Tokyo Game Show 2020 to Open With a New Xbox Games Showcase

Tokyo Game Show 2020, the biggest gaming event in Japan, is running a live stream show for four days, starting from September 24 to 27. Interestingly, Microsoft is going to kick off the event with the ‘Xbox Tokyo Game Show Showcase 2020’. Alas, the exhibitor list doesn’t give a hint to what kind of surprise titles they will show off later this month. It basically only reads: “At Xbox Tokyo Game Show Showcase, we provide content that everyone who loves games can enjoy. *Details of the content will be announced later.”. Nice teaser, Microsoft Japan.

Amazing week in Japan talking Xbox Series X, @XboxGamePass and Project xCloud w/ publishers and studios. Played announced and unannounced games, talked #E32020 and discussed gaming's future. Always come away motivated by the amazing creative talent here in Japan. @Xbox_JP https://t.co/H2s67JG2Ie

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 25, 2020

Lots of people thought Phantasy Star Online 2‘s console exclusivity was the only outcome when Xbox Head Phil Spencer said they are “working directly with Japanese creators” for the Xbox Series X lineup. But that might not be the case. Having the confidence to start Tokyo Game Show 2020 means the Xbox team might have something big to show off soon.

The Xbox Tokyo Game Show Showcase will start on September 24 at 8 PM Japan Standard Time (or around 4:00 AM PDT). The stream will run for 50 minutes and then followed by Square Enix and Lightning Games (Hardcore Mecha, HAAK, ANNO: Mutationem).

This year’s event will be the first Tokyo Game Show to have a unified streaming schedule. Before, all exhibitors just ran their own streams with their own time schedules, making keeping up with news quite hard since you have to jump between different tabs at a moment notice. Tokyo Game Show 2020 organizers, Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association, and Nikkei decided to adopt this format after the physical event was canceled due to fear of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although Xbox‘s presence in the Japanese game market is weak, they still frequently show up for Tokyo Game Show. Only absent in 2012, 2015, and 2016. However, I think this is the first time Microsoft is in the spotlight. Any hopes on what new games or gameplay demos they will unveil in the event? Drop off your thoughts in the comments below.