Tokyo Game Show 2013 to expand with indie games, English language video channel

The annual Tokyo Game Show will evolve this year with new offerings, including a greater emphasis on independent games, and a larger footprint designed to relieve congestion at the notoriously crowded event.

In addition to new video games and hardware from Japanese companies like Sony, Square Enix, Konami, Capcom, Sega and others, this year's TGS will feature dedicated areas for cosplay goods, live music and movies.

Organizers for TGS 2013 say this year's event, which is themed "Games: Limitless Evolution," will feature a broader range of video game-based entertainment. Six new exhibitions are planned for the show:

• Cyber Games Asia Area, which houses PC game titles and hardware featured in the eSports competition Cyber Games Asia
• Cloud Gaming Area, which displays cloud-based platforms and games
• Otome Game Area, which features "girlish games," like dating sims targeted at female players
• Cosplay Area, a retail space for cosplay goods
• Music Live Event, a series of evening events featuring music from popular games and anime
• Business Startup Area, for game-related venture companies established in or after January 2011

Tokyo Game Show's Cosplay Area, Family Area, Indie Games Area and movie screening festival will take place in the convention center's Hall 9, occupying more space than previous years. Likewise, the Music Live Event will occupy the center's Event Hall.

Organizers say the show's official video channel, which broadcasts certain TGS events, will be available in English.

This year's Tokyo Game Show will take place at the Makuhari Messe on Sept. 19 to 22. Polygon will be in attendance to bring you all the news.