Tokyo Game Show 2025 Shatters Records with Capcom’s Bombshell Reveals and Indie Surprises

• Record-Breaking Expo: Tokyo Game Show 2025 (TGS 2025) is the largest in the event’s history, with 1,138 exhibitors and 4,159 booths (as of mid-September) ^[1]. Organizers expected around 250,000 visitorsover the four-day event ^[2], surpassing last year’s attendance.
• Capcom’s Big Showcase: Capcom kicked off TGS 2025 with a digital presentation unveiling new trailers and updates for major franchises. Highlights included a new Onimusha game, the sci-fi adventure PRAGMATA, Monster Hunter Stories 3, a Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection, Street Fighter 6 DLC, and more ^{[3] [4]}.
• Major Game Announcements: Onimusha: Way of the Sword received a story trailer revealing samurai Musashi’s battle against demonic foes (launching in 2026) ^{[5] [6]}. Capcom also confirmed Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection will release on March 13, 2026 ^[7], and the Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection will bundle all seven titles with new features in 2026 ^[8].
• New Updates & Content: Street Fighter 6 is adding fan-favorite fighter C. Viper on Oct. 15 ^[9], alongside a special crossover event to celebrate a classic visual novel’s anniversary ^[10]. The Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy will get a free update on Nov. 19 adding new languages (Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese) and gameplay features ^[11]. Capcom’s showcase emphasized a release roadmap stretching into 2026 across action, RPG, and fighting genres ^[12].
• Indie Games in the Spotlight: TGS 2025 put a strong focus on independent developers. The show’s “Selected Indie 80” initiative highlighted 80 standout indie titles chosen from a record 1,365 submissions ^[13]. This reflects Japan’s booming game industry, which has grown to ¥31 trillion ($209 billion) – about 1.5× expansion in five years through 2024 ^[14]. Organizers are actively fostering the “next-generation” of game creators ^[15].

TGS 2025 – A Record-Setting Gaming Extravaganza

Tokyo Game Show 2025 cemented its status as one of the world’s premier gaming events, breaking all previous records for scale and participation. According to organizers, this year’s TGS amassed over 1,100 exhibitors (1,138 including online participants) from around the globe ^[16] – easily topping last year’s record of 985. These exhibitors hailed roughly 523 from Japan and 615 from overseas ^[17], underscoring the event’s international reach. The expo floor at Chiba’s Makuhari Messe boasted 4,159 booths, making it “the largest Tokyo Game Show ever” ^[18]. In terms of content, more than 1,200 game titles were on display ranging from console and PC games to mobile, VR/AR projects, and even blockchain games ^[19].

Organizers anticipated around a quarter of a million attendees for the four-day extravaganza ^[20]. The first two days (September 25–26) were business days reserved for industry and media, while September 27–28 opened the floodgates to the public ^[21]. Crowds flocked not only to play upcoming games but also to attend stage presentations, esports tournaments, and cosplay gatherings. “Tokyo Game Show, one of the world’s biggest gaming events, kicked off Thursday with a record 1,100 exhibitors from Japan and abroad,” reported Kyodo News as the convention opened ^[22]. This places TGS in the same league as Germany’s Gamescom in scale ^[23], especially as it fills the void left by E3’s recent cancellations.

A major theme this year was nurturing indie developers and fresh ideas. The “Selected Indie 80” program shone a spotlight on 80 indie games chosen from a record 1,365 entries ^[24]. These up-and-coming titles – such as a buzzed-about Japanese indie game The Exit 8, a “walking simulator” so popular it was adapted into a film ^[25] – enjoyed prime placement at the show. Emphasizing creativity on a budget, TGS devoted areas to indie showcases and even games made by students ^[26]. This focus aligns with an industry trend: Japan’s game market has expanded dramatically, reaching ¥31 trillion in value as of 2024 ^[27]. The Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), which organizes TGS (with support from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), clearly sees indie innovation as key to the future.

