On April 11, 2025, the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2025 held its ninth International Briefing at F1 Hotel Manila, Bonifacio Global City, as part of its global outreach initiative. Organized by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA) and co-organized by Nikkei Business Publications, the Manila event aimed to deepen connections with gaming communities in Southeast Asia. It served as a preview of what attendees could expect at the main TGS event, scheduled for September 25–28, 2025, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. Key stakeholders, media, indie developers, and content creators attended the briefing to explore potential collaborations and exhibition opportunities. One of the most notable announcements was the “Selected Indie 80” program, which offered 80 indie developers complimentary exhibition booths, equipment, and interpretation support. Eight developers would also be chosen to present their innovations at the highly anticipated “Sense of Wonder Night” (SOWN), showcasing creative and original game designs. The briefing also emphasized the event’s theme, “Unlimited, Never-ending Playground,” underscoring the show’s mission to promote inclusivity and global connectivity through gaming.
TGS 2025 also announced new features and initiatives that signaled its evolution as a premier international gaming event. The debut of the AI Technology Pavilion was among the key highlights, where attendees would witness cutting-edge advancements in AI-assisted game development and virtual companions. A special Accessibility Zone was introduced, focusing on technologies that support gamers with disabilities, further emphasizing TGS’s inclusive vision. In addition, a call for participation was extended to global content creators through the “Official Influencer From Overseas” program, which promised exclusive access and perks such as free accommodation in Japan. Updated exhibitor guidelines were presented, including standardized booth configurations and improved venue layouts. Only exhibitors booking 42 or more booths would be eligible for island-style setups, ensuring smoother crowd flow and uniformity. Public day hours were also adjusted to start earlier at 9:30 AM, providing visitors more time to explore the exhibits and activities.
The Manila briefing was part of a broader international campaign that included previous stops in cities like Taipei, Seoul, Hanoi, and Singapore, aiming to boost global engagement and participation. The organizers anticipated more than 250,000 attendees for TGS 2025, following the success of TGS 2024, which drew over 270,000 visitors and 985 exhibitors from 44 countries. TGS 2025 was expected to maintain its hybrid format, offering both physical exhibits and digital access through its official platforms and partner services like Steam. Business opportunities were expanded with on-site and online matchmaking services during the Business Days (September 26–27), allowing developers and publishers to network effectively. Filipino game creators were particularly encouraged to join, with organizers expressing optimism about culturally rich content resonating with Japanese and global audiences. Ticket sales for the public were scheduled to begin in mid-July, with business day passes available by early August. Overall, the Manila briefing set the tone for a highly anticipated and more globally connected Tokyo Game Show.