Summary of "SEOUL X GYEONGGI GAME ALLEY Integrated Pavilion Exhibition Area," featuring numerous South Korean indie games. Five standout titles that were particularly fun to play are highlighted [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/930/G093059/20250926059/
Writer: Aoi Sugiyura | 2025/09/26 10:49 (UTC)
From September 25, 2025, the annual gaming event “Tokyo Game Show 2025” is underway. This major gathering brings together a wide variety of game-related content from all over the world, with numerous international exhibitors present. One such exhibit is the “SEOUL X GYEONGGI GAME ALLEY Joint Pavilion Area,” jointly presented by Seoul Business Agency (SBA) and Gyeonggi Contents Agency (GCA).
This is a joint exhibition area showcasing games from Korean companies. A total of 17 different enterprises have come together, featuring numerous indie titles originating in Korea. Having played through them all, I’ve selected and will introduce some standout highlights.
Official TGS 2025 Website
“ELLIA”
Arcstar / Release Status: Available
This rhythm game follows a girl who has lost her memories and emotions, gradually reclaiming her heart through music. The standout feature is the 3D rail that spans across the entire screen width, with no defined keyboard layout—notes are simply tapped when they reach in front of you, making it intuitive to play.
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Even if the charts are somewhat challenging, players only need to tap notes once they reach the front of the screen—making it surprisingly accessible for beginners. The tactile feel closely resembles arcade rhythm games using touchscreens, and since the entire screen acts as a rail, immersion is high.
With no keyboard present, finger freedom is enhanced, offering plenty of room for strategic planning in difficult tracks. At the venue, we watched developers play through challenging songs—offering rare glimpses into unique hand movements not often seen in typical rhythm games. It would be great to see gameplay streams from top players so we can observe their techniques.
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Another key feature is its high degree of customization. Even just adjusting rail display settings allows for fine-tuning across numerous aspects such as angle, height, distance, and transparency. This enables players to tailor the experience to their environment—ideal not only for casual rhythm gamers but also competitive ones. Those with large tablets should definitely try this game.
Official ELLIA Website
Official X Account for ELLIA
“Doomed Otaku” (The Doomed Otaku)
KiwiSaurus / Release Status: TBA
This adventure game follows a shut-in whose life has only 14 days left before its inevitable collapse. He must confront his own issues and find solutions while struggling to survive. The protagonist, pressured by friends, becomes the representative for an overseas merchandise group purchase, earning an astonishing 5 million won (approx. ¥500,000). However, he spends all of it—now he has just 14 days until orders close, and must somehow gather money again.
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While barely scraping by with temporary labor jobs might cover the needed amount, the protagonist is severely socially anxious and requires SP (Sociality Points) to talk to strangers. His initial SP cap is only 5, and each conversation consumes 2 SP—making progress toward goals difficult.
In the metaverse space, players can freely chat—but spending too much time there wastes valuable minutes. Moreover, when talking with friends, they must fabricate excuses if they didn’t order anything. Still, unique actions are possible within this world alone, greatly expanding the game’s content range.
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This game portrays not just a typical otaku but rather an “unsuccessful person,” with the protagonist’s flaws pushing far beyond normal expectations. Yet, his emotional journey feels authentic—there’s a subtle sense of personal connection that can make one feel emotionally burdened.
The contrast between the dazzlingly colorful metaverse and the stark monochrome real world seems intentional. While possibly niche in appeal, this bold artistic expression is highly memorable.
Official X Account for “Doomed Otaku”
“Dark Lord Saga”
NU SOFT / Release Status: TBA
This puzzle RPG follows a “small demon lord” who has lost his powers due to a curse and fights to reclaim them. Stages feature multiple weak monsters in various colors, alongside several target enemies that must be defeated. Players draw a continuous line through the weak monsters—once this path reaches the target enemy, it can attack.
However, each monster has a color attribute: only monsters of the same color may be connected during drawing. The longer the chain, the greater the damage dealt to the final target enemy—so players must strategize routes that eliminate as many weak monsters as possible.
What’s interesting is that target enemies themselves can be used as part of the path, and special objects with unique effects exist too. For example, using a gem that changes colors mid-path enables attacks across otherwise impossible long-range chains.
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Some target enemies have special conditions—such as requiring a certain number of monsters in the path before dealing damage, or attacking specific squares at turn end. This adds depth and careful planning to gameplay. As a mobile title, it remains to be seen how non-combat elements will evolve upon official release.
NU SOFT Official Website
“Beat the Beat: Rhythm Action”
BePex / Release Status: Available
In a world where music has been erased by mysterious “dissonance attacks,” players join forces with the spirit of an instrument, “Muse,” to restore harmony in this rhythm action game. Tap notes (enemies) appearing on upper and lower lanes as they approach—defeating enemies advances you through stages.
