The indie game festival 'BitSummit' was held in Kyoto, Japan, from May 22 to 24. I had often heard of its reputation as the largest indie game event in Asia, but this was my first time visiting in person. As INVEN became an official media partner for BitSummit this year, I was able to capture the excitement of the venue firsthand.
The first thing I noticed upon arriving was that the scale of the event exceeded my expectations. According to Masahiko Murakami, a director at JIGA (Japan Independent Games Aggregate Association), the event has been steadily growing since last year, now utilizing two floors (the 1st and 3rd) of the 'Miyako Messe' exhibition hall. Indeed, both spaces were packed with visitors, with no single floor feeling overcrowded.
The feast of experimental and witty entries also caught my eye. While there were well-made games presented by large publishers, the venue was filled with indie games that bet on clever ideas rather than flashy graphics. I encountered challenging titles designed for creative fun everywhere: games about pouring draft beer, flipping okonomiyaki, launching socks hanging on a clothesline, and even one where you run while wearing a randoseru (a Japanese elementary school backpack) and trip to spill your items far away.
Beyond game demos, various side events kept visitors engaged. In a special area decorated with a fantasy theme, organizers sold themed items, offered tarot readings, and provided fantasy-style music and food. Listening to a live band while eating made me feel like I had stepped into an inn within a game to restore my stamina—a strange and immersive experience.
Another notable feature was the high proportion of families visiting with their children. Seeing children seriously experiencing various indie games with their parents' encouragement highlighted the event's broad accessibility.
In summary, the 'BitSummit' I observed over the past three days was a comprehensive festival dedicated to the pure exploration of gaming fun. It was an event that went beyond simple demos, bringing all the joys possible through the medium of games into the offline world. Since words alone cannot fully convey the heat and unique atmosphere of the venue, I have captured the scene in photos so you can experience it vicariously.
This article was originally written in Korean and translated with the help of NC AI. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
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