China’s game show “ChinaJoy 2024” opens. More than 600 exhibitors gather in hot Shanghai in midsummer, the forefront of the mainland game market[CJ2024]

We departed from Tokyo, where it was already the height of summer, and arrived in Shanghai, which was also experiencing midsummer. The warmth of the sunlight felt pretty much the same, no matter where you were in the world.

China’s largest gaming event, “ChinaJoy 2024” (CJ2024), is taking place at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. The event runs from July 26 to July 29, 2024. 4Gamer is on-site to cover the event and will provide daily reports.

This year marks the 21st edition of CJ2024, with the slogan “Stay True, Game On.” The event is bolstered by both in-person exhibitions and online broadcasts. Additionally, the 100 Influencer Project will enhance information dissemination in various areas, amplifying the event’s overall impact.

This year, there are over 600 exhibitors, with nearly 200 being international companies. This contrasts with last year’s participation of just over 500 companies in both BtoB and BtoC formats, indicating substantial growth in the scale of exhibits.

During the event, not only gaming companies but also hardware manufacturers such as AMD and Lenovo, telecommunications firms, automotive companies like Honda, and video distribution platforms—common globally—will have booths. Furthermore, two industry conferences centered around digital entertainment and game development will take place off-site.

By the way, “Tokyo Game Show 2024” As of July 4, 2024, 731 companies (448 domestic and 283 international) have confirmed their participation.
The Tokyo Game Show will take place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, while CJ will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center in Shanghai. For reference, here are the venue sizes:

・Makuhari Messe
Site area: 210,000 square meters

・Shanghai New International Expo Centre
Site area: 300,000 square meters

Both venues are divided into multiple large halls, allowing visitors to move between them. The Shanghai New International Expo Center boasts a “vast lawn area in the center for outdoor concerts,” but the atmosphere and size of both locations are relatively similar.

However, due to the season, the outside temperature is significantly higher at CJ (it truly is midsummer).

This year’s CJ aims to promote “hardcore games” (titles designed for gamers that demand advanced skills and knowledge).

Highlights among the exhibits include 10 titles from Tencent Games, 14 from NetEase Games, and over 30 from PlayStation. The PlayStation booth showcased Koei Tecmo Games’ “Dynasty Warriors: Origins” and “FAIRY TAIL2.”

Additionally, Hypergryph will present the offline demo version of “Arknights: Endfield” for the first time, and bilibili will feature its Japanese IP, including the Chinese version of “Heaven Burns Red,” following the recent “BiliBili World 2024.”
Moreover, Lilith Games has “AFK: Journey,” SNK is unveiling “Fatal Fury City of the Wolves,” which debuted at the recent EVO Japan 2024, and Ubisoft will showcase “Assassin’s Creed Shadows.” Pocket Pair’s acclaimed “Palworld” is also very popular overseas.

*For titles already released in Japan, we have shared gameplay reports and other information as referenced in the text link above. It’s unfortunate that the coverage does not warrant further reporting.

Despite the formidable global presence shown in the titles listed above, there are numerous other games that may not resonate with the Japanese market’s knowledge, leading to reactions like, “What kind of game is this!?” from the Chinese audience. When discussing Chinese games, martial arts often spring to mind. This theme remains persistently popular and is visible throughout the event.

This makes CJ especially well-positioned for gaining insights into the Chinese gaming market.

Outside the gaming industry, a Saudi Arabia-led gigaproject has been generating buzz with the construction of a Dragon Ball theme park, known as “Qiddiya.” This year, there was also a significant area set up for selling hobby-related merchandise, including:

On a more entertaining note, visitors could experience dynamic chairs reminiscent of 4DX equipment found in movie theaters (it’s unclear if the experience was based on the story of “Collapse: Star Rail”).

With the head-mounted display, the chair moved considerably, up and down and left and right, although it was less flexible than during the location testing for “Paradox of Stars and Wings.”

In addition, several car manufacturers showcased their vehicles. Collaborations with gaming titles, particularly electric vehicles (EVs) which are currently all the rage in China, were prominently featured, and the venue resembled a motor show with various attractions.

Other displays are depicted in the photos below.

