【The deadline for general exhibition entries has been extended from 31 December to 7 January】

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the current malfunction in the entry system.

Therefore, the deadline for general exhibitor entries for “BitSummit PUNCH” has been extended as follows:

Previous: Wednesday, 31st December, 16:00
Revised: Wednesday, 7th January, 16:00

▼ Apply here
https://bs-entry-system.com
※ Applications submitted during the extension period are only eligible for the “Standard Entry Fee”.

Exhibition Fees
【Entry Fee】: ¥2,750 (tax included) per title
【Entry Application Deadline】: Until 16:00 on Friday, 7th January
※The entry fee covers the review costs associated with title submissions.
※Please note that entry fees are non-refundable regardless of the review outcome.

Kyoto, Japan – The BitSummit Executive Committee is excited to announce that BitSummit PUNCH will take place from May 22 (Fri.) to May 24 (Sun.), 2026, at the Kyoto Municipal Industrial Promotion Hall (Miyako Messe).

BitSummit PUNCH: High Impact

This year’s theme, High Impact, celebrates how independent developers with limited resources create games that significantly influence the industry. It’s not just about efficiency—it’s about creative purity and passion transforming into world-changing experiences. Miyako Messe will become a showcase where indie game innovation meets the power of meaningful impact.

With industry leaders as sponsors and collaborations with influential Japanese and global media, this year’s festival offers developers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their creations and connect with key players in the industry.

Friday, May 22 will serve as a dedicated Business Day, providing developers, publishers, media, and sponsors with focused B2B networking opportunities. Saturday and Sunday (May 23–24) open to the public, welcoming gaming enthusiasts to experience the latest innovations in indie game development.

Developers ready to showcase their games can submit their entries via the BitSummit submission portal or visit the website for more details. Sponsors eager to align themselves with this celebration of creativity can contact us at contact@bitsummit.org.

Entries open: October 30th, 2025
Entries close: December 31st, 2025

Join us in Kyoto for BitSummit PUNCH—a festival where the passion of indie gaming meets high-impact innovation!

Main Attractions: A Celebration of Indie Innovation

BitSummit PUNCH 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 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.

Exhibitor Application Details

Application portal: https://bs-entry-system.com/
Submission FAQ: https://bitsummit.org/submission-faq-jpn/
Application fee: ¥2,750 (~$18 USD) per title
Application deadline: December 31, 2025 at 4:00 PM JST
Booth fee (upon selection): ¥33,000 (~$220 USD)

The application fee covers the review process and is non-refundable. Student discounts are available for booth fees—please visit the application portal for complete details.

Event Information

Event: BitSummit PUNCH
Dates: May 22 (Fri.), 23 (Sat.), 24 (Sun.), 2026
Time: 10:00–17:00
Venue: Kyoto Municipal Industrial Promotion Hall (Miyako Messe)

Organized by:

BitSummit Executive Committee
Japan Independent Games Association (JIGA)
Kyoto Prefecture
Co-hosted by: KYOTO CMEX
Production: Oricom

JIGA Members: Q-Games, Pygmy Studio, Skeleton Crew Studio, BlackSheep Consulting

Contact Information

Press Inquiries: press@bitsummit.org
General Information: contact@bitsummit.org

Follow BitSummit:

X (Twitter): https://x.com/BitSummitJP
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bitsummit9945
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/bitsummit
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bitsummit
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bitsummit/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bitsummit/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bitsummit.bsky.social

Ready to make a high impact in Japan’s indie gaming scene? BitSummit PUNCH 2026 sponsorship opportunities are now available, offering your company unparalleled access to Japan’s vibrant gaming community and international developer network.

Event Overview: BitSummit PUNCH 2026

Theme: “High Impact” – Celebrating how indie developers’ passion transforms into world-changing power

Dates:

• Business Day: May 22 (Friday) – Exclusive industry networking
• Public Days: May 23-24 (Saturday-Sunday) – Open to all attendees

Venue: Kyoto City Miyako Messe (All Halls)

Expected Attendance: 60,000+ visitors based on our growing year-over-year success

Why Partner with BitSummit?

