BitSummit 2027 Official Indie Selection

BitSummit is Japan's leading festival for independent games, held every year in Kyoto. Through the BitSummit Official Indie Selection, developers anywhere in the world can apply to exhibit their game at the 15th edition, which runs from 21 to 23 May 2027 at Miyako Messe. The review fee is ¥2,750 per title, selected games take a booth at the festival, and the deadline is 31 January 2027 at 4 p.m. Japan time.

BitSummit has grown from about 200 industry guests at its first edition in 2013 to more than 68,000 visitors in 2026. For the 2026 festival, the committee received 548 submissions and selected 125 titles, so being chosen is a real distinction.

Who Can Apply to BitSummit?

Independent game developers from any country, alone or in teams. Students can apply and pay a reduced booth fee if selected.

It is particularly relevant to:

• Indie developers who want to reach Japanese players and publishers
• Game artists and designers with a distinctive style
• Student teams preparing a first public showing
• Studios looking for a launch moment in Asia

What Can You Submit?

Your game, through the official application form. The BitSummit committee reviews each title and selects the games that will exhibit at the festival.

Fees

• Review fee: ¥2,750 per title, including tax; it is not refunded, whatever the result
• Booth fee if selected: ¥33,000 per booth, or ¥11,000 if the entry's representative is a student

What Do Selected Games Receive?

• A booth at BitSummit 2027 for the three days of the festival
• A business day on 21 May with developers, publishers, media and sponsors
• Two public days on 22 and 23 May with tens of thousands of players
• Media attention: the festival is widely covered in Japan and by international games press

Submission Requirements

Apply through the official BitSummit website before the deadline and pay the review fee for each title. Prepare a playable build, trailer, screenshots and a description, ideally with Japanese text if you can.

Why Apply?

Japan is one of the most important game markets in the world, and BitSummit is the main gateway for indie games into it. Publishers, platform holders and Japanese media attend in force, and many indie games have found Japanese publishing partners after showing in Kyoto. For designers, watching tens of thousands of players try your game over two days is also invaluable playtesting.

About BitSummit

BitSummit was launched in late 2012 to promote Japanese independent games overseas, and has been held in Kyoto every year since. It is organised by the BitSummit Executive Committee with the Japan Independent Games Association and Kyoto Prefecture. Over the years it has become one of Asia's most important meeting points for independent game developers.

Things to Consider

• Localise if you can: a Japanese description and UI help reviewers and visitors.
• Plan for the booth: factor booth fees and travel into your budget before applying.
• Make a short demo: festival demos should be playable in a few minutes.
• Use the business day: book meetings with publishers in advance.
• Apply early: reviews take time, and results come in March.

Apply to BitSummit

Interested in showing your game in Kyoto?

Apply to BitSummit

For the full rules and application form, visit the official BitSummit website.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: October 27, 2026