Capcom’s Showstopper Online Program: New Trailers and Reveals

One of the most anticipated segments of TGS 2025 was the Capcom Online Special Program, a pre-recorded showcase of the Japanese publisher’s upcoming lineup ^[28]. Capcom didn’t disappoint – delivering a flurry of updates on both brand-new titles and ongoing fan favorites. Here are the major announcements from Capcom’s TGS presentation ^{[29] [30]}:

• Onimusha: Way of the Sword – The classic samurai action franchise is returning. Capcom unveiled a new story trailer focusing on Miyamoto Musashi, the game’s protagonist, as he battles demonic Genma in feudal Japan. Near death in battle, Musashi is granted an Oni Gauntlet that gives him supernatural power – a blessing he’s reluctant to accept ^{[31] [32]}. The trailer introduced historical figures Izumo no Okuni and Ono no Takamura as allies, and teased intense combat scenes in Kyoto (including a showdown with a serpentine Genma called Togemaru) ^[33]. Onimusha: Way of the Sword is slated for release in 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC ^[34].
• PRAGMATA – Capcom’s mysterious sci-fi action-adventure made a fresh appearance with a gameplay trailer. The footage showcased expanded combat tactics: players can upgrade gear at a base called the “Shelter” and unlock new weapons like the Charge Piercer and gadgets like a Decoy Generator ^{[35] [36]}. A new Multi-Hack Node allows the character Diana to disable multiple enemies’ armor at once ^[37]. Outside combat, the trailer showed protagonists Hugh and Diana exploring a lunar research station, riding a tram between areas and utilizing “Escape Hatch” checkpoints ^[38]. While PRAGMATA has seen delays, Capcom reconfirmed it is targeting a 2026 launch for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC ^[39].
• Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection – The next entry in the Monster Hunter spinoff RPG series was a highlight of Capcom’s show. Director Kenji Oguro appeared to introduce an extended story trailer and gameplay details ^{[40] [41]}. Twisted Reflection takes place amid rising tensions between two kingdoms, Azuria and Vermeil, triggered by the emergence of a mysterious “Egg Quartz” phenomenon ^[42]. Players will be Monster Riders investigating this crisis, encountering new monsters like the Chatacabra and Rey Dau while striving to protect endangered species ^[43]. The game expands traversal – you can climb and fly on monster companions, with these Riding Actions also enabling special attacks at battle start ^[44]. A new “Synchro Rush” battle mechanic lets your full party team up for a powerful attack once a gauge is filled ^[45]. Capcom also delivered the news fans were waiting for: Monster Hunter Stories 3 officially launches on March 13, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC ^[46]. (Notably, listing “Switch 2” in the platforms confirms the next-gen Nintendo console’s presence in Capcom’s 2026 plans.)
• Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection – In a nod to nostalgia, Capcom is resurrecting the Mega Man Star Force series that first debuted in 2006. The Legacy Collection will bundle all seven mainline Star Force titles in one package ^{[47] [48]}. That includes Mega Man Star Force Pegasus/Leo/Dragon, the two versions of Star Force 2 (Zerker x Ninja / Zerker x Saurian), and Star Force 3 (Black Ace / Red Joker) ^[49]. Beyond just emulation, the collection adds modern enhancements: online play for battles/trading, optional visual filters, an art gallery and music player, new difficulty and assist options, and a trove of previously promo-only Battle Cards ^[50]. Capcom is aiming to launch this Legacy Collection in 2026on all major platforms (Switch, PS5/PS4, Xbox Series/One, and PC) ^[51] – giving both veteran fans and new players a chance to experience the full Star Force saga ^[52].
• Monster Hunter Wilds – Title Update 3 – For current Monster Hunter fans, Capcom announced a substantial free update to Monster Hunter Wilds. Title Update 3 arrives September 29, 2025, and it delivers a crossover with Final Fantasy XIV Online ^{[53] [54]}. Hunters will face the dimension-hopping boss Omega from FFXIV (here called Omega “Planetes”), complete with unique MMO-style mechanics ^[55]. The collab also brings themed gear: FFXIV-inspired weapons, armor, and cosmetic items, plus new Dark Knight and Pictomancer job skills for hunters ^[56]. Capcom’s Ryozo Tsujimoto confirmed additional content as well – new Event Quests, a challenging Arch-tempered Nu Udra monster, seasonal festivities like the Festival of Accord: Dreamspell, and more ^{[57] [58]}. Looking ahead, Capcom even teased Title Update 4 due in December, which will add the imposing Elder Dragon Gogmazios to Wilds ^[59].
• Street Fighter 6 – New Fighter and Crossover – The latest Street Fighter is getting a jolt of new content this fall. Capcom revealed that Crimson Viper (C. Viper) will join the Street Fighter 6 roster as a DLC fighter on October 15, 2025 ^[60]. Viper, the fan-favorite secret agent first seen in Street Fighter IV, returns with her gadget-based fighting style and has been updated as the SiRN organization’s research director in SF6 lore ^[61]. Players can acquire C. Viper via the Year 3 Character Pass or as a separate purchase, and she comes with two outfits – one reflecting her new role, and an alternate outfit inspired by her classic look ^[62]. Capcom also announced a special collaboration to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the visual novel Banshee’s Last Cry (a cult classic known in Japan as Kamaitachi no Yoru). Starting Oct. 15, SF6 will get a free update featuring a Banshee’s Last Cry crossover: a new World Tour episode, themed Battle Hub decor, and login bonuses for players during the event ^[63]. Additionally, a mech-themed Outfit 4 for Zangief will drop the same day, coinciding with a tie-in music track produced by metal band Cavalera Conspiracy ^[64]. Not to be outdone, Capcom slyly noted that Street Fighter 6 was now available on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 as well as other platforms ^[65] – a significant expansion of the SF6 audience as Nintendo’s new hardware comes online.
• Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy – Free Update – Ace Attorney fans got good news: the Phoenix Wright Trilogy (which compiles the first three Ace Attorney games) is receiving a substantial free patch on November 19, 2025 ^[66]. Capcom’s announcement outlined a number of quality-of-life enhancements to breathe fresh life into these classic courtroom adventures. First, the collection will add two new language options – Latin American Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese – expanding accessibility for a wider audience ^[67]. The update also introduces an Episode Select menu (so you can jump to any case you want), a new Gallery Mode to view artwork, an Auto-Play option for text, and an improved UI specifically for the testimony cross-examination phase ^[68]. These features make it easier than ever to enjoy (or replay) the beloved Ace Attorney stories in your preferred style. Capcom reminded players that the trilogy is already available on Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC ^[69] – and soon those versions will be even better.

