Japan's Largest Analog Gaming Event, "Game Market 2025 Autumn," to Be Held at Makuhari Messe on November 22 and 23, with a Record 1,368 Booths Expected to Participate
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/991/G999110/20251024039/
Editorial Department: René | 2025/10/24 07:37 (UTC)
ArcLight announced today (October 24, 2025) that the largest domestic analog gaming event in Japan, “Game Market 2025 Autumn,” will be held over two days—November 22 and 23—at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture (Halls 3–6).
This year’s event will feature a record-breaking 1,368 booths—more than ever before—with large-scale projects in puzzle-solving games and TRPGs also planned.
“Game Market” is a comprehensive analog gaming festival targeting all types of “power-free games,” including board games, card games, TRPGs (tabletop role-playing games), TCGs (trading card games), and murder mystery games. Since its first event in 2000, it has over two decades of history. The previous edition (spring 2025) attracted approximately 27,000 visitors.
This year’s event will be newly supported by the city of Chiba, which is also serving as host. At Makuhari Messe, visitors can not only purchase games but also participate in hands-on play sessions and enjoy stage events.
Additionally, a new exhibition category has been introduced specifically for illustrators and graphic designers. This is expected to become a hub for collaboration among creators and the unveiling of original works. For more details, see the official press release below.
Official “Game Market” Website
＜Below is the content from the manufacturer’s press release as-is＞
Japan’s Largest Analog Gaming Event ‘Game Market 2025 Autumn’ to Be Held at Makuhari Messe This November with Record-Breaking Participation!
More Than 1,300 Exhibitors Expected—A Festival Celebrating the Diversification of Analog Games!
ArcLight Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo) has announced that the largest domestic analog gaming event, “Game Market 2025 Autumn,” will be held at Makuhari Messe Halls 3–6 on Saturday, November 22, and Sunday, November 23. The event is now supported by the city of Chiba.
With a record-breaking 1,368 participating booths—more than ever before—the festival features major new projects in puzzle games and TRPGs, as well as a brand-new exhibition category tailored for illustrators and graphic designers. This year’s gathering will offer an immersive experience showcasing the current diversity of analog gaming. The event is also newly supported by Chiba City.
The Festival of Analog Games: “Game Market”
▼ What Are Analog Games?
Analog games refer to all types of games that do not require electricity, including board games, card games, tabletop games, TRPGs (tabletop role-playing games), TCGs (trading card games), and murder mystery games. While the inherent fun of gaming remains central, in recent years these activities have gained attention as a “communication tool” that fosters face-to-face interaction amid an increasingly digital world.
▼ What Is Game Market?
Game Market is Japan’s largest analog gaming festival, with over 20 years of history since its inaugural event in 2000. It welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy analog games throughout the day. The spring 2025 edition drew approximately 27,000 visitors, making it a vibrant showcase for newly created games from exhibitors—featuring major product launches, pre-sales, and exclusive event items.
A hallmark of the event is that visitors can not only purchase games but also watch stage events and play on-site with live explanations from exhibitors. The collective efforts of all participants and attendees have led to this year’s new support from Chiba City.
Furthermore, this year introduces a new exhibition category specifically for illustrators and graphic designers involved in analog games. In addition to showcasing and selling diverse works, the event aims to spark collaborations and matchmaking between game creators, paving the way for many exciting new creations.
▼ See the Venue in Action!
New Projects Abound—Must-See Zones
▼ This Year’s Game Market Is Hot on Puzzle Games: “Mystery Festival”
Focusing on the rising popularity of puzzle games, Game Market is co-hosting a two-day festival called “Mystery Festival” with multiple puzzle game groups. Attendees can enjoy mystery-themed drinks and food from puzzle cafes, as well as expanded roaming-style puzzle games. On Sunday, experience-based games such as “Babel,” performance-style events like the “Puzzle Festival,” and stage competitions including the “Hirameki 1 Grand Prix” will be held—all offering nonstop fun for puzzle lovers.
▼ This Year’s Game Market Is Hot on TRPGs: “TRPG Guild”
TRPG stands for tabletop role-playing game—a form of analog gaming where stories are advanced through conversation. This year’s special zone, “TRPG Guild,” features new additions such as the Cthulhu Mythos TRPG corner from KADOKAWA and the dedicated label “Dragon Book,” expanding the area significantly. Visitors can enjoy hands-on trials, exhibitions, and merchandise sales of major titles currently shaping today’s TRPG scene. A curated exhibition providing a broad perspective on TRPGs will also be featured—offering an ideal space to discover your favorite TRPG.