BitSummit has evolved from a small 200-person gathering in 2013 to Japan’s premier indie game festival, attracting over 58,000 visitors in 2025. As a sponsor, you’ll gain:

Direct Industry Access

• Connect with Japan’s thriving indie gaming community
• Network with international developers and publishers
• Utilize our MeetToMatch B2B matching system for targeted meetings

Unmatched Media Exposure

• Coverage from major Japanese media partners including Famitsu, IGN Japan, 4Gamer, Dengeki Online, and Game*Spark
• Live streaming across multiple platforms
• International press coverage reaching Western audiences including VGC and IGN

Sponsorship Options

We offer multiple sponsorship tiers to match your marketing objectives and budget:

• Platinum Sponsor – Maximum visibility with the largest booth space and premium benefits
• Gold Sponsor – Substantial presence with stage presentation opportunities
• Silver Sponsor – Solid booth presence with comprehensive marketing exposure
• Bronze Sponsor – Entry-level sponsorship with core benefits
• Corporate Exhibitor – Flexible options for indie publishers and game companies

🆕 NEW for 2026: Double Booth Plan now available for qualifying sponsors!

Comprehensive Sponsor Benefits

Every sponsorship includes:

• ✅ Exhibition space in venue
• ✅ Logo placement on marketing materials
• ✅ Official website promotion
• ✅ Game showcase on Steam store page
• ✅ Complimentary event passes
• ✅ Invitation tickets for clients/partners
• ✅ After Party networking access

Higher-tier sponsors receive additional perks including main stage presentation slots and enhanced visibility throughout the event.

Important Dates to Remember

• Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
• Payment Deadline: February 27, 2026
• Event Dates: May 22-24, 2026

Ready to Make an Impact?

With BitSummit’s proven track record of connecting Japanese games with global markets and fostering international partnerships, sponsoring BitSummit PUNCH 2026 positions your company at the heart of indie gaming innovation.

Download our comprehensive sponsorship deck for detailed information about:

• Complete benefit breakdowns by tier
• Booth specifications and layouts
• Past event metrics and success stories
• Media reach and audience demographics

Let’s Connect

Interested in learning how BitSummit PUNCH can amplify your 2026 strategy? We’d love to discuss a sponsorship package tailored to your objectives.

Contact our sponsorship team: contact@bitsummit.org

Don’t miss this opportunity to align your brand with Japan’s most influential indie gaming event. Applications are open now through January 30, 2026.

Join us in Kyoto for BitSummit PUNCH – where passion meets impact!

“This year’s selection once again showcases an extraordinary range of games, and it’s an honor to spotlight some of the most exceptional titles,” said John Davis of the BitSummit Awards Committee. “We’re incredibly proud of all the nominees, and thrilled to celebrate their creativity, passion, and innovation on the BitSummit stage.”

The Nominees for the BitSummit 2025 Awards are:

VERMILION GATE AWARD 

• Cairn – The Game Bakers
• Electro Bop Boxing League – Developer Dob
• Hauntii – Moonloop Games
• MotionRec – HANDSUM
• ODDADA – Sven Ahlgrimm
• Ratatan – Ratata Arts
• Tournamentris – Studio ZeF

INTERNATIONAL AWARD 

• A Week in the Life of Asocial Giraffe – Quail Button
• Alabaster Dawn – Radical Fish Games
• Bits & Bops – Tempo Lab Games
• Cloudheim – Noodle Cat Games
• Enter the Chronosphere – Joystick Ventures
• Miniatures – Other Tales Interactive
• No Players Online – BEESWAX GAMES

INNOVATIVE OUTLAW AWARD

• Ascending Inferno – Oppolyon Studios
• Baby Steps – Gabe Cuzzillo, Maxi Boch, Bennett Foddy
• Building Relationships – Tan Ant Games
• Crazy Sonic – HiroshiIdenoPresents
• Curtain Drop – CrazyDrops.Dev
• Dyping Escape – Heaviside Creations
• Flip Panic! – Software Control Corporation

EXCELLENCE IN GAME DESIGN AWARD

• Forestrike – Skeleton Crew Studio
• Henry Halfhead – Lululu Entertainement
• Hirogami – Bandai Namco Studios Singapore, Bandai Namco Studios Malaysia
• KaruQ – NekoUp
• MOP’N SPARK – Omoplata Games
• Telebbit – IKINAGAMES
• Tournamentris – Studio ZeF

VISUAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

• A Passing in the Night – .iris
• AWAYSIS – 17-BIT
• Dreams of Another – Q-Games
• Hauntii – Moonloop Games
• Hotel Barcelona – White Owls Inc.
• I Hate This Place – Rock Square Thunder
• Love Eternal – brlka

EXCELLENCE IN SOUND DESIGN AWARD

• Bits & Bops – Tempo Lab Games
• Earthion – エインシャント
• Electro Bop Boxing League – Developer Dob
• MeloMisterio -play your melody- – Gentle Giants LLC
• ODDADA – Sven Ahlgrimm
• Ratatan – Ratata Arts
• Tempopo – Witch Beam

Additional honors include the Popular Selection Award and the Kids Selection Award, both to be decided by attendee vote during the event. Results will be announced during the award ceremony on July 19, with attendee-voted categories revealed on July 20.

