We met many Indie game companies at game expos like Gamescom. Many companies talk about their dream of exhibiting at Tokyo Game Show  (TGS) one day.

There is a great news for you if you are an indie game developer. You may be eligible to exhibit for free. We try to explain what most important for you to consider to be the exhibitor  for TGS.

The Tokyo Game Show 2025 is offering indie game developers a chance to showcase their work through the Selected Indie 80 program. This initiative provides 80 selected indie game developers with a free exhibition booth at the event, making it a golden opportunity to gain exposure, connect with publishers and business partners, and explore new possibilities in the gaming industry.

Why Apply for Selected Indie 80?

• Free Exhibition Booth: Developers can showcase their game at Makuhari Messe (Chiba, Japan) for four days (September 25–28, 2025) at no cost.
• Industry Exposure: Gain direct access to game publishers, investors, and potential business partners.
• Automatic Entry into SENSE OF WONDER NIGHT (SOWN): Selected applicants will also be entered into SOWN, a prestigious event that highlights innovative game concepts.
• Boost Your Game’s Visibility: Get featured in TGS promotions and media coverage.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be able to exhibit in person at Makuhari Messe for all four days.
• Revenue Limits:
  • Corporations: Annual revenue of ≤ JPY 50 million (or USD 500,000).
  • Individuals: Annual revenue of ≤ JPY 10 million (or USD 100,000).
• Independent Developers Only: If applying as a company, it must be fully independent and not a subsidiary of a major game company.
• Game Requirements:
  • Must be an original game (fan-made or derivative works are not allowed).
  • The applicant must own the development rights for the platform they are developing on.
  • The game must comply with CESA and CERO ethical guidelines (no extreme violence, mature content exceeding "TEEN" rating, etc.).

Application Process & Required Information

To apply, developers must submit detailed information, including:

• Applicant Information:
  • Individual or company status
  • Contact details (name, email, phone, address, country)
  • Company name (if applicable)
• Game Details:
  • Game title (English & Japanese, if available)
  • Genre (up to two categories)
  • A 400-character game description, including its world, mechanics, and unique points
  • Playable demo availability (yes/no, with a URL if available)
  • Supported platforms (e.g., PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, etc.)
  • VR compatibility (yes/no)
  • Promotional video URL (YouTube recommended for easy access)
  • Game website URL (if available)
• Game Development & Release Status:
  • Current completion percentage
  • Expected completion by TGS 2025
  • Release status (already released or planned release schedule)
• Previous Participation:
  • Have you exhibited in Selected Indie 80 before?
  • If yes, mention the year and exhibitor name
  • Any past participation in other gaming events?

Important Notes

• Application Deadline: May 16, 2025, 23:59 JST
• Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed, and 80 titles will be selected. Results will be communicated via email in late May.
• Data Privacy: Personal information provided in the application will be handled by TGS co-organizers Nikkei BP, CESA, and Sony Music Solutions, as well as partner companies involved in the event.
• Marketing & Sponsorship: Selected applicants may receive direct contact from sponsoring companies regarding meetings, services, or event invitations.

For indie developers looking to break into the global gaming industry, Selected Indie 80 is an incredible opportunity. With free booth space, industry exposure, and access to top-tier publishers, it provides the perfect platform to showcase your game to a worldwide audience.

If you are an independent game developer looking to gain recognition and expand your network, apply for Selected Indie 80 before May 16, 2025!

The info may change from time to time. Please check the Tokyo Game show official website before you apply!

Official Information 

• For inquiries, visit: Official TGS 2025 Website
• Follow TGS on Social Media for Updates:
  • Twitter: @tokyo_game_show
  • Facebook: Tokyo Game Show Official
  • Instagram: @tokyogameshow_official

How to Get to Tokyo Game Show (Makuhari Messe) from Major Train Stations in Tokyo and Osaka

Are you staying in Tokyo area for the TGS? Unless you are the exhibitor with many equipments to carry in, you use a public transport. Be ready for big crowd on the train, long lineup for food and toilet. It will be so crowded at restaurants and convenience stores even. Good to have some snack and drink with you well before you take the trains.

Tokyo Game Show is held at Makuhari Messe, located in Chiba Prefecture. The nearest station is Kaihin-Makuhari Station on the JR Keiyo Line. Here’s how to get there from major train hubs in Tokyo and Osaka:

From Tokyo Stations

1. Tokyo Station
   • Route: JR Keiyo Line (direct)
   • Duration: ~30 minutes
   • Cost: 570 yen
2. Shinjuku Station
   • Route: JR Chuo Line Rapid → Transfer at Tokyo Station → JR Keiyo Line
   • Duration: ~45 minutes
   • Cost: 700 yen
3. Shibuya Station
   • Route: JR Yamanote Line → Transfer at Tokyo Station → JR Keiyo Line
   • Duration: ~50 minutes
   • Cost: 700 yen
4. Akihabara Station
   • Route: JR Yamanote or Sobu Line → Transfer at Tokyo Station → JR Keiyo Line
   • Duration: ~40 minutes
   • Cost: 570 yen

From Osaka (by Shinkansen and Train)

1. Shin-Osaka Station
   • Route: Shinkansen (Nozomi) to Tokyo (~2 hours 30 minutes) → JR Keiyo Line to Kaihin-Makuhari
   • Total Duration: ~3 hours
   • Total Cost: ~14,500 yen (one way)
2. Osaka Station
   • Route: JR Tokaido Line to Shin-Osaka → Shinkansen to Tokyo → JR Keiyo Line
   • Total Duration: ~3 hours 10 minutes
   • Total Cost: ~14,500 yen (one way)

Contact Us

In case you did not plan to exhibit for free at TGS. We are the exhibition professional company based in Japan and China.  We offer various offline marketing for you. We help deign and set an amazing booth, arrange staff and also organize event. With the current exchange rate, this is the best time to expand your presence in Japan. Contact us now for a customized quotation and let us handle your entire Tokyo Game Show 2025 experience seamlessly!

We also offer the business development service for you from the exhibition attendance, introducing you to business contacts setting up meetings during your stay in Japan.

are you dealing with cars? Japan Mobility Show 2025: The Future of Transportation

Previously known as the Tokyo Motor Show, the Japan Mobility Show 2025 is now open for exhibitor applications. This event showcases the latest innovations in mobility, including electric vehicles, autonomous technology, and futuristic transportation solutions.

Exhibition Details

• Application Period: November 21, 2024 – January 31, 2025 (for department exhibitions)
• Tokyo Future Tour 2: Application period ends February 2025
• Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, Japan

Why Exhibit in Japan Now?

With a weak yen, international businesses can maximize their investment and benefit from reduced costs. Japan remains a key market for mobility innovations, and these exhibitions provide a crucial gateway to tap into this lucrative industry.

If you are looking to expand your business in Japan, consider securing your spot at Japan Mobility Show 2025 now. Don’t miss the chance to connect with industry leaders, potential partners, and enthusiastic audiences. Secure your booth today!

Japan's manufacturing expos provide an unparalleled opportunity to break into the Asian market. However, successfully navigating these exhibitions requires careful preparation and local expertise. By partnering with us, your company can maximize its presence, effectively engage with potential clients, and establish a strong foundation for business expansion in Japan and Asia.