on a tight budget and expect maximum “hands-on” ROI

The Reality: What You’ll Actually Experience on the Floor

🔁 Expect Long Lines and Limited Playtime

Reddit threads from past attendees (source) offer brutally honest insights:

“You’ll be waiting 2 hours to try a game for 5 minutes.”
“You won’t get your hands on anything unless you come early and plan.”
“But it’s not about playing games. It’s about seeing Tokyo Game Show.”

That last quote hits it:
TGS isn’t a theme park — it’s a spectacle.

🗺 Logistics: The Venue Is Huge and Overwhelming

• Makuhari Messe is massive. It spans multiple halls.
• Navigation takes time — even with a clear game plan.
• Food courts, merch booths, and rest areas are packed from open to close.

The Hidden Value: What You Can Only Get in Person

So if livestreams are faster and comfier… what’s the upside of showing up?

🎮 1. Sensory Immersion — You Feel the Games

You can’t smell the smoke machines or feel the bass thumping through your feet in a livestream.

• Gigantic LED walls
• Life-sized mecha and stage effects
• Ambient soundscapes and haptic feedback setups

For VR/AR booths especially, the in-person setup is unbeatable.

🤝 2. Unexpected Encounters and Indie Discoveries

Wandering the floor often leads to accidental gold:

• You stop for a niche indie game with no line… and get pulled into a 20-minute chat with the developer.
• A quirky mobile game booth offers freebies or mini-games that don’t make it into press recaps.
• Small hardware startups let you touch and try prototypes that aren’t even in beta.

🔊 3. Shared Emotion and Communal Hype

Standing in a crowd of hundreds during a live stage presentation as the next Final Fantasy trailer drops…
→ that’s a very different vibe from watching it alone on YouTube.

TGS is a place where strangers become hype-friends — and that collective emotion is the product.

Exhibitor Perspective: Still Worth It?

Absolutely — for those who plan well.

In an article from GameDeveloper, an indie exhibitor shares:

“The people who came by remembered us more than people who saw our online pitch.”
“We got way more feedback in 3 days than a month of Discord posts.”
“It’s expensive. It’s exhausting. But for building traction, it works.”

The takeaway?
Physical presence = real reactions.

Is TGS Just for Japanese Gamers?

Not anymore.
TGS has official English signage, support staff, press access, and global ticketing. Many booths now offer:

• Bilingual staff or interpreters
• QR code access to English trailers/sites
• Localized merch or dev panels

Plus, international exhibitors — especially from Southeast Asia and Europe — are expanding.

Still, if you don’t speak any Japanese, you’ll want to:

• Prepare your itinerary in advance
• Bring mobile translation tools
• Prioritize booths with global publishers or indie zones with English-friendly reps

TGS vs. Livestreams: A Breakdown

Planning for TGS 2025: What to Watch

• Expect even sharper contrast between digital and physical
• Major publishers may prioritize livestreams, saving on booth costs
• But indie devs, VR/AR startups, and community-driven brands will double down on immersive setups

If you’re planning to go, watch for:

• Stage schedules and demo ticket systems (some require early lottery)
• Photography/video guidelines — more areas are now creator-friendly
• Side events like cosplay showcases, dev meetups, or XR tech demos

Final Verdict: Is It Still Worth Going?

✨ Yes — if you go for the right reasons.

TGS isn’t about beating Twitter to a trailer drop.
It’s about getting goosebumps with a crowd, touching something unexpected, or having a dev excitedly hand you a pin they designed themselves.

If that sounds like your kind of thrill — then yes, Tokyo Game Show is 100% still worth visiting.
But go in with clear goals, a backup plan for long lines, and the energy to get a little lost in the chaos.

Because in the age of polished streams and perfect info…
chaos is the one thing you can’t download.

🔗 References

• Tokyo Game Show 2024 Official Report (CESA)
• Tokyo Game Show 2024: Surprisingly Chaotic And Fun (Forbes)
• My Tips for Avoiding Newbie Mistakes at Tokyo Game Show (GameDeveloper)
• Is It Worth Going to TGS? (Reddit – r/JapanTravelTips)