tgs-2010
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Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam getting first showing at TGS
EA has been mum on Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam since announcing the multiplayer-only expansion during its E3 press conference three months ago. But Battlefield Community Manager zh1nt0 says that's about to change. "I am going to Tokyo Game Show to showcase Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam for the first time," he said on the studio's Battlefield Blog. He reiterated the original feature set – "4 brand new maps built in Frostbite, as well as Vietnam specific weapons, vehicles, persistence, unlocks, and achievements/trophies" – and, well, that's about it. We're shipping out to Tokyo next week where we'll rendezvous with the expansion and deliver the intel back here. Still think they're going to hit that "this winter" release window?
Tokyo Game Show 2010 promising more products, fewer RPGs
There are a total of 630 products being shown at this year's Tokyo Game Show, nearly 40 percent more than the 456 products shown last year. However, while there's a lot more on show, it's surprising to see which genres are dwindling down. For example, there are half as many RPGs this year as last (dropping from 52 to 26). Japanese publishers are showing significantly fewer sports and puzzle games this year, as well. On the upside, there's an increase in shooters (from 10 to 19) and a shocking number of peripherals: 157. Certainly, the release of PlayStation Move, Kinect and the upcoming 3DS must have something to do with that figure! Most exciting of all is the mysterious "Other" category, which has dramatically increased from 103 to 226. Does this mean we'll see more innovative, genre-bending titles out of this year's TGS? Or, will it mean we're going to see a lot more Square Enix perfumes? See the full rundown of genres for this year versus last after the break.
Sega teases 'top secret' Valkyria Chronicles project
A Sega-registered website is teasing an unveiling related to strategy RPG series Valkyria Chronicles -- possibly of a new sequel. Andriasang stumbled upon Code1935.jp, which features several Valkyria-esque soldiers' silhouettes, a tank and a missive that the "top secret" site is not to be opened until September 16. The date coincides with this year's Tokyo Game Show. What we can surmise from the site is that we are looking at a new Valkyria Chronicles, likely with a different squad -- perhaps not even Gallian. If "1935" in the website's name represents the setting, then it might take place during the events of Valkyria Chronicles 1. However, the large sword in the middle is unfamiliar, and "Altaha Abilia 422" doesn't ring any bells -- according to Wikipedia the slogan means "Always Ready." We'll be at the ready to share more, like if the series will continue on PSP or in some other unexpected form, when we gain more intel.
Sega, Konami, Level-5 and Tecmo-Koei share TGS lineups
Heading to Tokyo for the annual game show later this month, but your handmade convention center itinerary is sadly lacking ideas for how to divvy up time? No worries -- Sega, Konami, Level-5, and Tecmo-Koei have announced their showings for TGS 2010! The highlight of, well, all of the listings is Level-5's news of a playable Ni no Kuni for both Nintendo DS and PlayStation 3. Sure, Konami bringing Metal Gear Solid: Rising is kind of exciting -- we guess -- but we've got a mighty large soft spot for Studio Ghibli animation. Perhaps yours was cut out by Raiden's urge to slice, slice, slice? Head past the break for the complete list of games, broken down by publisher.
Microsoft executives delivering keynote at TGS 2010
CESA, the group responsible for planning the annual Tokyo Game Show, has announced the parties responsible for delivering one of the event's two main keynotes on its opening day, September 16. Microsoft entertainment exec Takashi Sensui and Microsoft Game Studio vice president Phil Spencer will take the stage as TGS 2010 kicks off, delivering a speech titled "Xbox 360's Vision and 2010's Strategy." We can only hope this means we'll get to see Spencer break out into a full-blown Kinect rave. Sony's Kaz Hirai delivered a similar presentation during last year's festivities, one which was chock-full of news about PlayStation Move and the PSP Go. Hopefully, Microsoft's speech will be equally rife with hot scoops.
Cosplayers will compete at Tokyo Game Show's 'Metal Gear Cosplay Camp'
Start looking for a really nice cardboard box! And then ship yourself to Japan in it. Konami is holding a Metal Gear Solid cosplay contest next month, with the winner to be determined at the Tokyo Game Show. Interested Johnny Sasaki lookalikes (and other Metal Gear cosplayers) can submit pictures here (warning: Japanese-language application!) Konami will select a few of the entries to appear at the publisher's TGS booth on September 18. There, they will be evaluated by a panel of guest judges to be announced later -- as well as the TGS attendees in general, who know a thing or two about dressing up. The most difficult thing about Metal Gear cosplay is that if you're too accurate, you'll be too stealthy for the judges to notice.
