TOKYO GAME SHOW information

TGS2001S-E02
January 24, 2001
Computer Entertainment Software Association
Tokyo Game Show Secretariat

Overview of TOKYO GAME SHOW 2001 SPRING
The Theme is "Entertainment in the 21st Century, Unfolded by Games"

The Computer Entertainment Software Association (CESA; chairman, Kagemasa Kozuki; located in Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo) will conduct the "Tokyo Game Show 2001 Spring,", for three days, from March 30 (Fri.) to April 1 (Sun.), 2001, on the theme "Entertainment in the 21st Century, Unfolded by Games," at Makuhari Messe (Japan Convention Center, Chiba city, Chiba prefecture).

The "Tokyo Game Show," which will celebrate its 10th conduction, has been received enthusiastically both in Japan and abroad every time it is held, as a base station that sends the latest information on computer entertainment software, and it has established a firm position as an important world event.

In the 20th century, the computer entertainment industry showed rapid progress, such as diversification of platforms, accompanied by the appearance of various contents, and it has formed a culture Japan can be proud of toward the world, by incorporating every kind of entertainment -- not only in the area of games but also in movies, music, and sports, etc.

The "Tokyo Game Show 2001 Spring," the first to be held in the 21st century, will be a significant gateway toward unlimited expansion of entertainment in the 21st century, and also as a memorable event that forwards the attractions of various entertainment this industry provides. Furthermore, a keynote lecture by Mr. Bill Gates, Chairman and Chief Software Architect of Microsoft Corporation, U.S., is planned for March 30 (Fri.), at the event hall. Please look forward to an exciting presentation.

1. The theme is "Entertainment in the 21st century, Unfolded by Games"

The "Tokyo Game Show 2001 Spring" presents "Entertainment in the 21st century, unfolded by games" as its theme. This theme expresses that this industry will lead the world as a base station that forwards the latest information on computer entertainment software, and that will develop an unlimited world of entertainment in the 21st century.

2. The Poster design expresses Fun of Communication among People

The poster design expresses, as images, the circle of communication among various people, from small children to the elderly, expanding through computer entertainment, which has now become a part of everyday life. The catchphrase is "The 21st Century: Games are Fun Communication."

3. Sponsor, special support, support and cooperation

This Game Show is sponsored, specially supported, supported by the following organizations:
Sponsor : Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Special Support : NTT DoCoMo
Support 　　　 : Microsoft
Sony Computer Entertainment
NINTENDO(expected)

4. Mr. Bill Gates, of Microsoft Corporation, U.S., will give the Keynote Lecture

On March 30 (Fri.), Mr. Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect of Microsoft Corporation, will give the keynote lecture at the event hall. The lecture content and other details will be announced as soon as they have been determined.

5. On March 30 (Fri.), the Show will be open to the public at 12:30 p.m.

This Show will be basically open to the public for the three days, except for the morning hours until 12:30 p.m. on March 30 (Fri.), when only trade-related people and persons with invitation tickets will be admitted, for business purposes. After 12:30 p.m., the general public will be admitted. The Show will be open to the public all day, as in the past, on both March 31 (Sat.) and April 1 (Sun.).

6. On March 30 (Fri.), the popular Kids Corner will be open to the public throughout the three days

The Kids corner, which is popular at every show, will be open to the public for the entire three days, starting at 12:30 p.m. on March 30 (Fri). Only children in elementary school or younger, and their guardians, will be admitted to the section, as in the past. Like in the last show, we installed "Touch & Tries booth," which allows children to actually play games, and a "sales booth," where products for kids are sold. In addition, various events by exhibiting companies will be held on an event stage, and a family entertainment zone, where everyone from small children to their guardians can have fun, will be presented.

7. Announcement on a Symposium and Panel Discussion

In addition to conduction of The Tokyo Game Show, the following symposium and panel discussion are planned. Details, such as dates and times, and the sites, will be announced as soon as they have been determined.

(1) "The 7th Personnel Fostering Symposium"
Lectures on the direction of the game industry until 2003, centered on efforts toward communications / next-generation machines, and discussion regarding employment standards for students, will be conducted, to present guidelines for future education and instruction.

(2) "Intellectual Property Symposium"
Lectures will focus on the issue of intellectual property in relation to the game industry.

(3) Panel Discussion to "Consider the Future of Video Games"
Video games have become a trillion-dollar industry. With the history, present state, and future image of the industry as a theme, a panel discussion will be conducted, among knowledgeable people from various fields. Discussion will focus on the growth of Video games as a part of modern culture, along with movies and music; the influence Video games have had on society in recent years, and on how Video games will develop.