The Tokyo Game Show 2025 officially kicked off at Makuhari Messe in Chiba on Thursday, marking its largest edition to date. Organized by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), the four-day gaming showcase has drawn a record-breaking 1,100 exhibitors from both Japan and overseas, surpassing last year’s 985 participants.
Organizers expect approximately 250,000 attendees to visit the annual event, which continues through September 28. With over 1,200 titles on display, the exhibition highlights both blockbuster releases and a strong surge in independent game development.
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This year, indie creators are in the spotlight through the “Selected Indie 80” program, which showcases 80 standout titles chosen from a record 1,365 submissions. The initiative reflects CESA’s growing commitment to nurturing the next generation of game developers.
One such indie project is Near Pin Go, a golf simulator developed independently by Yu Ikeda, a 45-year-old engineer. The game, designed for Apple Watch users, allows players to swing virtually at any real-world location set as a golf course. Priced at 10,000 yen (around $67) annually, the app will launch later this year via Apple’s platform. “The best thing is that I can freely create what I believe is fun, unlike major game makers where hundreds of people are involved in a single project,” Ikeda explained.
Japanese indie success stories are also influencing mainstream media. The Exit 8, a walking simulator set in underground passageways, recently achieved cult popularity and was even adapted into a feature film in Japan earlier this year.
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Industry analysts note that digital distribution platforms are helping smaller studios compete on a global stage. “The environment now allows for sudden breakout hits, as indie developers can release directly online without relying on traditional retail,” said Eiji Maeda, senior analyst at SMBC Nikko Securities.
The gaming industry continues to play an increasingly vital role in Japan’s economy. According to CESA, the domestic gaming market has expanded by 1.5 times over the past five years, reaching 31 trillion yen in 2024.
Since its launch in 1996, the Tokyo Game Show has grown into one of the world’s premier gaming events, standing alongside Germany’s Gamescom. Supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the event dedicates its first two days to media and industry professionals, before opening doors to the general public over the weekend.
