CESA Reveals Tokyo Game Show 2005 Attendance

The Computer Entertainment Suppliers' Association (CESA) has revealed the attendance figures for the 2005 Tokyo Game Show. The convention is the largest such event in the Japanese market, functioning as the overseas equivalent to the U.S.-based E3 or the increasingly popular European-based Leipzig Game Convention. As is usual, the attendance figures for the final two days of the three-day show received a huge spike due to the show's policy of restricting the first day to press and exhibitors, and allowing the public in on the remaining two days. 36,068 professionals were in attendance on day 1 according to CESA's figures, while day 2 saw 67,791 showgoers, with 72,197 on day 3. Attendance figures in general were up from the 2004 numbers: all three days showed an increase in registration, with the most dramatic improvement being on day 3: over 9,000 more were in attendance this year than last on the final day of the show, with 72,197 attendants compared to 2004's 63,065. The old format for TGS was to have separate events in the spring and fall; as of 2002, the spring show was cancelled due to low attendance, but now it seems the numbers are rising again.