KYOTO, Japan – May 19th, 2025 – BitSummit, Japan’s leading indie game festival, announced its official sponsor lineup, marking its first major conjuring under this year’s chilling “Summer of Yōkai” theme. Drawing inspiration from Japan’s folklore, BitSummit the 13th summons creativity to meet wicked spirits and ghostly mischief in Kyoto’s Miyako Messe from Friday, July 18th to Sunday, July 20th. Tickets for both business and public days are now available.
BitSummit is happy to welcome back Sony Interactive Entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., and Cygames, Inc. and many more to celebrate the traditional chilling festivities of Japanese hot summers. More returning sponsors include Devolver Digital, Happinet, SHUEISHA GAMES Inc., ID@Xbox, Kakehashi Games, INTI CREATES, as well as new friends Asobism, Pocketpair, KOCCA and more! Please visit BitSummit the 13th Official Website for the complete lineup.
BitSummit the 13th, A Realm Where Indie Spirits Run Free // Where Creativity Meets the Mystique of Yōkai
Whether summoned by the industry ties, or drawn by the love for indie games, all are welcome at BitSummit:
- For industry professionals, Friday, July 18, is Business Day. This day offers access to exclusive networking opportunities through the MeetToMatch platform. The platform connects developers, publishers and media for face-to-face meetings. In addition, each ticket includes entry to the weekend public days and the Friday night after-party.
- For fans and the general public, the doors open on July 19 and 20. Attendees will have the chance to go hands-on with some of the most creative and exciting indie titles from Japan and around the world—and meet the developers behind them. The weekend offers a unique opportunity to discover hidden gems and experience the heart of the indie scene up close.
Tickets for Business Day and Public Days are available online at the following links:
Press registration is now open
Accredited media will receive full access to the venue and may use the MeetToMatch platform to schedule interviews with exhibitors. Applications can be submitted through the registration form linked below. The deadline to apply is June 30th, 2025.
Main Features: A Celebration of Indie Innovation
Since it’s debut in 2013, BitSummit has grown from a small local gathering into a global hub for independent games, drawing more than 40,000 attendees in recent years. The 13th edition continues that momentum, offering a broad range of opportunities for discovery, networking and creative exchange.
BitSummit the 13th invites attendees to experience the very best in indie gaming, offering an exciting mix of opportunities for discovery, networking, and creativity:
- Playable Games: Explore a curated selection of games from indie developers from around the world. Whether on-site or through online demos, players can experience unique gameplay and fresh ideas firsthand.
- Influencer Booths: Connect with popular influencers as they showcase games through live streams and interactive sessions, bringing the energy and excitement of the event to a global audience.
- Official Live Streaming: BitSummit’s official channels will broadcast exclusive event coverage, offering fans everywhere a front-row seat to the action.
- B2B Networking: Developers, publishers, and industry professionals gather in designated spaces to build partnerships and foster collaboration, advancing the indie gaming scene.
- Media Interview Opportunities: Journalists and content creators will have access to developers and their stories, providing a deeper look into the games and the creative minds behind them.
“BitSummit has grown into something truly special—a community where the games industry and fans come together to celebrate the creativity of Japanese indies,” says John Davis, co-founder and member of JIGA. “Every year, we hear stories of friendships formed over drinks by the river, new ideas sparked between developers, and deals made in the most unexpected places. We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to Kyoto to celebrate connection, creativity, and a touch of yōkai mischief!”
For more information concerning business tickets and regular visitor passes, please visit the BitSummit Official website.
BitSummit The 13th takes place from Friday, July 18th to Sunday, July 20th 2025. All three days' operation hours are from 10:00 AM JST until 05:00 PM JST. BitSummit The 13th will broadcast from the main stage on both days, live on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok in Japanese and English.
Additional information regarding participating titles, special guest speakers, streaming booths, influencers, and sponsors will be unveiled in the coming weeks. For more information, please visit the BitSummit Official website or follow BitSummit on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Press and influencers registrations are now open here until June 30th, 2025.
About BitSummit
BitSummit is an annual festival based in Kyoto, celebrating independent game developers and development in Japan. Founded in late 2012 to support, unify, and evangelize the vibrant and innovative Japanese independent game development scene to the world at large, BitSummit has established itself as Japan's premier independent gaming event, attracting thousands of visitors annually, as well as a notable, international media presence. BitSummit has been covered by every leading gaming website worldwide and featured in print publications such as Weekly Famitsu, Dengeki PlayStation, GamesTM, EDGE, and more. BitSummit has also been the focus of panel discussions at the Game Developers Conference, IndieCade, IndieCade East, and CEDEC. BitSummit continues to grow alongside the burgeoning Japanese independent development scene in its tenth year running.
BitSummit is organized by the Japan Independent Games Aggregate (JIGA): Q-Games Ltd, Skeleton Crew Studios, Pygmy Studio Co. Ltd., and BlackSheep.