Capcom’s TGS 2025 showcase underlined the publisher’s confidence in its upcoming slate. From revival of classic IPs to long-awaited new games, Capcom is covering a wide spectrum of genres. Industry observers noted that Capcom is in a bit of a golden age recently, reinvigorating franchises like Resident Evil and Monster Hunter while also pushing new projects. Indeed, with Resident Evil: Requiem (RE9) already announced for February 2026 ^{[70] [71]}, Capcom’s TGS lineup complemented that hype by showing depth in other areas – ensuring fans of action, fighting, and RPGs all have something to look forward to in late 2025 and 2026.

Other Highlights and Comparisons – TGS in a Global Context

While Capcom commanded attention, it was far from the only company making waves at TGS 2025. The event served as a launchpad for numerous announcements from Japanese and international publishers. For instance, Bandai Namco used the show to unveil Code Vein II, a sequel to the anime-style action RPG. A new trailer (featured during a Sony showcase) confirmed Code Vein II will release on January 29, 2026 ^[72], much to the delight of fans of the original cult hit. In the same presentation, Square Enix surprised classic JRPG enthusiasts by revealing Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles – apparently a remaster or new edition of the beloved FFT – set to launch on PS5/PS4 in late September 2025 ^[73]. Koei Tecmo also popped up to announce Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered (coming March 2026) and gave a first look at Nioh 3 gameplay, with Nioh 3 slated to arrive as soon as February 6, 2025 ^{[74] [75]}.

