Chaos Erupts at Tokyo Game Show Over Grand Theft Auto 6 Merchandise Amid Scalper Frenzy
Scalping has become a major issue at gaming events, and the Tokyo Game Show 2026 is no exception. After two successful business days for industry insiders, the public days have drawn massive crowds eager to snag free bonuses tied to demos and experiences, with the Grand Theft Auto 6 booth being a focal point of the frenzy.
The line for the GTA 6 booth was cut off just 10 minutes after the doors opened due to reaching maximum capacity.
While the event is celebrating its 30th anniversary with impressive attendance, it had to cancel an additional fifth day due to an approaching typhoon. The demand for exclusive items given to attendees participating in various experiences has been intense. At the PlayStation booth, for instance, an immersive screening of a recent showcase featured haptic feedback and surround sound, rewarding participants with a free t-shirt adorned with the PlayStation buttons in the game’s signature color gradient.
These shirts quickly found their way onto Japanese auction site Mercari, selling for over 12,000 yen (around $76). On the first public day, entry tickets were snatched up in a rush, with attendees racing to secure both entry and the coveted t-shirt.
The scalping issue extends beyond just games. A special Red Bull area intended to distribute light-up metal tumblers along with free energy drinks had to halt distribution due to overwhelming crowds. Although they resumed later, these tumblers have also been listed on Mercari for over 6,000 yen ($38).
Other sought-after resold items include promotional cards for the Palworld and Final Fantasy trading card games, as well as a special issue of Game Freak’s doujin magazine themed around their new weather-related mobile game.
The rush for these exclusive items is not just a matter of excitement; it’s creating unsafe conditions for attendees as the crowds swell. Past events have seen similar issues with items like Metal Gear Solid t-shirts, raising concerns that future giveaways might be scaled back to avoid such chaos. This situation highlights that even in Japan, the impact of scalpers is a growing concern.