The game features vibrant 3D cartoon-style visuals that deliver a satisfying visual experience: enjoyable to play and visually pleasing. With only two lanes and few special note types, even those unfamiliar with rhythm games can pick it up intuitively—a unique strength of this title.
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As a运营-based mobile title, many character-specific special abilities are included—players can choose characters with bonuses for high-score seekers or recovery skills for those aiming for stable clear attempts.
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Compared to existing titles like “Muse Dash,” this game offers a broader range of support elements. Already released and featuring Japanese language support in the exhibition version—those interested should check out its official X account.
Official X Account for “Beat the Beat: Rhythm Action”
“LAPIN”
CFK / Release Status: PC Version Available, Switch Version Released October 9, 2025
This action-adventure game was originally released on PC (Steam) by Studio Doodal in 2023. The Nintendo Switch version is scheduled for release on October 9, 2025—and CFK, responsible for the porting effort, exhibited at the event.
The story centers around rabbits displaced from their homes due to human construction projects. Players take on the role of a young rabbit named Levee, journeying across various stages in search of new territory. However, the world dominated by humans is full of danger—progress isn’t easy.
Soft, gentle visuals give off a cozy impression—but this game is actually a high-difficulty platformer. It shares thematic similarities with titles like “Celeste,” requiring precise use of jumps and wall kicks to navigate complex puzzles and gimmicks.
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A major distinction lies in its deep adventure elements. As players interact with companions on the journey, relationships deepen—but NPCs have multiple emotional responses toward the protagonist, and their reactions change depending on how much dialogue is pursued. Even after reaching a point where “Please stop asking me,” continued conversation triggers new emotional accumulations.
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The story is so compelling that players want to keep advancing quickly. While the difficulty level is quite high, characters and narrative provide strong motivation for continued challenge. 4Gamer published a gameplay report on an earlier version from TGS 2022—those interested should check it out.
Related Article
TGS2022: “LAPIN” – A 2D platformer with a cute rabbit protagonist, yet deeply thought-provoking. Tried the demo at TGS 2022
Let’s introduce “LAPIN (Rapin)”, a PC game showcased at the TGS 2022 Korea Pavilion. Although featuring a cute rabbit as its protagonist, this 2D platformer has something deeply thought-provoking about its background and story—making it intriguing.
[September 19, 2022, 00:14]
- Keywords:
- Play Report
- PC:LAPIN
- PC
- Adventure
- Animal Theme
- Event
- Editor: Junpoco
- TGS 2022
- Tokyo Game Show
Official X Account for Studio Doodal
Besides the titles featured here, numerous other games were exhibited at the venue. Below is a list of additional showcased titles, along with related articles previously published by 4Gamer (not covered in this report). If any title catches your interest, be sure to check them out as well.
Related Article
“Luna Hop” – A 3D puzzle adventure where a timid rabbit restores color to Seoul’s streets, exploring modern youth anxiety and growth. [BIC2025]
“Luna Hop,” showcased at the Korean indie game event “BIC2025,” is a 3D puzzle adventure set in a beautifully rendered Seoul. We interviewed Mr. Chong Heeyoon, project manager of development, to learn more about its concept and progress—here’s what we found.
[August 18, 2025, 17:13]
- Keywords:
- PC:Luna Hop
- PC
- Adventure
- Areumdamda
- Areumdamda Media Lab
- Fantasy
- Interview
- Event
- Editor: Akasaka
- BIC2025
- BIC
Related Article
Back-view perspective, using parries and dodges in a roguelike action game: “Lunaraxia: Magpie Sings of the World’s End” – [BIC2025]
At the BIC2025 indie game event held in Busan, South Korea, we experienced “Lunaraxia: Magpie Sings of the World’s End,” currently under development by Iron Deer Games. This title stands out with its distinctive art style and roguelike action gameplay.
[August 18, 2025, 16:09]
- Keywords:
- PC:Lunaraxia: Magpie Sings of the World’s End
- PC
- Action
- Iron Deer Games
- South Korea
- Event
- Play Report
- Editor: Oru Taka
- BIC2025
- BIC
● Exhibition Title List
Title | Related Link
—|—
Undercity: Creature Survival | iOS/Android
ELLIA | Android
Beat the Beat : Rhythm Action | iOS/Android
worldon | Official Site
Who’s Next? | Steam
Doomed Otaku (The Doomed Otaku) | Steam
LUNA HOP | Steam
Lunaraxia: Magpie Sings of the World’s End | Steam
Project Revenant | Steam
LAPIN | Official Site
RED STONE | Official Site
ETERNAL RETURN | Official Site
Other world Hair salon – – –
Dark Lord Saga – – –
METAL SLUG: RUSH – – –
AI Granprix | Official Site
Sol’s RNG | Official Site