The Tokyo Game Show 2026 officially opened its doors this Thursday, , at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, near Tokyo. This first business day featured presentations of Persona 4 Revival, Crazy Taxi: World Tour, STRANGER THAN HEAVEN and several other games, as well as a particularly packed Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2026 Broadcast.
Microsoft presented 17 new gameplay sequences and announcements, along with a surprise release and a world premiere. The day's main news included Bill Skarsgård in the lead role of PHYSINT, the reveal of Faraday Blues, Japan in Crazy Taxi: World Tour, Naoto Shirogane in Persona 4 Revival, a new campaign trailer for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and the immediate arrival of Shape of Dreams on Xbox.
September 17 also brought other announcements outside Microsoft's conference, including the official reveal of Lollipop Chainsaw 2: Back2Back and new information about STRANGER THAN HEAVEN.
Last updated: , after checking the main Day 1 announcements.
For the event's dates, French times, public days and practical information, also see our complete Tokyo Game Show 2026 guide.
TGS 2026 Day 1: the essentials at a glance
| Game / event | Information from September 17 |
|---|---|
| Tokyo Game Show 2026 | Opening of the first business day at Makuhari Messe. |
| Xbox TGS 2026 | 17 new gameplay sequences and announcements, plus a surprise release and a world premiere. |
| PHYSINT | Bill Skarsgård confirmed in the lead role. |
| Faraday Blues | New IP unveiled in a world premiere. |
| Crazy Taxi: World Tour | Japan confirmed as one of the game's destinations. |
| Persona 4 Revival | New presentation of Naoto Shirogane. |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 | New trailer focused on the campaign. |
| Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember | New battle against Zuochi and an Alpha Demo available until September 30. |
| Shape of Dreams | Available immediately on Xbox Series X|S and Game Pass. |
| Lollipop Chainsaw 2: Back2Back | Official title announced, planned for PS5 in 2027, with a playable version at TGS. |
| STRANGER THAN HEAVEN | New announcements about the cast and a collaboration with Toei; the main TGS gameplay reveals had already been presented on September 16. |
TGS 2026 Day 1 schedule: the main events
The Tokyo Game Show 2026 runs from September 17 to 21, 2026. Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18, are the two business days, with the halls open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Japan. The show then opens to the public from Saturday, September 19, through Monday, September 21.
The opening ceremony exceptionally began at 9:30 a.m. in Japan, before the halls opened to the public.
| France | Japan | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2:30 a.m. | 9:30 a.m. | Tokyo Game Show 2026 opening ceremony |
| 3:30 a.m. | 10:30 a.m. | SEGA/ATLUS stage opening |
| 4 a.m. | 11 a.m. | Tokyo Game Show 30th anniversary keynote |
| 4 a.m. | 11 a.m. | Persona Series DJ Set & Persona 4 Revival Dance Performance |
| 4:20 a.m. | 11:20 a.m. | Persona 4 Revival Talk Show |
| 5:40 a.m. | 12:40 p.m. | Crazy Taxi: World Tour Mission Challenge |
| 6:30 a.m. | 1:30 p.m. | Stupid Never Dies First Bite Showcase |
| 7:30 a.m. | 2:30 p.m. | Persona Series DJ Set & Persona 4 Revival Dance Performance |
| 8:40 a.m. | 3:40 p.m. | STRANGER THAN HEAVEN — RGG Studio / TGS presentation |
| 12 p.m. | 7 p.m. | Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2026 Broadcast |
Important: the official schedule currently published by TGS lists the Xbox Broadcast from 7 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. in Japan, followed by a slot still listed as “Coming Soon” at 8 p.m. Game.fr therefore does not assign it any content until the organizer officially identifies it.
The Tokyo Game Show 2026 opens an edition originally scheduled for five days
This edition marks the 30th anniversary of the Tokyo Game Show. For the first time, the event stretches across five days, from Thursday, September 17, through Monday, September 21.
September 17 and 18 are reserved for industry professionals. General visitors can enter Makuhari Messe on September 19, 20 and 21.
The official schedule combines CESA-organized conferences, publisher broadcasts, booth presentations, playable demos and special events. A significant portion of the Day 1 announcements was therefore broadcast directly by SEGA/ATLUS, RGG Studio or Xbox rather than from the TGS central stage.
Persona 4 Revival: Day 1 brings performances and a Naoto reveal
Persona 4 Revival is one of the major games at the SEGA/ATLUS booth. The September 17 schedule included a performance focused on the Persona series, followed by a talk show dedicated to the remake.
A demo is also available to Tokyo Game Show visitors.
The February 18, 2027 release date was already known
Persona 4 Revival is scheduled to launch on February 18, 2027. This information was available before TGS Day 1 and should therefore not be presented as a reveal made at the event on September 17.
