The Tokyo Indie Games Summit 2025 is gearing up for a packed weekend of events, competitions, and indie game presentations. Set to take place on March 8-9 in Kichijoji, Musashino City, Japan, the event promises a mix of business-focused discussions, indie developer showcases, and even a tournament featuring popular Nijisanji Vtubers. For those who can’t attend in person, livestreams will be available on YouTube, ensuring a global audience gets a front-row seat.
Publisher Presentations Kick Off Day One
March 8 is set to be a significant day for indie game developers and enthusiasts alike. Japanese gaming giants like Bandai Namco and Cygames are among the major companies slated to participate, bringing insights into the indie scene and their involvement in it.
The highlight of the day will be the Indie Game Journal event on-stage, where publishers and industry insiders will share news, updates, and discussions surrounding the independent gaming market. While exact details regarding panelists and speakers haven’t been released, expectations are high given the history of past summits.
Many indie developers use this platform to connect with publishers, investors, and fellow creators. It’s a prime networking opportunity, and with companies like Bandai Namco and Cygames involved, the business day could lead to major collaborations and funding announcements.
Day Two Brings More Indie Spotlights and Tournaments
March 9 shifts the focus to the public, offering attendees a chance to explore a variety of indie titles, interact with developers, and watch live competitions. The Indie Game Journal Part 2 showcase will continue highlighting standout projects from Japanese and international developers, giving exposure to games that may otherwise fly under the radar.
For gaming fans, this day offers more than just presentations. Two highly anticipated competitions will take center stage:
- Jelly Troops Tournament – Attendees can participate in this game’s tournament, adding a competitive edge to the summit.
- Nijisanji Vtuber Tournament featuring Blazing Sails – This unique event pits Nijisanji’s virtual YouTubers against each other in an intense multiplayer showdown. While the exact lineup of participating Vtubers hasn’t been announced, past events suggest it will be a must-watch spectacle for fans.
Livestreams and Digital Access for Global Audiences
Even if you’re not in Japan, there’s no need to miss out. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube, and previous summits have ensured that recorded presentations remain available afterward.
In 2024, separate streams were available for both day one and day two, meaning viewers could easily access the parts of the summit that interested them most. A similar approach is expected this year, making it easy for global indie game fans to tune in.
A Strong Lineup of Indie Games
The event isn’t just about discussions and competitions—there are plenty of exciting indie games confirmed for the showcase. Here’s a look at some notable titles attendees can expect to see:
| Title | Developer | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Building Relationships | TBD | Narrative Adventure |
| Cthulhu Mythos ADV: The Island Sinking in the Curse | TBD | Horror Adventure |
| Devil Reversi | TBD | Strategy |
| Dream Channel Zero | TBD | Psychological Horror |
| Firefly | TBD | Puzzle |
| The Hero’s Party was Defeated | TBD | RPG |
| Kemono Tea Time | TBD | Cozy Simulation |
| The Legend of the Hundred Swordsmen | TBD | Action RPG |
| Minami Lane | TBD | Slice-of-Life Adventure |
| Mobile Battleship Gundog: Solar System Story | TBD | Sci-Fi Strategy |
| Ratatan | TBD | Rhythm-Based Strategy |
| Saeko: Giantess Dating Sim | TBD | Comedy Dating Sim |
This list barely scratches the surface. Many of these games are slated for worldwide releases, further highlighting the global reach of Tokyo Indie Games Summit.
Pop-Up Shop Poll: Which Character Should Be Featured?
There’s also some fan interaction happening outside of the main schedule. A community poll is asking attendees and fans which character should be featured in an upcoming pop-up shop. The options include:
- Near
- Mello
- L
- Light
It’s unclear whether this will lead to exclusive event merchandise, but it’s a fun way for fans to engage and have a say in event-related content.
What’s Next?
With just over a month before the Tokyo Indie Games Summit 2025 kicks off, more details will likely emerge soon, including exact schedules, participating publishers, and confirmed panelists. Whether you’re attending in person or watching online, this year’s summit is shaping up to be an exciting moment for indie gaming.