▼ Can’t Wait Until Game Day? “Game Market Pre-Event”
To meet the demand from fans who want to enjoy Game Market more deeply or feel that two days aren’t enough, a series of related events spanning over one week—called “Game Market Pre-Event”—will be held.
▼ Spreading the Board Game Wave Worldwide
In recent years, more international publishers have participated in Game Market with the goal of publishing games first launched in Japan. To support this growing global interest, Game Market will continue its “International Business Participation Program,” introduced last year. Participating companies will also join the pre-event business meetings during “Game Market Pre-Week” to facilitate even more active discussions. Please watch for Game Market’s expanding role as a bridge connecting international gaming businesses.
Additionally, this year’s special stage will feature a guest appearance by Shogo Hayashi of OKAZU brand, the winner of the prestigious 2025 German Game of the Year Award (Spiel des Jahres). We’ll celebrate this historic achievement by Japanese creators together with attendees. The event will also reflect on OKAZU brand’s journey at Game Market and explore rare insights into their globally recognized works—information you can only hear here. Be sure to look forward to it!
▼ Collaboration with the Pop Culture Festival “Tokyo Comic Con”
Game Market actively extends its reach beyond analog gaming into broader pop culture collaborations. As part of this initiative, a joint project with “Tokyo Comic Con 2025,” to be held at Makuhari Messe from Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7, has been realized. First launched in 2016, Tokyo Comic Con is a festival celebrating all forms of pop culture—enjoyed by families and people of all ages. The event brings together diverse entertainment—from Hollywood stars like Johnny Depp and Norman Reedus, to films, anime, games, comics, professional wrestling, karaoke, and more—all under one roof—an unforgettable spectacle. A dedicated experience zone called “Players Jungle” will be established within the venue, hosting a Game Market information booth. This powerful collaboration will introduce new connections between analog gaming and pop culture.
Event Overview
Name: Game Market 2025 Autumn
Venue: Makuhari Messe Exhibition Halls 3, 4, 5, 6
Dates: Saturday, November 22, Sunday, November 23, 2025
Hours: November 22 (Sat) 11:00–18:00 | November 23 (Sun) 11:00–17:00
Admission Fee: ¥1,500 (tax included) / Free for high school students and younger
Entry tickets are available at the venue on-site via cash sales. However, an additional fee of ¥500 (tax included) will be charged as a handling fee—so electronic ticket purchases on site are recommended. Electronic tickets purchased on-site can only be paid by credit card.
To enter at 11:00 AM on Saturday, you must purchase the “Early 11:00 Entry Ticket (Sat)” for ¥3,000 (tax included). A total of 2,700 limited tickets will be available—sold exclusively through Pia in a first-come, first-served basis.
※ From 12:00 PM on Saturday and from 11:00 AM on Sunday, entry is free for students with valid ID. Elementary school children may enter free of charge when accompanied by an adult. ※ For early entry at 11:00 AM on Saturday, tickets are required for all attendees under high school age—even if they’re elementary school or younger. However, infants (under school age) can enter free of charge at any time when accompanied by a parent.
For more details about the event, please visit the official website: https://www.gamemarket.jp/
▼ Ticket Purchase Methods
Electronic tickets will be available for pre-sale starting October 24 (Fri), 10:00 a.m., via “eplus” and “Pia.” Note that the ticket types offered may differ depending on the website.
“Pia”
URL: https://w.pia.jp/t/gamemarket/
Ticket Types Available: November 22 (Sat) Early 11:00 Entry Ticket / 12:00 Entry Ticket
November 23 (Sun) 11:00 Entry Ticket
“eplus”
URL: https://eplus.jp/gamemarket/
Ticket Types Available: November 22 (Sat) 12:00 Entry Ticket
November 23 (Sun) 11:00 Entry Ticket
▼ Overseas Travel Tour Application (Sales via Cool Japan Travel)
“Game Market 2025 Autumn Expedition Tour Plan,” designed to support attendees traveling from afar. For details, please see the link below.
URL: https://cooljapan.travel/item/gamemarket_2025a/
▼ Catalogue
On Sale Date: Friday, April 18, 2025
Sales Site (Amazon): https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B08LBJBKCT/
▼ Event Data
Total booths over two days: 1,368
(Area Exhibitors: 88 / General Exhibitors: 1,268 / Special Zones: 12)
▼ Organizer
ArcLight Co., Ltd.
http://www.arclight.co.jp/
▼ Supporter
City of Chiba
▼ Management
Game Market Secretariat
https://gamemarket.jp/