Special distinctions such as the PlayStation® Award, ID@Xbox Award, and media partner awards (including Famitsu, Dengeki Online, Game*Spark, IGN Japan, 4Gamer, VGC, and Game Makers) will also be presented. Recognition will be given to the winners of the Student Game Jam Award.

1 2 3 ►

Live performances, developer talks, and world premieres anchor the first wave of six major announcements for Japan’s largest indie game festival in Kyoto.

KYOTO, Japan – July 1st, 2025 – BitSummit, Japan’s leading indie game festival, unveils the first round of stage programming for this year’s event, BitSummit The 13th: Summer of Yōkai. Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu headlines with his band conTIKI, joined by chiptune pioneer and Game Boy Camera creator Chip Tanaka and viral composer OkanP. Also joining the stage are industry veterans Hideki Kamiya, Boku no Natsuyasumi (aka My Summer Vacation) creator Kaz Ayabe, and Jiro Ishii, creator of the popular 428: Shibuya Scramble.

Making his BitSummit debut, veteran composer Nobuo Uematsu will perform Saturday, July 19, as keyboardist with his band conTIKI. Formed in 2021, the group’s live set often features a solo segment of Final Fantasy arrangements from the 2022 LP Modulation, conTIKI’s multimedia project and latest album Akarigatari—which blends narration, visuals, and music.

Regarding his first appearance at the annual event, Uematsu says “Thank you for inviting me to BitSummit. I have never performed in Kyoto with an orchestra or band before, so this BitSummit will be my debut in Kyoto. …I wonder what will happen? We look forward to seeing you all at the venue!”

Composer, Hirokazu “Chip” Tanaka, the legendary sound designer, musician, and producer behind the Game Boy Camera, and the Metroid, MOTHER, and Tetris soundtracks, will take the stage on the final day at BitSummit for a special hometown appearance. An active chiptune artist since 2007, Tanaka’s set is shaped by decades of game sound innovation and a distinct electronic style.

Veteran game composer OkanP (aka Harumi Fujita) and viral TikTok sensation, best known for her work at Capcom on titles such as Mega Man 3, Final Fight, Pulstar, and Tomba!, will also perform on the BitSummit stage. In her first festival appearance since going viral, she’ll  compose a brand new track live on stage, showcasing the same quick-fire creativity behind her debut video “Can you make a song like Rockman?”, which surpassed 2.8 million views, and sparked a following of over 300,000 followers across multiple platforms.

This year’s speakers panel is made up of a celebrated array of renowned game creators, some making their very first appearances at BitSummit, who will discuss and dissect their legacy, and do a deep dive on how creators shape their worlds. In a rare public appearance, Boku no Natsuyasumi creator Kaz Ayabe [Natsu-Mon! 20th Century Summer Vacation, Attack of the Friday Monsters! A Tokyo Tale] will speak at BitSummit, tracing his path from early work to the creation of his signature series under his own studio, Millennium Kitchen.

BitSummit is also excited to welcome back Clovers Inc., founder Hideki Kamiya [Okami, Resident Evil 2, Wonderful 101], joined by Crystal Noda, the creator of the Noda Game series of party games, for a special joint session, where they’ll dive into the evolving role of technology and individuality in game development.

Capping off this round of announcements is Shibuya Scramble Stories, a newly unveiled narrative game by Jiro Ishii, best known for the live-action title 428: Shibuya Scramble, with BitSummit hosting the first look at the project as a world premiere.

For more information concerning business tickets and regular visitor passes, please visit the BitSummit Official website. 

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 website and Discord server or follow BitSummit on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Join BitSummit this July in Kyoto!

Industry professionals are invited to Business Day on Friday, July 18, featuring exclusive MeetToMatch networking and access to the full weekend and after-party.

Tickets for Business Day and Public Days are available online at the following links:

Domestic (JP)

International (EN)
*Business ticket sales will end on Monday, July 7th, 23:59 AM JST.

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 July 7th, 2025.

Apply for Press Credentials