The highly anticipated Tokyo Indie Games Summit 2025 is set to take place from March 8 to 9 in Kichijoji, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan. Organized by Phoenixx, this annual event brings together independent game creators, industry leaders, and passionate fans for two days of game showcases, panel discussions, and competitive battles.
This year’s summit will feature a mix of business sessions, live game demonstrations, tournaments, and the newly introduced Tokyo Indie Games Summit Award. Fans worldwide can tune in via YouTube to watch the action unfold.
A Grand Opening with Industry Leaders
The event kicks off on March 8 at 13:30 JST with an official opening ceremony. Musashino Mayor Yasuhiro Komino and Phoenixx CEO Kazunori Sakamoto will welcome attendees and set the tone for the summit. The aim? To create a space where indie developers can showcase their talent, connect with industry professionals, and push their games to the next level.
At 14:00, an undisclosed session labeled “Coming Soon” is on the schedule. Organizers are keeping this under wraps, sparking speculation about a surprise reveal or an unexpected guest appearance.
Indie Game Journal Highlights Must-See Titles
Later that day, at 15:00, the Indie Game Journal Tokyo Indie Games Summit Special Stage Vol. 1 takes the spotlight. This session will shine a light on some of the most exciting indie titles featured at the summit.
- The hosts will play select games live on stage, offering real-time impressions and insights.
- Viewers can discover hidden gems and learn about the creative process behind these indie projects.
- Developers will have a platform to share their passion and vision directly with fans.
This session promises to be a treasure trove for anyone looking to expand their indie game library.
Publishers Speak: The Business of Indie Games
The final session on March 8, running from 16:00 to 17:00, dives into indie game publishing. A panel of experienced publishers will discuss the challenges, opportunities, and realities of supporting indie developers.
What makes a game marketable? How do indie creators find the right publishing partner? Expect honest conversations, industry insights, and maybe even some inside stories from the world of game publishing.
Day Two Kicks Off with a Pirate-Themed Battle
Day two (March 9) begins with an action-packed competition at 11:30. A special event titled “Niji Sanji Liver Participating in the Battle to Decide the Kichijoji Pirate King!” will pit general attendees against each other in a strategic showdown.
Adding to the excitement, members of VTuber group Niji Sanji will join the battle. This event merges gaming, streaming culture, and community participation, making it one of the summit’s most anticipated moments.
Strategy Showdown: Japan’s Best Jelly Troops Player
At 12:45, competitive gaming takes center stage with a tournament for Jelly Troops: Slime Master Wanted!—a real-time strategy game by GYAAR Studio.
Players will battle to claim the title of Japan’s No.1 Jelly Troops strategist in an intense flag-stealing showdown. Given the game’s simple mechanics but deep strategy, this tournament could be a thrilling watch.
More Game Demos and a Dark Character Love Comedy
At 14:00, the second volume of the Indie Game Journal Special Stage continues, highlighting more standout indie games.
Then, at 15:00, a unique session titled Special Stage by Dark Character Love Comedy will provide an inside look into an upcoming game where every character has a “dark” personality. Expect exclusive developer stories, voice actor insights, and behind-the-scenes details that won’t be available elsewhere.
Tokyo Indie Games Summit Award: Honoring Creativity
The grand finale, scheduled for 16:00 on March 9, is the debut of the Tokyo Indie Games Summit Award. This new initiative aims to recognize the most innovative and creative indie games from around the world.
Phoenixx CEO Kazunori Sakamoto describes this as a way to celebrate groundbreaking indie projects and encourage developers to push creative boundaries. With indie games gaining increasing recognition on the global stage, this award could become an important milestone for developers.
