Tokyo Game Show 2026 Announces First Round of Sponsors for 'SELECTED INDIE 80' and New Indie Game Awards!

The Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA, Chairman: Haruhiro Tsujimoto) has announced the sponsors for 'SELECTED INDIE 80,' a project designed to provide a platform for indie game developers to thrive and contribute to the growth of the global gaming industry at Tokyo Game Show 2026.

Nintendo, Kodansha, PLAYISM, iGi indie Game incubator, CRI Middleware, Amakusa City, ASK, Auryn, and WitOne have been confirmed as sponsors for the indie game developer support initiatives (names listed by sponsor plan and historical records). Exhibitors selected for 'SELECTED INDIE 80' will receive various types of support from these sponsors. Tokyo Game Show aims to provide a springboard for indie developers and further revitalize the domestic and international gaming industries.

CESA continues to invite companies to support indie game developer initiatives.

Sponsors: <Platinum Sponsors> Nintendo, Kodansha <Gold Sponsor> PLAYISM <Silver Sponsor> iGi indie Game incubator <Bronze Sponsors> CRI Middleware, Amakusa City <Equipment Sponsors> ASK, Auryn, WitOne

Introduction of 'SI80 Excellence Awards' Tokyo Game Show is establishing the 'SI80 Excellence Awards' as a new recognition system to evaluate and promote the creativity and quality of indie games. This system will select and officially honor approximately 10 titles from the 'SELECTED INDIE 80 (SI80)' participants based on creative quality, game polish, and experiential value.

Winning titles will be announced in August, with an award ceremony planned during Tokyo Game Show. Award logos will be displayed at booths to effectively communicate the title's appeal to visitors, media, and business partners. This system is positioned as a new evaluation axis distinct from 'Sense of Wonder Night (SOWN),' which focuses on original ideas, aiming to evaluate the value of indie games from multiple perspectives. We expect this initiative to help outstanding indie works attract attention from publishers and the media globally.

What is 'SELECTED INDIE 80'? This is a support project for individual developers and small studios. Any developer can apply regardless of nationality, age, or occupation, as long as they meet the conditions. Selected works can exhibit at the TGS Indie Game Corner for free with sponsor support. The goal is to send works with passion, originality, and new common sense to the international market.

Entry Deadline: April 30, 2026, 17:00 JST From the submitted titles, 80 will be selected to exhibit at TGS 2026. These titles are also automatically entered into the 'Sense of Wonder Night' presentation contest. Check the eligibility and apply via the official link.

SELECTED INDIE 80 Overview Name: SELECTED INDIE 80 Period: September 17 (Thu) - September 21 (Mon), 2026