The Tokyo Game Show’s stages were busy with live demos and talks as well. Square Enix hosted a special program for the newly announced Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, even bringing veteran creator Yuji Horii on stage as a guest ^[76] to showcase the modernized retro RPG. Microsoft held an Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2025 broadcast ^[77], highlighting upcoming games from its studios and Japanese partners – a sign of Xbox’s continued efforts in the Japanese market. Even Sony Interactive Entertainment took the TGS spotlight: SIE’s President Hideaki Nishino delivered a keynote speech on the evolution of game distribution and the impact of the PlayStation Store over the past two decades ^[78]. Sony also timed a State of Play online event with TGS, revealing a slate of titles (beyond those already mentioned) coming to PlayStation. These included new IP like Housemarque’s sci-fi shooter Saros, updates on third-party games like The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin (a new action RPG from Netmarble launching January 2026), and even a tease that Insomniac’s Marvel’s Wolverine is targeting a Fall 2026 release ^{[79] [80]}. In short, TGS week was packed with news well beyond Capcom – reflecting a healthy industry firing on all cylinders.

Comparisons to other events: TGS 2025’s success comes on the heels of a bustling summer of game expos. With E3 absent again this year, other shows have stepped up. Gamescom 2025 in Germany, held in August, likewise boasted huge attendance and many premieres. Tokyo Game Show, however, distinguishes itself with its unique mix of global showcases and a strong emphasis on Asia-Pacific game development. The show has grown immensely since its start in 1996 ^[81], now standing proudly alongside Gamescom as a tentpole event for the industry. And unlike more trade-focused shows, TGS maintains a festival atmosphere for the public on its final days – from elaborate cosplay areas to a Family Game Park dedicated to kids and parents trying games together ^{[82] [83]}. This broad appeal has helped TGS draw crowds even larger than many Western conventions.

Industry experts note that the Japanese gaming market’s growth (now over $200 billion annually) ^[84] is both a driver and a result of TGS’s prominence. The show provides a stage not just for Japanese publishers but for game makers worldwide to tap into Japan’s passionate audience. This year saw over half of exhibitors coming from abroad ^[85], a clear sign that overseas companies view TGS as a key opportunity. For example, major Western publishers and indie developers alike set up booths or streamed showcases during TGS 2025, aiming to impress the Japanese gaming community. The symbiotic relationship between the expo and the industry was summarized by CESA officials: TGS’s mission is to “unlimitedly [expand] the possibilities of games” (echoing the show’s “Unlimited” theme this year) and to foster connections between creators and fans on a global scale ^{[86] [87]}.

Conclusion

Tokyo Game Show 2025 will be remembered as a milestone event that blended blockbuster revelations with a celebration of grassroots game development. It broke records in sheer size and delivered something for everyone – whether you were hyped about Capcom’s next big sequel, curious about an indie passion project, or simply there to try out upcoming games on the show floor. As one of the “world’s biggest gaming events” ^[88], TGS has shown resilience and relevance, even as the gaming industry evolves. With heavy-hitters like Capcom, Bandai Namco, Square Enix, Sega, Konami, and Xbox all participating (and even long-absent Nintendo quietly allowing its new hardware to be acknowledged), the message from TGS 2025 is clear: the global games industry is thriving and interconnected. And perhaps most importantly, the enthusiasm of roughly a quarter-million fans packing the convention halls in Chiba – plus millions more tuning in to streams worldwide – underscores that the appetite for gaming news and experiences is as strong as ever. As Capcom’s own Yoshiki Okamoto once said years ago, “game fans are the lifeblood of this industry.”In 2025, the heart of that industry beat louder than ever in Tokyo, to the thrill of gamers everywhere.

Sources:

• Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association – TGS 2025 Official Stats & Schedule ^{[89] [90]}
• Kyodo News via Alo Japan – “Tokyo Game Show opens with record exhibitors, indie developers in spotlight” ^{[91] [92]}
• Capcom (Press Release) – TGS 2025 Online Program announcements ^{[93] [94]}
• Xiaomitoday – “Capcom Unveils Major Game Trailers and Updates at TGS 2025” ^{[95] [96]}
• Siliconera – PlayStation State of Play at TGS 2025 (announcement list) ^{[97] [98]}
• Gematsu – TGS 2025 event details and exhibitor figures ^{[99] [100]}
• Tokyo Weekender – TGS 2025 Event Overview ^{[101] [102]}
• Shacknews/SI.com – TGS 2025 livestream schedule and context ^{[103] [104]}

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