This distinction is important: being present or playable at TGS does not automatically mean that information is new.
Naoto Shirogane is the real news from September 17
ATLUS did, however, use the Xbox Tokyo Game Show Broadcast to present a new video featuring Naoto Shirogane.
The high-school detective is introduced as a member of the Special Investigation Team and joins the protagonist in investigating the series of mysterious incidents at the heart of Persona 4 Revival. The video also shows her in combat.
Crazy Taxi: World Tour: from the TGS demo to the reveal of Japan
The SEGA/ATLUS booth hosted a Crazy Taxi: World Tour Mission Challenge from the first day, alongside a playable version of the upcoming entry.
But the most important information arrived a few hours later during the Xbox conference.
Japan will be one of the game's destinations
SEGA officially announced that Japan will be one of the locations in Crazy Taxi: World Tour.
The trailer shows traditional neighborhoods alongside a modern urban environment. Players will be able to freely explore the streets, meet residents and discover this new destination.
The official wording is important: SEGA describes Japan as one of the destinations in Crazy Taxi: World Tour. It should therefore not be inferred that the entire game will take place in Japan.
Crazy Taxi: World Tour is planned for 2027.
STRANGER THAN HEAVEN: what is actually new on September 17
STRANGER THAN HEAVEN has a particularly strong presence at Tokyo Game Show 2026, with a playable demo, a dedicated theater and several presentations held during the five-day event.
It is important, however, to distinguish the announcements made on Wednesday, September 16, during the special program held on the eve of the opening, from those published on September 17.
The cities and Show Business were detailed on September 16
During the TGS 2026 Special Opening Night Live on September 16, SEGA had already revealed the game's opening sequence and presented three of its five main areas: Fukuoka/Kokura in 1915, Hiroshima/Kure in 1929 and Osaka/Minami in 1943.
SEGA had also detailed the Show Business system. Shin Daito will be able to produce shows by developing their promotion, choosing artists and songs, and trying to meet the requested business targets.
This information is directly linked to TGS, but it should not be labeled as an announcement from September 17.
A collaboration with Toei announced on September 17
SEGA did announce an official collaboration between STRANGER THAN HEAVEN and Toei on September 17.
The studio's productions will appear in the game's world. Cinemas will be able to display posters and screen trailers for Toei films, while various advertisements will appear throughout the cities.
Daisuke Shiba also joins the cast
SEGA also confirmed the involvement of Daisuke Shiba, a member of the Japanese comedy duo Moguraider, on September 17.
He plays Kimura, a character working as a club employee in Kamurocho who appears in the part of the story set in Tokyo/Shinjuku in 1965.
STRANGER THAN HEAVEN remains scheduled for January 15, 2027, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Total War: Warhammer 40,000 gets a new TGS trailer
SEGA published new content for Total War: Warhammer 40,000 during the Tokyo Game Show.
The video offers glimpses of the strategic star map and real-time tactical battles. The game remains scheduled for 2027.
Lollipop Chainsaw 2: Back2Back officially revealed on September 17
Dragami Games officially revealed the name of the series' new game: Lollipop Chainsaw 2: Back2Back.
The publisher confirms that this is a brand-new entry, not another remaster of Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP.
Juliet Starling returns as a zombie hunter. The story will take her to a rebuilt San Romero transformed into a vast metropolis centered around the film industry.
A mysterious director traps Juliet in his own zombie movie, while a new threat connected to the Corrupted Realm zombies emerges.
Lollipop Chainsaw 2: Back2Back is announced for PlayStation 5 in 2027. Dragami Games is also presenting a playable version at Tokyo Game Show 2026.
Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember reveals the Zuochi boss
Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember is among the games available as demos at Tokyo Game Show. The Day 1 presentation highlighted its new combat system before Xbox broadcast additional footage.
A new battle against Zuochi
During the Xbox Broadcast, Team Ninja showed a new boss battle against Zuochi, described as a powerful demon. The sequence is accompanied by comments from producer Masakazu Hirayama.
The Alpha Demo remains available until September 30
An Alpha Demo is available until .
Players who complete the demo can receive the Fledgling Phoenix Helmet in the full game at launch.
Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember is scheduled for March 4, 2027.
Xbox TGS 2026: all the main announcements from September 17
Broadcast at 7 p.m. in Japan, or 12 p.m. in mainland France, the Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2026 Broadcast was the main block of international announcements on the first day.
Microsoft officially described the show as featuring 17 new gameplay sequences and announcements, a surprise release and a world premiere.
Hideo Kojima closes the conference with PHYSINT and OD – KNOCK
Just as the presentation appeared to be over, Hideo Kojima appeared for the traditional “one more thing.”
