Highlights from the "iGi" × "Sōfū" booth at TGS 2025 featuring over 30 indie titles, showcasing standout works filled with creativity and passion

Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/000/G000000/20250927023/

Writer: Aoi Sugiyama | 2025/09/27 04:02 (UTC)

From September 25, 2025, the annual celebration beloved by gaming fans—the Tokyo Game Show 2025—is underway (September 25–28; business days are September 25–26). As Japan’s largest game event, the venue features not only popular AAA titles but also numerous indie games.

The style of publishers setting up booths to showcase multiple indie titles together has become increasingly common in recent years. The joint booth featured here—“iGi indie Game incubator” and “Reiwa 6th Fiscal Year Supplementary Creator & Entertainment Startup Creation Project ‘Sofu’”—is one such example.

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This year’s exhibition includes five titles from the 5th cohort of “iGi” and twenty selected projects from “Sofu,” plus additional related content, totaling over thirty works. The creators themselves are present at the booth, allowing visitors to interact directly with them while playing—making this a particularly impressive showcase. In this article, we’ll highlight several standout titles playable at the booth.

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Official website for “iGi indie Game incubator”

Official website for “Sofu”

“ReConnect”

Studio Wink / Release: Within 2026

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A puzzle adventure game in which you hack into AI programs, connect connectors, and gradually heal their “hearts.” Within the program lies a goal that must be reached to initiate repair. However, along the way are various obstacles requiring players to solve puzzles to clear paths.

Initially, gameplay centers around simple warehouse-puzzle mechanics—pushing or pulling objects—but as the game progresses, programming elements emerge. By connecting commands with specific objects using connectors, you can achieve a wide range of actions.

For instance, linking a “move left and right” command to a block causes it to automatically move back and forth repeatedly. Since commands apply to all corresponding objects, clever use allows interaction with items in inaccessible locations.

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As the story unfolds, action stages appear. Successfully overcoming these leads to scenes where you directly repair an AI’s heart. The narrative changes based on how connections are made—showcasing a clever use of gameplay mechanics that adds depth.

Official website for “ReConnect”

“Rakugaki Wolf”

Kintendo / Release: Q4 2025

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A hidden-identity game where your own doodles appear as characters in-game, which you control online to uncover the killer. Each player’s character looks completely different—making it essential to memorize their appearance.

All communication occurs via hand-drawn messages; deceased players can leave a “dying message” on the ground using blood within a time limit. With visual communication at its core and almost no need for dialogue, this game is particularly accessible even in casual (“random”) multiplayer settings.

Additionally, unlike typical games of this genre, crafting mechanics are included—players collect materials to craft items. These items feature diverse effects, including abilities like “summoning a drawn object” or “transforming into your own drawing for a set time.”

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Item and weapon systems are adjustable via settings, and up to ten players can join—a setup that promises lively party gameplay. The Steam store page is currently recruiting participants for an open beta test—those interested might consider joining with friends.

Official X account for “Kintendo / Kinjoukou”

“Mysterious Meme Meme Wants to Sleep”

LabyLab / Release: Within 2026

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Genius scientist “Mysterious Meme Meme,” who just wants to sleep forever, invents a cute sheep-making machine that spreads drowsiness across the world. Players ship these devices, earn points, and upgrade them or create stronger sheep in this expansionary production game.

At first, you manually press buttons one by one to produce sheep and manually send them out—but as gameplay progresses, automated systems like “robot dogs that automatically herd sheep” and “training machines that speed up Meme Meme’s legs” appear, making the process increasingly comfortable.

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Shipping becomes easier, and points earned per sheep increase—resulting in exponential growth of total rewards. While the game’s design is reminiscent of “Cookie Clicker,” the increasing comfort from player actions delivers a satisfying gameplay experience.

Additionally, Meme Meme speaks up after minor progress, and interactions with NPCs are enjoyable. Upon reaching certain milestones, special cinematic sequences play showing sheep filling the world—demonstrating meticulous attention to rewarding players throughout, ensuring little downtime during gameplay.

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The visual production quality is also exceptionally detailed, clearly reflecting strong creative dedication. According to the development team at the event, future updates will include new events and various items. Given its relaxing nature, it’s a title worth enjoying leisurely upon release.

X account for namase

“I Saw a Flying Saucer”

Midnight Peppermint / Release: Within 2026

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An interactive fiction adventure game about a man unable to accept his wife’s death, who embarks on a journey searching for UFOs that shouldn’t exist. The game features a distinctive atmosphere crafted through slightly faded graphics and an extremely minimalist interface.

There are no explanations—initially leaving players confused about what to do. After experimenting with moving the mouse cursor, you notice subtle reactions across various screen areas. Turning the car key and pressing the accelerator causes the vehicle to move forward.

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While driving, there’s little you can do beyond steering. However, tuning the radio allows listening to broadcasts containing rumors about UFOs—some of the few clues offering insight into this game’s world.

Driving onward leads to a gas station. While refueling and continuing is possible, shopping inside is also allowed (though no money display exists, players seem to have reasonable funds). The significance remains unclear, but various reactions are programmed, making exploration enjoyable in subtle ways.

