The "Tokyo Game Show 2024" (TGS2024) is being held from Thursday, September 26 to Sunday, September 29, 2024.
A total of 985 companies are participating, setting a record for the most exhibitors in the event's history.
While visitors can experience the latest games and news, the "CESA Announcement Stage" on Friday, September 27, 2024 introduced a new program for nurturing game creators: the "Top Game Creators Academy" (TGCA).
Fostering Future Top Creators: Top Game Creators Academy Announced
Saiga NAKThe Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) announced the TGCA at TGS2024, a program aimed at nurturing the next generation of game creators.
The program is a collaborative initiative between the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Japan Arts Council, and CESA.
Selected young creators will receive guidance from mentors, creative advisors, and business advisors to develop their ideas and technical skills for game development.
The program plans multi-year support spanning 3–5 years to produce outstanding creators for the global stage.
TGCA Features
- Dedicated mentors, creative advisors, and business advisors assigned to each participant
- Advisors include active creators from major Japanese companies, primarily CESA member firms
- Focus on event exhibitions, progressing from domestic to international events
Selected participants receive guidance and support at no cost, including travel and expenses for event participation.
This comprehensive support encourages participants to focus fully on their creative development.
Akihiro Hino of Level-5 Appointed Principal of TGCA
Saiga NAKAkihiro Hino, President and CEO of Level-5, has been appointed Principal of TGCA.
Hino stated that he wants to identify and fully support authentic creators through this program.
His selection was based on his extensive experience creating franchises like "Professor Layton" and "Yo-kai Watch" and his dual role as programmer and director, serving as a role model for participating creators.
Akihiro Hino's Message
To aspiring top game creators,
I am very excited to meet the talented young people joining the TGCA.
From my 30+ years as a game creator, I have observed that top creators immerse themselves in work, enjoying it rather than seeing it as a task.
While game development has challenges, it also offers immense joy.
I hope participants embrace the process, fully express their creativity, and see TGCA as a place to achieve their goals, not just follow instructions.
I look forward to the day we can further elevate the game industry together through the experiences gained in this program.
We eagerly await your applications!
Game Industry Market Doubles in 4 Years: "Game Industry Report 2024"
Saiga NAKAlongside the TGCA announcement, CESA board member and CSR committee chair Shingo Okamura presented the "Game Industry Report 2024".
Global Game Market Doubles in 4 Years
YouTubeThe global game market has reached approximately ¥30 trillion, doubling over four years, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
East Asia accounts for 42% of the market, followed by North America and Europe.
Games Represent 60% of Content Industry Revenue
YouTubeIn the content industry, overseas sales reached ¥4.7 trillion, approaching the steel industry's scale.
Games constitute 60% of this revenue, and combined with anime, they account for 90% of the content industry.
Average Salaries and Starting Pay Rising for Game Industry Workers
PR TIMESThe game industry workforce, including surrounding industries, totals approximately 200,000 people.
Average annual income is ¥7.08 million, with starting monthly pay averaging ¥236,000, showing an upward trend.
Top Desired Job Among Boys: Game Creator
YouTubeIn 2023, "Game Creator" ranked 1st among career aspirations for boys in elementary and middle school, receiving 17.9% of votes, ahead of professional athletes by 3.2%.
Game Companies Rank High in 2025 Graduate Company Rankings
YouTubeIn the 2025 graduate popularity ranking, game companies scored high: Sony Group ranked 1st for science students, Sega 9th, and for humanities students, Sega 8th and Bandai 10th, showing strong youth interest in the game industry.
Applications to Open in Late October 2024
Saiga NAKTGCA applications are scheduled to open in late October 2024. Eligibility criteria include being under 30 years old and having real development experience on at least one game title.
- 30 years old or younger as of March 2025
- Professional or amateur, must have actual development experience on at least one game title
- Not earning a living from game publishing
The "Game Industry Report 2024" indicates the global game market has nearly doubled in four years to ¥30 trillion.
"Game Creator" ranks first in desired careers among students, showing the growing importance and appeal of the gaming industry.
The dedicated TGCA site will launch before the end of October 2024, where applications can be submitted.
More details are available on the CESA official website.
CESA発表ステージフォトセッション📸
文化庁との新たなクリエイター育成のプログラムTGCAの詳細が発表❗https://t.co/A7xWZJXcI9 pic.twitter.com/FqbXd0NhVo— Saiga NAK (@saiganak) September 27, 2024