The Japanese creator provided new information about OD – KNOCK and PHYSINT. The main reveal concerned the cast of PHYSINT: Bill Skarsgård will be the main character.
A new poster also shows Skarsgård alongside Charlee Fraser.
Faraday Blues: Serenity Forge unveils a new IP
Faraday Blues was the world premiere of the Xbox presentation.
This science-fiction adventure tells the story of Lina, a young woman searching for parents who do not know she exists. Players will use cards representing characters to alter certain events and choices.
The consequences will spread across three interconnected visual novels, set in three different eras, each with its own visual and narrative identity.
Serenity Forge announces 64 endings. The game will launch in 2027 on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with cloud support.
Modern Warfare 4 shows its campaign
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 received a new campaign trailer.
According to the official presentation, Price is on the run, war has broken out on the Korean Peninsula and an extremely dangerous weapon threatens to fall into the wrong hands.
Modern Warfare 4 launches on October 23, 2026. Players who pre-order certain digital editions will be able to access the campaign from October 16.
For all the information about the game, also see our complete Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 guide.
Edge of Memories launches on November 5, 2026
The action JRPG Edge of Memories has set its release date for November 5, 2026.
The trailer shown during the conference highlights its Japanese voice acting and the adventure of Eline and her companions in a world affected by the mysterious Corrosion.
Fallout 76 launches The Slasher
Fallout 76 presented a new animated trailer for The Slasher.
This update is already available and introduces a new story unfolding over several weeks around a series of masked killings, along with various activities and rewards.
Once Human: Isles of Abyss shows its ocean expansion
Once Human used the Xbox Broadcast to detail Isles of Abyss, presented as its biggest free expansion to date.
It will introduce a complete ship-building system, survival at sea and on islands, underwater exploration and new battles against endgame bosses.
Isles of Abyss will be available on Xbox Series X|S on October 22, 2026, and will be included with Game Pass.
Shape of Dreams: the surprise release
Shape of Dreams has been available since September 17 on Xbox Series X|S and through Game Pass.
The game supports cross-play, and this new version accompanies the anniversary update The Starless Path.
Bloodstained, Bloomwalker, Gachiakuta… the other Xbox announcements from Day 1
The Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2026 Broadcast was not limited to the most widely publicized games. Several Japanese and Asian projects also received new trailers, previously unseen gameplay or additional information.
Atelier Karia brings back Rutger and Lenja
A new trailer for Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & the Guide of Memories confirms the return of Rutger and Lenja, who already appeared in Atelier Yumia.
The two characters are now experienced members of the Aladiss Pioneering Team. They will accompany Karia and her companions, with new interactions revealing other sides of their personalities.
Watch the official Atelier Karia trailer on YouTube
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement shows more gameplay
ArtPlay released a new gameplay trailer for Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, the upcoming metroidvania produced by Koji Igarashi.
The video shows protagonists Leo and Alex in several 2.5D battles set in 16th-century Gothic England. The game is planned for 2027.
Bloomwalker officially joins the Ni no Kuni universe
One of the conference's most interesting pieces of news concerns Bloomwalker. Xbox confirms that the game is now officially part of the Ni no Kuni universe.
The new trailer notably shows the Pocket Dimension, an area accessible from the Moving House. Players will be able to build structures there, arrange different facilities and freely customize their space.
The player travels through the world of Luminoa, which has been affected by significant pollution. The goal is not only to fight, but also to purify the land, restore sanctuaries and free their guardians.
Familiars and Higgledies will also accompany the player during construction and crafting activities.
Bloomwalker is planned for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
GACHIAKUTA: BREAKOUT unveils an extended gameplay sequence
GACHIAKUTA: BREAKOUT received an extended gameplay trailer during the conference.
Based on the world of the Gachiakuta anime, the game is a survival action RPG focused on close-quarters combat. Its visual style aims to preserve an aesthetic close to that of the original animation and manga.
GACHIAKUTA: BREAKOUT is planned for 2027 on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Genigods: Nezha details its aerial combat
Genigods: Nezha presented a new developer diary accompanied by gameplay footage.
Players take on the role of the Spirit Pearl, an essence created by the goddess Nüwa and then reincarnated as the legendary Nezha.
The presentation focuses in particular on aerial combat, a world born from the remains of the primordial giant Pangu, and Nezha's seven transformable relics.
The game will soon arrive on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Hope in the City arrives on November 10, 2026
The narrative investigation game Hope in the City will launch on November 10, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
The new trailer follows a teenager named Hope, who investigates the sudden disappearance of her parents. Her artistic perspective and sketchbook are central to the way she observes her surroundings and advances the investigation.
