As the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2026 marks its 30th anniversary, major domestic game companies are set to participate in large numbers. The plan is to introduce new titles in the rapidly rising subculture genre to local gamers and gather their feedback.
According to the IT industry on the 16th, all three representative Korean game companies—3N (Nexon, NC, and Netmarble)—will attend TGS 2026. Nexon will unveil for the first time at TGS 2026 a demo build of its upcoming title "Paradolia," developed by Nexon Games. This sequel is created by the development team behind the company's long-time hit "Blue Archive" in Japan and is highly anticipated locally as well.
NC will make its first public appearance at TGS 2026 with "Astra Oration," a new title being developed by Dynamisone. NC plans to set up a standalone booth and reveal the actual playable version. In collaboration with Samsung Electronics, the company will allow gamers to play the game directly on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and will also install its glasses-free 3D display "Spatial Signage" throughout the booth.
Netmarble will bring three new titles: "Shangrila Frontier Seven Strongest Species," "Solo Leveling: Karma," and "Pearl in Blue." Among these, "Shangrila Frontier" is the most anticipated work. It is the first game adaptation of a manga that has accumulated over 17 million copies sold and more than 1 billion views in Japan. Netmarble plans to invite voice actors from the corresponding anime to host a talk show at its booth and also conduct a cosplay show.
In addition, Smilegate will present "Mirai-shi: The Invisible Future" and "Dead Count: Two Blue Flames" at TGS 2026. "Mirai-shi" is participating for the second consecutive year after last year's debut, while "Dead Count," based on a manga serialized in Japan since 2023, has generated high local expectations. Smilegate plans to install a large LED gate and four-sided LED towers at its booth to create an immersive space where visitors can feel as though they are meeting the characters directly.
NHN, which has recently focused heavily on its gaming business, will showcase new titles including "Doken Ranbu Pazu-giri," "Fuchipoyo of the Fantasy World," and "Over Rush" primarily through its local subsidiary NHN Playart. It will also exhibit existing titles such as "Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy," "Yo-kai Watch Punipuny," "Compass," and "LINE Disney Tsum Tsum." Shift Up will unveil the Nintendo Switch 2 version of "Stellar Blade" as it expands its reach.
Meanwhile, Chinese game companies that previously showed strength in the subculture genre appear to be skipping this year's TGS. According to market research firm Niko Partners, while 112 Chinese game companies participated in last year's TGS, only 72 are participating this year. This is believed to stem from strained relations between the two countries following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi in November last year regarding potential intervention in the event of a crisis involving Taiwan.
A gaming industry executive stated, "With the domestic game market becoming saturated and global expansion efforts gaining momentum, Japan remains an extremely important market." He added, "It appears that companies are showcasing their upcoming titles locally beforehand to gather feedback and use it as guidance for further development. The presence of TGS within the Korean gaming industry is expected to continue growing."
in TECH
