[Tokyo (Japan) = E-Daily Reporter An Yu-ri ] The South Korean gaming industry showcased the strength of K-games at the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) in Japan. With 127 South Korean companies participating—ranging from major game companies such as Nexon, NC (NCsoftCorporation(036570)), and Netmarble Corporation to small and medium-sized and indie developers—visitors flocked to the booths of major South Korean game companies, causing sign-ups for demos at those booths to close early one after another.

The Tokyo Game Show, which opened at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, featured “Business Days” on the 17th and 18th for industry professionals, followed by “Public Days” on the 19th and 20th for general visitors. Despite overcast and inclement weather throughout the event, the Tokyo Game Show venue was bustling with visitors.

According to the organizers, a total of 106,175 people attended this year’s TGS during the two-day Business Days.

Korean game companies’ booths also drew large crowds. On the 19th, the first day of Public Days, the wait time for a demo of NEXON Games’ “Paraydolia” reached up to 150 minutes, and registration for the demo closed early.

“Paraydolia” is a new title from RX Studio, led by Kim Yong-ha, Head of the IO Division, who developed “Blue Archive.” The game emphasizes the experience of living and interacting with characters in a shared space. It prioritizes the sense of comfort felt within the game world over intense stimulation and rapid progression.

Cha Min-seo, the Producer developing “Paraydolia” at NEXON Games, said, “I am overwhelmed with emotion to be presenting ‘Paraydolia’ on the grand stage of the Tokyo Game Show,” adding, “We will continue to spare no effort in development to deliver a game that will make the wait worthwhile for our countless fans around the world.”

“Astrae Oratio” (Asora), for which NC first unveiled a demo build, also drew a steady stream of visitors. Following a line that stretched for over 90 minutes on the first day (Business Day), another line lasting more than 120 minutes formed on Public Day.

“Astrae Oratio” is a fantasy action RPG set in a virtual Tokyo where reality and magic coexist. It is published by NC and developed by Dynamis One. The development team plans to launch the game globally in 2027, incorporating feedback received at this year’s TGS and during the upcoming closed beta test (CBT).

Visitors flocked to the Netmarble Corporation booth immediately after it opened, forming what is known as an “open-run” line. In particular, the same-day admission tickets prepared for visitors to experience “Shangri-La Frontier: The Seven Strongest” were all distributed by mid-morning.

Netmarble Corporation also showcased “I Level Up Alone: Karma” and “Pearl in Blue.” “I Level Up Alone: Karma” is a roguelike action RPG that depicts Seong Jin-woo’s 27-year-long war for the throne—a story not covered in detail in the original work. “Pearl in Blue,” unveiled for the first time at TGS, is a subculture-themed collectible mobile game that combines romance and RPG elements.

Smilegate showcased “Future City: The Invisible Future” and “Dead Account: Two Blue Flames,” with “Future City: The Invisible Future” drawing an enthusiastic response, as wait times for hands-on demos exceeded 120 minutes.

SHIFT UP showcased a playable demo of the Nintendo Switch 2 version of “Stella Blade Complete Edition” at the Sega/Atlus booth. “Stella Blade,” which surpassed 3 million in cumulative global sales across PlayStation 5 and PC versions last June, will expand its user base with the release of the Switch 2 version on November 6.

Meanwhile, this year’s TGS was originally scheduled to run for five days from the 17th to the 21st to mark its 30th anniversary, but the event on the final day, the 21st, was completely canceled due to Typhoon Dujuan (No. 25). The organizing committee stated that the decision was made in consideration of the fact that wind and rain were expected to intensify starting in the afternoon of the 21st, which could disrupt public transportation services.