Watch the official Hope in the City trailer
Raji: Kaliyuga abandons the isometric view
Nodding Heads presented an extended first look at Raji: Kaliyuga gameplay.
The story takes place six years after the first game and expands the conflict into a struggle involving mortals, gods, asuras and other mystical forces.
The most visible change concerns the camera: the sequel abandons the isometric perspective of Raji: An Ancient Epic to become a true third-person action adventure.
Raji: Kaliyuga is announced for Xbox Series X|S, PC and cloud, with a planned Game Pass release.
What were the main announcements from TGS 2026 Day 1?
At the end of this first day, the Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2026 Broadcast represents the main concentration of international news.
Among the information actually revealed on , the highlights include Bill Skarsgård in PHYSINT, the world premiere of Faraday Blues, Japan in Crazy Taxi: World Tour, the presentation of Naoto in Persona 4 Revival, the release date for Edge of Memories, the Isles of Abyss expansion for Once Human and the immediate release of Shape of Dreams on Xbox.
For the latest developments in the hardware ecosystem, also see the confirmed information about the next Xbox.
Outside Xbox, Lollipop Chainsaw 2: Back2Back was also among the day's new announcements, while STRANGER THAN HEAVEN provided new information about its cast and collaboration with Toei.
Game.fr deliberately distinguishes announcements actually made on September 17 from dates, features and presentations published before the event opened.
Tokyo Game Show 2026: what to watch on September 18?
The show continues on Friday, , with the second and final day reserved for industry professionals.
The booths remain accessible to media and industry professionals, while publishers continue their presentations and demonstrations ahead of the public opening on Saturday.
Game.fr will provide separate coverage of the Day 2 announcements to avoid mixing the September 18 reveals with those covered in this recap.
Find the updated schedule in our complete Tokyo Game Show 2026 guide.
FAQ: TGS 2026 Day 1
What were the main announcements from TGS 2026 Day 1?
September 17 notably brought confirmation of Bill Skarsgård in the lead role of PHYSINT, the world premiere of Faraday Blues, Japan in Crazy Taxi: World Tour, a new Persona 4 Revival trailer, the surprise release of Shape of Dreams on Xbox and the announcement of Lollipop Chainsaw 2: Back2Back.
What did Xbox announce at Tokyo Game Show 2026?
Xbox says its September 17 presentation included 17 new gameplay sequences and announcements, as well as a surprise release and a world premiere. PHYSINT, Faraday Blues, Crazy Taxi: World Tour, Persona 4 Revival, Modern Warfare 4, Wo Long 2, Bloomwalker and Shape of Dreams were among the games featured.
Which game was revealed in a world premiere during the Xbox conference?
Faraday Blues, developed by Serenity Forge, was unveiled in a world premiere. The game is built around three interconnected stories and offers 64 announced endings based on changes made to the story.
What did Hideo Kojima announce at TGS 2026?
Hideo Kojima appeared at the end of the Xbox conference to present new information about OD – KNOCK and PHYSINT. Bill Skarsgård was confirmed in the lead role of PHYSINT, alongside a new image featuring Charlee Fraser.
Is Japan the only map in Crazy Taxi: World Tour?
No. SEGA says that Japan is one of the destinations in Crazy Taxi: World Tour. The publisher has not announced that the entire game will take place in the country.
What is new about Persona 4 Revival at TGS 2026?
ATLUS unveiled a new presentation of Naoto Shirogane on September 17. The February 18, 2027 release date, however, was already known before that day.
Is Bloomwalker part of the Ni no Kuni universe?
Yes. During Tokyo Game Show 2026, Xbox confirmed that Bloomwalker is officially part of the Ni no Kuni universe. The new trailer also presented the Pocket Dimension and its building and customization systems.
Was Lollipop Chainsaw 2 announced at TGS 2026?
Yes. On , Dragami Games officially revealed the title Lollipop Chainsaw 2: Back2Back. This new entry is announced for PlayStation 5 in 2027.
Sources and verification method
Game.fr primarily verifies Tokyo Game Show announcements with the organizers, publishers and developers concerned. A presence at a booth, an older trailer or a previously announced date is not automatically presented as new Day 1 information.
- Xbox Wire France — official recap of the Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2026
- Xbox Wire — Bloomwalker: Pocket Dimension and new information
- Tokyo Game Show / CESA — official 2026 schedule
- SEGA / ATLUS — official Tokyo Game Show 2026 lineup
- Dragami Games — Lollipop Chainsaw 2: Back2Back
- Game.fr — complete Tokyo Game Show 2026 guide
Japanese times are converted to Paris time. Information already known before September 17 is identified so it can be distinguished from announcements actually made during this first day.