The sparse information on screen, the tactile experience of uncovering details from minimal input, and the stark, emotionally distancing text all effectively convey the protagonist’s attempt to escape grief.

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It’s uncertain how the story will unfold or which direction it may take, but one thing is clear: this game possesses undeniable unique charm. While Japanese language support was not listed on Steam’s store page, the version played at the event included Japanese—so there is reason for optimism.

Official website for Midnight Peppermint

RX10-40

Karakasa Limited / Release: TBA

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A 3D action game where you pilot a robot to overcome stages in battle against uncontrollable AI. The gameplay is characterized by simple, linear (one-path) mechanics—no leveling-up or accumulation of growth elements; victory depends solely on skill.

The robot under player control has only three resources: “health” (which results in death if depleted), “energy” (used for attacks and dodging), and “ammo” (for shooting). Defeating enemies restores health and ammo, but energy regenerates only over time—requiring strategic decisions based on the situation.

Attack options are varied: close-range combat via “stun-baton,” long-range attacks with gunfire, and a finishing move called the “super attack.” However, each action is highly distinct in feel. For example, melee strikes have high damage but require charging; shooting uses no energy but has poor accuracy.

Each move requires careful consideration—there’s no way to win by blindly attacking. Players are encouraged to study enemy positions and stage layouts to fight strategically. In practice, even tough enemies can be defeated with proper tactics—making this a highly rewarding experience.

This screenshot was taken from the Steam release of the demo version Image Gallery No.032 thumbnail / A summary of over 30 indie titles exhibited at the “iGi” × “Sofu” booth, highlighting standout works full of creativity and passion [TGS2025] Image Gallery No.033 thumbnail / A summary of over 30 indie titles exhibited at the “iGi” × “Sofu” booth, highlighting standout works full of creativity and passion [TGS2025] Image Gallery No.034 thumbnail / A summary of over 30 indie titles exhibited at the “iGi” × “Sofu” booth, highlighting standout works full of creativity and passion [TGS2025] Image Gallery No.035 thumbnail / A summary of over 30 indie titles exhibited at the “iGi” × “Sofu” booth, highlighting standout works full of creativity and passion [TGS2025]

Though the game’s control system, feel, and world design are all quite distinctive, this very sharpness may make it a perfect fit for players who appreciate such unique styles. The Steam store page features a free demo—those intrigued should download and try it.

Official website for “RX10-40”

“Quiet Express 909”

STUDIO 909 / Release: TBA

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A new title by Kazuhide Oka, known for works such as “Moonless Moon” and “Natsu no Kanata.” Players board the Quiet Express train, crossing a continent in seven days, enjoying conversations with various passengers and peaceful moments.

However, as interactions unfold, rumors about a non-existent 909 car surface. Not only do other passengers claim never to have seen it—but even the conductor says he’s never laid eyes on it. Does such a room truly exist? And if so, what lies within?—the story unfolds around these mysteries.

The standout feature is undoubtedly the beautifully designed interior graphics visible from any angle. Subtle details like object design, light filtering through windows, and curtains swaying in the wind create a gentle, inviting atmosphere.

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The exhibited version is a mock-up, with only basic graphics and mechanics implemented. While specific gameplay details weren’t accessible, the quality still evokes strong anticipation for the final product. Those eager for updates should follow the official X account: https://x.com/STUDIO909info.

Official X account for “Quiet Express 909”

This area features an abundance of exhibited titles, making it impossible to play through all of them. Below are additional titles not covered in this piece—already introduced by 4Gamer—as well as a summary of all exhibitors. For more detailed information, readers should check the respective store pages and other resources.

PC Play Report Event

Introducing the logic puzzle game “There is no door that cannot be opened with a non-black key” at BitSummit

The puzzle game “There is no door that cannot be opened with a non-black key” was exhibited at the “iGi indie Game incubator” booth during BitSummit the 13th, held from July 18 to 20, 2025. The experience of exploring a world governed by rule-based statements through a protagonist granted the power to manipulate negations proved highly engaging—making it worth highlighting in this article.

[July 22, 2025, 17:09]

Keywords:
PC: There is no door that cannot be opened with a non-black key
PC
No Genre
Studio ZeF
Studio ZeF
Puzzle
Play Count: 1 person
Play Report
Editor: Dabi
Event
BitSummit2025

PC Movie Play Report Event

Introducing the new roguelike SRPG “Indomitable Blade,” a deep fantasy set in a world of warring nations, at TGS2024

The PC simulation RPG “Indomitable Blade” was playable at the Indie Corner of Tokyo Game Show 2024. Set in a world where two nations—the Horns and the Lousram—fight for dominance, players lead warriors from the Kingdom of Greusdal.

[September 29, 2024, 20:27]

PC Play Report Event

Experiencing the visual novel “TIMEMOON,” where you drive a lunar taxi and unravel a presidential assassination mystery through time travel, at BitSummit

The SF visual novel “TIMEMOON” was exhibited at BitSummit the 13th, held from July 18 to 20 in Kyoto’s Miyako Messe. The stunning pixel art and intriguing concepts—such as time travel and a lunar taxi—prompted many visitors to try out the demo version.

[July 21, 2025, 13:55]

● iGi 5th Cohort

● Sofu Selected Teams