BitSummit PUNCH 2026: Japan’s Largest Indie Game Festival to Be Held in Kyoto, May 22–24, 2026 — Over 58,000 Visitors in 2025

The “BitSummit PUNCH,” one of Japan’s largest indie game events, has been announced to take place over three days from Friday, May 22 to Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Miyako Messe in Kyoto. The theme for 2026 is “High Impact.”

With a mission to share Japan’s most exciting indie games with the world, BitSummit has gained increasing momentum each year and continues to draw attention from across the global gaming industry.Applications for exhibitors are now open, and the following provides details about the upcoming event.

BitSummit PUNCH 2026: Event Details and Evolution

Event Schedule and Venue

BitSummit PUNCH will be held from Friday, May 22 to Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Miyako Messe in Kyoto. The event is one of Japan’s largest indie game festivals.

It is organized by the BitSummit Organizing Committee, the Japan Independent Games Aggregate (JIGA), and Kyoto Prefecture, with co-organization by KYOTO CMEX.

Official Website https://bitsummit.org/

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Japan’s Largest Indie Game Festival Continues to Grow

“BitSummit,” first launched in late 2012, marks its 14th edition in 2026 as one of Japan’s most established indie game events. The inaugural 2013 event began as a small, industry-focused gathering of around 200 attendees, but it has grown significantly since then.
By 2025, the festival welcomed more than 58,000 visitors, showing remarkable expansion each year. BitSummit is now widely featured in both domestic and international gaming publications and media outlets, and continues to attract attention at global game development conferences.

Meaning Behind the 2026 Theme: “High Impact”

The theme of BitSummit PUNCH 2026 is “High Impact.”
This phrase embodies the idea of making a significant impact on the industry with limited resources. It represents a belief that pure creativity and passion—rather than mere efficiency—can become a driving force that inspires and influences the world.

Structure: Business Day and Public Exhibition

BitSummit PUNCH is designed to balance its role as both a professional B2B event and a festival open to the public.

Business Day for Industry Professionals

Friday, May 22, 2026, will serve as Business Day, dedicated exclusively to developers, publishers, media representatives, and sponsors.
The program focuses on facilitating business meetings, networking, and collaboration within the game industry.

Public Exhibition for General Visitors

On Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, the event will open to the general public.
These days provide a valuable opportunity for visitors from all backgrounds to experience the creativity and innovation of indie games firsthand. BitSummit also plans to enhance its communication efforts both online and on-site, sharing the appeal of indie games from Japan and abroad with a global audience.

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Exhibitor Entry Details

BitSummit PUNCH is now accepting applications for exhibitors.
The deadline for entry submissions is Wednesday, December 31, 4:00 p.m.

Exhibition Fees

The entry fee, which covers the screening process for submitted titles, is 2,750 yen (tax included) per title.
Please note that this fee is non-refundable regardless of the screening result.

For exhibitors who pass the selection and participate with a booth, the booth exhibition fee is 33,000 yen (tax included) per booth.
A student discount is also available for eligible participants.

BitSummit PUNCH as a Hub for Indie Game Culture

As one of Japan’s largest indie game events, BitSummit PUNCH will be held in Kyoto in May 2026.
The festival serves as a major platform to showcase the “High Impact” spirit of indie gaming to the world—demonstrating how creativity and passion can influence the global scene.
Developers, industry professionals, and fans alike are eagerly anticipating this event as a celebration of innovation in the indie gaming community.