The Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) has announced details on the 2004 Tokyo Game Show. This year the TGS will take place from September 24 to 26 at Tokyo's Makuhari Messe convention center. The show will be open to the public on February 25 and 26, while February 24 will be for press only. Tickets will be available in advance for the price of 1,000 yen ($9.11) or 1,200 yen ($10.94) at the counter.

　　This Year’s Tokyo Game Show aims to expand its coverage of the gaming industry outside of the traditional platforms and hopes to go in to such areas as network games and mobile phone games. CESA also hopes to call in more exhibitors who don’t directly develop games but who do support the industry, such as chip makers, peripheral makers, Internet service providers, and game developer schools. Continuing last year's trend, the show hopes to bring in more exhibitors from around the globe.

　　The Tokyo Game Show has traditionally focused on the general public rather than on industry audiences, which sets its aim apart from E3's. While consumers will remain the primary focus, efforts have been made to get more attention from the business visitors, especially after Nikkei BizTech became a cohost of the show two years ago. Noticeable changes took place in 2003 when a number of peripheral and middleware companies, such as Nvidia and CRI Middleware, set up booths.

　　In terms of audiences, the Tokyo Game Show is known to attract a hardcore gamer audience. To widen its appeal, CESA has been concentrating on bringing in casual gamers the past few years--primarily in the form of families. Aside from setting aside a special area for children, the show has been allowing free admission to grade-schoolers.

　　While specific details will be announced later, CESA hopes to bring in 120 exhibitors to the 2004 Tokyo Game Show, which is slightly more than last year's 111. Additionally, the organization hopes to get 150,000 visitors to the show, which is identical to last year's number.