A Photographer’s Look Back at Tokyo Game Show 2016

People crowd the exhibit floor of Tokyo Game Show 2016.

The Tokyo Game Show in 2016 was a spectacle of epic proportions, a celebration of games, cutting-edge tech, and dazzling cosplay. With excitement for new releases and virtual reality taking center stage, I plunged into the final day’s crowd with my camera, ready to capture the action. Let’s recount the sights, sounds, and images from tanks to massive booths from years ago.

A female cosplayer dressed a maid assassin at a gaming event.

A photographer’s paradise

The first time I went to the Tokyo Game Show was in 2014. I was unsure if I could get interesting pictures. My worries were groundless, as the sheer number of models and elaborate booths made it a photographer’s dream.

People playing Gran Turismo at Tokyo Game Show 2016.

Highlights from Tokyo Game Show 2016

Fast forward to 2016, and the energy was even more palpable. While there were many new titles to see, the real explosion was in virtual reality. Beyond just taking photos, I found myself captivated by the stage events and live gameplay. One of the first booths that caught my eye was a familiar one: Wargaming.net.

A model sits atop a Japanese light tank at Tokyo Game Show 2016.

Its World of Tanks surprised me. They downsized their booth by using a Type 95 tank. 2015’s giant O-Ho dwarfed it, but that’s okay. Models sat on it and posed for the photographers.

Model promote an event at Tokyo Game Show 2016.

Resident Evil, or Biohazard as Japan calls it, had a booth. Its 2015 effort was lackluster. 2016 changed that. Their team put in a tremendous effort and produced something outstanding. The trailer playing on a huge screen was cinematic and terrifying, drawing in a massive crowd. Even though I no longer play horror games, the presentation was so compelling that it almost convinced me to pick up a copy.

A burlesque cosplayer at Tokyo Game Show 2016.

Sony had an enormous presence with its PlayStation. For me, the most visually stunning game at their booth was Gran Turismo. The graphics were beyond belief; the realism of the cars and environments was so incredible that it was hard to distinguish from reality. I wanted to try it, but the game always pulls ginormous crowds. Lining up for them is a time sink. I go for photographs.

A mannequinn holding a shovel at the Resident Evil booth.

Is TGS worth it?

The Tokyo Game Show is an unforgettable event, but be prepared for the crowds. With attendance figures hitting 108,117 in 2016, it’s virtually impossible to play every game over its two public days. Despite the endless queues, it’s an experience every gaming fan should have at least once in their life.