The complete stage schedule for the Tokyo Indie Games Summit 2025 has been officially released, promising an exciting weekend for developers and fans. Taking place from March 8 to 9 in Kichijoji, Tokyo, the event organized by Phoenixx will feature live game demos, industry panels, and competitive tournaments. Fans who cannot attend in person will be able to watch the entire event live on YouTube.
Kicking off with a Grand Opening
The summit will begin on Saturday, March 8, at 13:30 JST with an official opening ceremony. Musashino Mayor Yasuhiro Komino and Phoenixx CEO Kazunori Sakamoto are scheduled to deliver welcoming remarks. Their goal is to set a collaborative tone for the event, which aims to help indie developers showcase their work and connect with industry leaders.
Following the opening, a mysterious session labeled “Coming Soon” is scheduled for 14:00. Organizers are keeping the details of this session a secret, leading to widespread speculation about a potential surprise announcement or a special guest.
A Deep Dive into New Games and Publishing
At 15:00, the Indie Game Journal will host a special stage event to highlight some of the most promising titles at the summit. This session will provide a platform for developers to connect directly with the audience.
- Hosts will play selected indie games live on stage, giving their first impressions.
- The showcase is an excellent opportunity for attendees to discover hidden gems.
- Developers will share the creative vision and passion behind their projects.
The first day concludes with a panel on the business of indie games from 16:00 to 17:00. Experienced publishers will discuss the challenges and opportunities in the industry. They will offer insights on what makes a game marketable and how developers can find the right publishing partner for their projects.
Day Two Brings Fierce Competition and Exclusive Previews
The second day, Sunday, March 9, starts with high energy at 11:30. An event titled “Niji Sanji Liver Participating in the Battle to Decide the Kichijoji Pirate King!” will see attendees compete against each other. The competition will also feature members of the popular VTuber group Niji Sanji, blending gaming with streaming culture.
The competitive action continues at 12:45 with a tournament for the real-time strategy game Jelly Troops: Slime Master Wanted!. Players will compete to be named the best strategist in Japan.
Tokyo Indie Games Summit 2025 Full Schedule
| Date | Time (JST) | Event |
|---|---|---|
| March 8 | 13:30 | Opening Ceremony |
| March 8 | 15:00 | Indie Game Journal Special Stage Vol. 1 |
| March 8 | 16:00 | Indie Game Publishing Panel |
| March 9 | 11:30 | Niji Sanji Kichijoji Pirate King Battle |
| March 9 | 12:45 | Jelly Troops Tournament |
| March 9 | 15:00 | Dark Character Love Comedy Special Stage |
| March 9 | 16:00 | Tokyo Indie Games Summit Award Ceremony |
The afternoon will feature more game demos and a special stage event at 15:00 for a unique game described as a “Dark Character Love Comedy.” This session will offer exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from the developers and voice actors.
Honoring Creativity with a New Award
The summit will conclude at 16:00 with the first-ever Tokyo Indie Games Summit Award ceremony. This new initiative was created to recognize and celebrate the most creative and innovative indie games from around the world.
Phoenixx CEO Kazunori Sakamoto stated that the award is a way to celebrate groundbreaking projects and inspire developers. With the growing influence of indie games, this award could become a significant honor for emerging creators in the industry.
