BitSummit 2026 showed Japanese indies pursuing a new multimedia model, backed by major entertainment firms | Opinion
in newsletterGamesIndustry.biz · 9 min read · top_stories
At BitSummit 2026 in Kyoto, major Japanese entertainment conglomerates—including TOEI, Shueisha, Aniplex, and PARCO—are backing indie game studios and original IP rather than licensing established franchises. TOEI launched a new gaming subsidiary focused on indie funding; Shueisha established its games arm in 2022, Aniplex doubled down on original titles, and PARCO leveraged retail presence to promote indie projects. The shift marks a significant change in Japanese gaming strategy over the past five years.
Mentioned entities
Alicia HaddickAniplexBitSummitDragon BallExit 8GnosiaHundred LineIndie Game IncubatorJohn DavisKODAKA CreatesKojima ProductionsNintendoONE PIECEPARCOPARCO GAMESPLAYISMPetit DepottoShonen JumpShueishaShueisha GamesSonyToeiToei Games
Appeared in 2026-05-29.