Indie Game Event "BitSummit PUNCH" to be Held at Kyoto's Miyako Messe, May 22–24, 2026; Theme: High Impact
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/991/G999110/20251030020/
Editorial Department: Yagishima | 2025/10/30 07:00 (UTC)
The BitSummit Executive Committee announced today (October 30, 2025) that the indie game event “BitSummit PUNCH” will be held at Kyoto City Industrial Center Miyako Messe from May 22 to May 24, 2026, with May 22 designated as the Business Day.
BitSummit is Japan’s largest annual indie game festival, held every year in Kyoto. Founded in the second half of 2012 with the mission to promote interesting domestic indie games internationally, it began as a small industry-focused event in 2013 with around 200 attendees. By 2025, it had grown into a major event attracting over 58,000 visitors. The 2026 edition will mark its 14th year.
The theme for BitSummit 2026 is “High Impact.” This term signifies making significant industry-wide impacts with limited resources. It reflects the belief that creativity’s purity and passion—not mere efficiency—can become powerful forces that move the world.
May 22 will be a Business Day, exclusively for developers, publishers, media representatives, sponsors, and other industry professionals. May 23 and 24 are open to general visitors, allowing everyone to fully experience the charm of indie games.
Applications from exhibitors have officially opened today. Please refer to the official press release below for details.
BitSummit Official Website
Japan’s Largest Indie Game Event
“BitSummit PUNCH 2026” – Exhibitor Applications Now Open!
This Year’s Theme: ‘High Impact’
The BitSummit Executive Committee is pleased to announce that the upcoming 2026 edition of Japan’s largest indie game event, “BitSummit PUNCH,” will be held at Kyoto City Industrial Center Miyako Messe from May 22 (Friday) to May 24 (Sunday). Applications for exhibitors have now officially begun.
The theme for BitSummit 2026 is ‘High Impact.’
‘High Impact’ refers to creating significant influence within the industry using limited resources. It embodies a belief that creativity’s authenticity and passion can become transformative forces in the world—going beyond mere efficiency.
“BitSummit PUNCH” will feature a B-to-B focused event on May 22 (Friday), exclusively for developers, publishers, media, sponsors, and other industry professionals.
On May 23 (Saturday) and 24 (Sunday), it will open to the general public, providing an opportunity for audiences of all ages to fully experience the charm of indie games.
We are expanding our online and offline information dissemination efforts to better promote the appeal of domestic and international indie games to a wider audience. We look forward to your continued support and anticipation for BitSummit PUNCH!
“BitSummit PUNCH” Exhibitor Applications Now Open
Apply here:
https://bs-entry-system.com/
Application details:
https://bitsummit.org/submission-faq-jpn/
【Entry Fee】: 2,750 JPY (tax included) per title
【Deadline for Applications】: December 31 (Wednesday), 4:00 PM
※The entry fee covers the review costs associated with each submission.
※No refunds will be issued regardless of application outcome.
【Exhibition Fee】: 33,000 JPY (tax included) per booth
※This is a payment required only after passing the selection process.
※Student discounts are available—please check the above URL for details.
About BitSummit
“BitSummit” is Japan’s largest annual indie game festival held in Kyoto every year. Launched in the second half of 2012 with the mission to promote exciting Japanese indie games globally, it began as a small industry event in 2013 with about 200 attendees. By 2025, attendance had surpassed 58,000 people. The 2026 edition marks its 14th year and continues growing stronger each year. It has been featured on major international gaming websites as well as Japanese publications such as Weekly Famitsu, Dengeki PlayStation, GamesTM, and EDGE. BitSummit has also been a central topic in panels at Game Developers Conference (GDC), IndieCade, IndieCade East, and CEDEC.
BitSummit Website: https://bitsummit.org/
X: 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
BitSummit PUNCH (BitSummit Punch) Event Overview
Name: BitSummit PUNCH
Dates: May 22, 2026 (Friday) – May 24, 2026 (Sunday)
Website: https://bitsummit.org/
Organized by: BitSummit Executive Committee
Japan Indie Game Association (JIGA)
(Que Games / Pigmy Studio / Skeleton Crew Studio / BlackSheep Consulting)
Kyoto Prefecture
Co-organized by: KYOTO CMEX
Production: Oricon