The Tokyo Game Show is experiencing significant crowds and, predictably, scalping of free promotional merchandise. This year, items related to the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI have become a focal point for resellers, causing chaos and overcrowding at the event.
At the PlayStation booth, attendees participating in an immersive screening of the recent Grand Theft Auto showcase received a special T-shirt featuring the PlayStation button icons in the game's distinctive color gradient. These shirts quickly appeared on Japanese auction sites like Mercari, with some selling for over 12,000 yen (approximately $76 USD). On the first public day, entry tickets for the Grand Theft Auto VI experience were distributed and claimed within minutes due to a surge of attendees eager to secure the shirts.
The issue extends beyond just game-themed apparel. A special Red Bull area, which offered limited-edition light-up metal tumblers with energy drinks, had to cancel its distribution due to dangerous overcrowding. While distribution later resumed, these tumblers have also surfaced on Mercari, fetching prices upwards of 6,000 yen ($38 USD).
Other popular items being resold include promotional cards for trading card games like Palworld and Final Fantasy Resonance, linked to associated game experiences. Even a special edition of Game Freak's early doujin magazine, themed around their new weather-related mobile game, has been listed by resellers.
The rush for these coveted freebies, driven by both fans and resellers, has created unsafe conditions for attendees. Similar incidents have occurred in previous years with merchandise from franchises like Metal Gear Solid. This trend highlights a persistent problem with scalping that impacts major gaming events worldwide, raising concerns that organizers may need to reconsider the distribution of such promotional items in the future to ensure attendee safety.