Following all of the great news from Gamescom last week, the Tokyo Game Show Online 2021 will be the next big display that businesses will be preparing for. Computer Entertainment Suppliers Association (CESA) and Nikkei Business Publications announced the timetable a few days ago.
Xbox, Capcom, Bandai Namco, and Square Enix are among the firms taking part in this year’s event. Square Enix will give a talk about the Nintendo Switch’s Project Triangle Strategy, which has been eagerly anticipated. Many fans have pointed out that there is one glaring omission from the schedule: Nintendo does not have a specific block anywhere. The business said earlier today that it would not be attending this year’s event.
Many large-scale industry events were forced to be canceled or hosted online because of the COVID-19 epidemic. The Tokyo Game Show is no exception since it was hosted in a digital-only format last year. This year’s Tokyo Game Show, on the other hand, will be a hybrid of online and physical media. On the other hand, the actual exhibition will be open solely to the journalists, who will be able to test out hands-on demos and interview the participating developers.
Nintendo’s Japanese Twitter account confirmed its absence from the Tokyo Game Show agenda with a tweet. According to a poor Google translation, there will be no physical booths for any Nintendo titles at TGS, nor will there be an online event.
However, the tweet stated that it would assist in the display of other independent games that will be present at TGS. After that, Nintendo advises everyone in attendance to be safe during the performance.
2021年9月30日から開催される「TOKYO GAME SHOW 2021 ONLINE」におきまして、任天堂はブースおよびゲームタイトルの出展をいたしません。他社インディーゲームの出展協力のみ行います。同イベントへの参加をご検討されている方は、お間違えのないよう、よろしくお願いいたします。
— 任天堂株式会社 (@Nintendo) September 3, 2021
Nintendo made an extensive presentation for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity at TGS Online 2020 last year, which was a bit of a break from the norm. With highly anticipated big-name games like Breath of Wild 2 and Splatoon 3 set to release next year, the company’s absence appears odd to most. Given that the Tokyo Game Show will be primarily online this year, there may not be much opportunity for announcements alongside its competitors.
Some speculate that this absence is connected to an anticipated Nintendo Direct later this month. Many Nintendo Directs have taken place in September, and it would be a wonderful time to share information about any future projects due for next year. However, because this is only a rumor, fans should treat it with caution until Nintendo makes an official statement.