In the bottom right, find Terry Bogard’s car from SNK’s “Fatal Fury City of the Wolves.”

Electric suitcase riders have also become a common sight at the CJ venue.

4Gamer will continue to cover the projects that captured our interest at CJ2024. Thank you for joining us for this mid-summer festival.

ChinaJoy 2024: Highlights From Shanghai’s Premier Game Show

We took off from Tokyo, where it was already midsummer, and landed in Shanghai, where it was also midsummer. The comfort of the sunlight was not that different anywhere in the world.

China’s biggest game show 「ChinaJoy 2024」 (CJ2024) is being held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. The event runs from July 26th to July 29th, 2024. With over 600 exhibitors, including nearly 200 overseas companies, CJ2024 promises to be a sprawling exhibition that showcases the latest innovations in gaming and technology.

Event Overview

This year marks the 21st iteration of CJ, themed 「Stay True, Game On」. The event will feature both offline exhibitions and extensive online distribution. An exciting addition this year is the 100 Influencer Project, aimed at amplifying the event’s reach across various platforms.

Exhibitors and Attractions

With more than 600 exhibitors, CJ2024 has welcomed a diverse array of participants, from game developers to hardware manufacturers like AMD and Lenovo. Telecommunications giants and automotive brands such as Honda are also showcasing their latest offerings.

Exhibitor Types	Examples
Game Developers	Tencent Games, NetEase Games
Hardware Manufacturers	AMD, Lenovo
Telecommunications	Various Major Providers
Automotive Brands	Honda, Others

Industry Conferences and Events

Alongside exhibitions, two industry conferences focused on digital entertainment and game development are being held outside the main venue, providing a platform for insightful discussions and networking opportunities.

Comparison With Tokyo Game Show

Tokyo Game Show 2024 is also set to be a major attraction later this year. As of July 4, 2024, 731 companies (448 domestic and 283 overseas) have confirmed their participation. Notably:

Event	Venue	Site Area
Tokyo Game Show	Makuhari Messe	210,000 m²
ChinaJoy	Shanghai New International Expo Centre	300,000 m²

The scale of ChinaJoy provides an additional area for outdoor activities, with an impressive lawn space for concerts and demonstrations, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Game Show Highlights

This year’s focus at CJ is on “hardcore games” – titles designed for gamers who seek more complexity and mastery. Standout displays include:

• Tencent Games: Showcasing 10 new titles
• NetEase Games: Unveiling 14 dynamic games
• PlayStation: Featuring over 30 titles, including Dynasty Warriors: Origins and Fairy Tail 2
• Hypergryph: Demonstration of the offline version of Arknights: Endfield
• Ubisoft: Promoting Assassin’s Creed Shadows

A Diverse Gaming Experience

While many titles aim for global appeal, numerous games reflect the essence of the Chinese gaming market. Martial arts themes remain predominant, ensuring attendees experience the rich cultural motifs prevalent in Chinese games.

Innovative Experiences at CJ2024

The event isn’t just about games; it also features various interactive experiences. A noteworthy installation is the Saudi-led gigaproject, Qiddiya, which includes the ambitious construction of a Dragon Ball theme park. Visitors can also engage in VR experiences, including dynamic chairs similar to those found in 4DX theaters.

Exotic Collaborations and Displays

Innovation extends beyond gaming as electric vehicles (EVs) that align with gaming themes are also on show. Collaborations reflecting cultural icons, such as the car from Fatal Fury City of the Wolves, add to the dynamic atmosphere of the expo.

Collaboration	Vehicle
SNK: Fatal Fury	Terry Bogard’s car
Various Games	EVs on display

The Vibrant Atmosphere of CJ2024

The festival-like spirit at CJ2024 features a range of sights, including electric suitcase riders navigating the expansive venue. The colorful displays create a festive and inviting environment for all attendees.

Interactive Elements

As the event continues, 4Gamer will provide coverage and insights on exciting titles and exhibits. This year’s CJ promises to deepen the understanding and appreciation of not only the gaming industry but also the technological advancements shaping the future of entertainment.

Join us at ChinaJoy 2024 as we explore the limitless potential of gaming and technology in the heart of Shanghai!