Exploring Tokyo Game Show 2023!

Introduction.

Tokyo Game Show, is a video game trade fair and convention held annually in September in the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba, Japan.

This blog encapsulates a first time visitor experience at TGS!

Tokyo Game Show aka TGS Explained!

The Tokyo Game Show, often referred to as TGS, is an annual event that takes place in September at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. It is organized by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) and Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. While the primary emphasis of the event is on Japanese video games, some international game developers also take advantage of the opportunity to unveil their upcoming releases and related hardware.

The event spans four days, with the initial two days exclusively reserved for industry professionals, while the remaining two days are open to the general public.

Exploring TGS.

As a software engineer and wanting to know more about the gaming industry, I was excited to attend Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2023 for the first time. I was particularly interested in the technical aspects of the show, such as the hardware and software used to develop and power the latest video games.

Hardware

One of the things that impressed me most about TGS was the range of hardware on display. From high-end PCs to gaming consoles to VR headsets, there was something for everyone.

Some of the most notable hardware on display included:

The latest Nvidia GeForce RTX 4000 series GPUs, the new AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs, the new Sony PlayStation VR2 headset, and the new Meta Quest 3 VR headset are all highly anticipated pieces of hardware that were on display at Tokyo Game Show 2023.

• The RTX 4000 series GPUs are based on Nvidia's new Ada Lovelace architecture and offer significant performance improvements over the previous generation of RTX GPUs. They also feature new features and technologies such as third-generation Tensor Cores and RT Cores, and new G6X memory.

• The Ryzen 7000 series CPUs are based on AMD's new Zen 4 architecture and offer significant performance improvements over the previous generation of Ryzen CPUs. They also feature new features and technologies such as DDR5 memory support and PCIe 5.0 support.
• The PlayStation VR2 headset is the next generation of VR headset from Sony. It features a number of improvements over the original PlayStation VR headset, such as a higher resolution display, a wider field of view, and improved tracking.

• The Meta Quest 3 VR headset is the next generation of standalone VR headset from Meta. It is expected to feature a number of improvements over the Meta Quest 2 headset, such as a higher resolution display, a more powerful processor, and a longer battery life.

All of this hardware is expected to be released in the next year or so, and it will be exciting to see how it is used to power the next generation of video games. I was also able to see some prototype hardware, such as a new VR headset with haptic feedback gloves and a new motion capture system that uses cameras to track the entire body.

Software

In addition to the hardware, there was also a lot of software on display at TGS. I was able to see demonstrations of the latest game engines and development tools.

Unreal Engine 5, Unity 2023, Autodesk Maya 2023, and Blender 3.4 are all the latest versions of popular game engines and development tools. They offer a wide range of features and improvements, making them more powerful and versatile than ever before.

• Unreal Engine 5 is a high-end game engine that is used to create AAA games such as Fortnite and Gears of War. It features a number of new features and improvements, including a new Lumen global illumination system, a new Nanite geometry system, and a new MetaSounds audio system.

• Unity 2023 is a cross-platform game engine that is used to create games for a wide range of platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices. It features a number of new features and improvements, including a new DOTS system for high-performance computing, a new HDRP pipeline for high-quality graphics, and a new Input System for more precise and responsive controls.

• Autodesk Maya 2023 is a 3D animation and modeling software that is used by artists and designers in a variety of industries, including film, television, and video games. It features a number of new features and improvements, including a new Arnold renderer, a new Bifrost system for procedural animation, and a new Substance Painter integration for texturing.  
• Blender 3.4 is a free and open-source 3D creation suite that is used by artists and designers in a variety of industries, including film, television, and video games. It features a number of new features and improvements, including a new Eevee renderer, a new Geometry Nodes system for procedural modeling, and a new Asset Browser for managing assets.

All of these software programs are essential tools for game developers, and they are constantly being updated with new features and improvements. If you are serious about game development, then you should be using the latest versions of these programs.I was also able to see some new game development technologies, such as a new AI tool that can generate realistic 3D assets and a new physics engine that can simulate complex physical interactions.

Overall Experience

Overall, I had a great time at TGS 2023. I was impressed by the range of hardware and software on display, and I learned a lot about the latest trends in game development.

If you're a software engineer or a game developer, I highly recommend attending TGS at least once. It's a great opportunity to see the latest technologies and learn from the best in the industry.

Here are some additional tips for technical first-timers at TGS:

• Attend the technical sessions.  TGS offers a variety of technical sessions on topics such as game engine development, graphics programming, and AI in games. These sessions are a great way to learn from the experts and get insights into the latest trends in game development.
• Visit the booths of game development companies.  Many game development companies have booths at TGS where you can learn about their latest products and technologies. You can also talk to the company's engineers and get their insights on game development.

• Network with other attendees.  TGS is a great place to network with other software engineers and game developers. Don't be afraid to strike up conversations with people you meet at the show.
• Have fun!  TGS is a great event for gamers of all kinds, but it's especially exciting for software engineers and game developers. Enjoy the show and learn as much as you can.

Conclusion.

Game developers are also using the latest technologies to create more realistic and immersive games.Tokyo Game Show 2023 was a successful event that showcased the latest and greatest in video game hardware and software. It is clear that the future of gaming is very bright, and I can't wait to see what the next few years bring.If you are a software engineer or a game developer, I highly recommend attending Tokyo Game Show at least once. It is a great opportunity to see the latest technologies and learn from the best in the industry.