EA's Suda51, Mikami horror collaboration will be at TGS; no mention of Wii, PC anymore
Last Friday, EA announced a "Tokyo Showcase" event to be held the night before the annual Tokyo Game Show kicks off. We speculated that it was a prime opportunity to share EA Partners' highest-profile project: the Shinji Mikami-produced, Suda51-directed, Akira Yamaoka-scored, Q Entertainment co-developed horror title first announced in 2008. David DeMartini told Eurogamer that the title would be revealed at TGS (we're guessing at EA's aforementioned showcase) and explained the unusual pairing. "The key thing is not for us to tone down Suda or try and Westernise Suda, but to try and make sure the game gets broad enough exposure that more people appreciate it," DeMartini said. "Obviously with EA's publishing and sales team [...] people are going to get an opportunity to finally listen to what you guys have been writing about Suda for a long time." DeMartini also confirmed that the game would, unsurprisingly, be released on Xbox 360 and PS3. What is surprising, however, is the omission of the Wii. The announcement press release stated that the title was in development for all three console platforms as well as PC: "The title is being developed for the PC, Xbox 360 video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Wii." We've asked EA to comment on the title's intended platforms, but more than likely we'll be waiting until the September 15th event.
EA plans 'several' game announcements on eve of Tokyo Game Show
One day before this year's Tokyo Game Show kicks off on September 16, Electronic Arts will hold its "EA Tokyo Showcase 2010" in the Shinjuku ward of the Japanese capitol. Nothing too exciting in that news alone but, as noted on the invitation it sent out today, the publisher plans to make "several all new game reveals and announcements" at the event. TGS has become a venue for displaying and debuting games with international -- not just territorial -- appeal in recent years, especially for major players such as EA. Still, there's every possibility that the company will debut titles developed by its Japanese studio and partners, as it's done in the past. (Remember last year's promising, Zelda-like Tsujumi? We hope EA still does.) Speaking of hope, this could finally be the venue EA chooses to show its "action horror" collaboration with Grasshopper Manufacture, Suda51, Shinji Mikami and former Silent Hill producer Akira Yamaoka. It was announced to much fanfare two years ago and hasn't been heard of since. Whatever's shown, we'll be there to cover it. (Though our fingers may hurt from being crossed very tightly for a Mirror's Edge 2 announcement.)
Partial list of Tokyo Game Show 2010 exhibitors announced
A partial list of vendors from the upcoming Tokyo Game Show has been released by the CESA, and lots of the usual suspects are on board, including Capcom, Square Enix, Konami and Sony. Microsoft, The Behemoth and Level-5 will also be in attendance. Hit the break for the list so far.
TGS organizers announce plan to expand for 2010
Attendees of Tokyo Game Show 2010 will have more to see and do -- or, perhaps, more to wish they could see and do while they're in line for a Final Fantasy demo. CESA announced several new additions to the show, which takes place September 16-19. New segments of the show floor will be devoted to PC hardware, gadgets, and mobile. An International Career Pavilion will help companies recruit foreign talent, and a PC Online Game Business area will "provide opportunities to present and discuss licensing, sales, and partnership regarding PC online games." Also toward the goal of boosting business, TGS will host an Asian Game Business Summit. Publishers will now be able to sell games in the Merchandise Sales Area, in addition to swag. The Kids' Area will be expanded into a Family Area, with no restrictions on the number of games on display. Some of the additions seem to be focused on promoting Japan in general: tours will now be available for foreign visitors, along with an Asian Culture Hub.
Tokyo Game Show 2010 slated for Sept. 16 - 19
If you're the sort who's still got "Visit the Tokyo Game Show" dangling off your bucket list, you've got less than seven months to mow lawns, wash cars and help old Ms. McCallister down the block file down her callouses to save up the cash for the trip. According the event's official site, this year's edition of the trade show is slated for Sept. 16 - 19. Of course, why waste your time on Ms. McCallister's delicate condition when you could enjoy the whole show from the comfort of your computer monitor at popular internet website Joystiq.com? We're going to be washing plenty of cars to pay our way there, so why don't you sit this one out?
