Game Market (ゲームマーケット) is a Japanese gaming convention featuring "analog games" that do not require electricity, such as board games and card games. The event was first held in Tokyo on April 2, 2000. It is currently held at Tokyo Big Sight twice a year, in spring and autumn, and also once a year in Osaka. The event has seen a rise in popularity, with attendance at the Tokyo event increasing from 2,200 in March 2010 to 7,200 in October 2014,[1] 8,500 in May 2015,[2] 9,500 in November 2015,[3] and 29,300 in 2019.[4]

Game Market
StatusActive
VenueTokyo Big Sight
Location(s)Ariake, Tokyo and Osaka
CountryJapan
InauguratedApril 2, 2000
Attendance29,300 in 2019 Autumn
ActivityMarketplace, Gaming space
Websitewww.gamemarket.jp

Overview

edit

As the event is limited to games that do not require electricity, a relatively minor genre within the gaming community,[5] Game Market hosts booths operated by both commercial businesses and enthusiast groups.

The event is attended by many families and couples,[1] and there are many booths aimed at young children and free spaces to be used as play areas. There is also a prohibition on the exhibition of adult games.

Booths operated by industry stakeholders such as Hobby Japan, Adventure Planning Service and Group SNE showcase visits by prominent game creators such as Hitoshi Yasuda and Ginichiro Suzuki. Some companies from overseas, such as Alderac Entertainment Group also attend, due to their distribution of Japanese hobby games outside of Japan.

In 2010, the convention went from being organized by a group of volunteers to being managed by Arclight, which involved significant changes to the management system.

Past venues

edit

Current venues

edit

Game Market Tokyo

edit

A move from Taito Ward Hall to a larger venue had been planned for 2014, but the success of the 2012 convention and the support of Bushiroad prompted an earlier move in 2013 to Tokyo Big Sight West Hall 3.[6]

Game Market Osaka

edit

Game Market Kobe

edit

The first Game Market Kobe was scheduled to be held at the Kobe International Exhibition Hall on 21 February 2016.[7]

Main types of games

edit

The convention features only analog games that do not use electricity, in the following main genres:

  • War games
  • Card games
  • Simulation games
  • Role-playing games (pen & paper)
  • Board games
  • Traditional games (such as go and shogi)
  • Collectible card games(from 2015 Spring)

The analog games displayed can include dōjinshi (fan fiction) and self-created games, including commercial games. The games are displayed in booths that may be run by clubs or companies. In recent years, some booths have displayed game-related goods such as miniature figurines and accessories. The exhibition venue includes a space for attendees to play with games they have bought. Booth organizers have the option of applying for a play space next to their booth where participants can try out games.

Past events

edit
Bid auction
Public auction
Both auctions not the organizers of royalty.
Bazar
Individual participants, to sell the goods in a format similar to Flea market.
Stamp Rally
Traditional game experience
I can experience the traditional game in the world. So far, Domino, Backgammon, Texas Hold'em, ja:投扇興, Carrom, ja:うんすんカルタ, ja:ごいた, Draughts, Renju experience meetings opened.
Korean companies exhibitors
2008–2009, Korean board game company has exhibited with their own booths.

Photos

edit

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "Analog Games Increasing Popularity: Hamamatsu Event Lively". Archived from the original on December 10, 2014. Retrieved December 22, 2014.
  2. ^ @GameMarket_ (May 7, 2015). "【ゲームマーケット2015春】 今回も多くの方にご参加いただき、出展者数約365ディーラー、参加者数約8,500人(入場無料の方はカウントしてません)でした。次回「ゲームマーケット2015秋」は11月22日、場所は東京ビッグサイト東4ホールです。 #ゲムマ" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  3. ^ @GameMarket_ (November 23, 2015). "【ゲームマーケット2015秋】「ゲームマーケット2015秋」を無事開催することができました。 今回も多くの方にご参加いただき、出展者数約410ディーラー、参加者数約9,500人でした。次回の東京開催は「ゲームマーケット2016春」が5月5日(木曜日・祝日)となります。" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  4. ^ 2019秋 来場者数報告
  5. ^ "Febri" magazine, September 2014 issue, page 61
  6. ^ It was held together with the "Dai-Vanga-Sai" hosted by Bushiroad. Purchasing entry to both events resulted in receiving a discount.
  7. ^ "開催概要 (Exhibition summary)". Retrieved June 2, 2015.
edit

35°37′51″N 139°47′48″E / 35.63083°N 139.79667°E / 35.63083; 139.79667