BitSummit, one of Japan’s largest indie game festivals, has leveled up for 2026! The three-day event, titled BitSummit PUNCH, kicked off from May 22 to 24. As a co-sponsor, KYOTO CMEX is tracking the creative energy flowing from Kyoto to the world.

Day 1 is Business Day. It is a special day closed to the general public; only exhibitors and business ticket holders can enter. What exactly happens on this day, and why is it so valuable for the indie game business? Let’s dive into the B2B action on the first day of BitSummit PUNCH.

BitSummit drives the indie game B2B scene

As a co-sponsor, we KYOTO CMEX interviewed the organizer team from Kyoto Prefecture before the event. If you want to know how BitSummit became one of the world’s biggest indie game events, check out our previous interview article: Interview: Upcoming BitSummit PUNCH! Over 58,000 Visitors and the Secret to its Growth: B2B Focus and Proximity to Developers

BitSummit starts the moment when you buy a business ticket

Registering for the matching system “Meet to Match” early

Even before the live event started on May 22, BitSummit was already underway online. Once you buy a business ticket, you can log into a matching system called Meet to Match (M2M). M2M is a platform for exhibitors, business ticket holders, and the media. It helps strengthen B2B connections and global media PR. It allows users to chat, match, and promote their work.

By registering your company details, contact info, and strengths ahead of time, making connections becomes much easier. There is also a dedicated business meeting space in the basement of the venue. You can book a spot in advance to hold meetings or media interviews, ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

Business Meetings on the Show Floor

On the afternoon of May 22, the meeting space was packed to near capacity. Game developers, publishers, and other stakeholders were busy talking business. The venue was filled with international guests, but interpreters were available on-site to help.

However, during our reporting, we did hear some feedback. Some small teams mentioned that because they have few members, the team leaders couldn’t leave their booths to attend requested meetings. Others knew about M2M but didn’t know how to use it. While M2M offers great benefits, there is room for improvement in how people use it.

Interview with the exhibitor: Rice Games

We spoke with Julian Rice, the head of Rice Games, a Bronze Sponsor at this year’s BitSummit. Julian is developing a JRPG called SHUJINKOU, and he brought both the current game and its upcoming sequel to his booth.

This was Julian’s first time attending BitSummit, and he chose to join as a sponsor. Why? “First of all, I wanted visitors to know about my company and games,” he said passionately. He had been working tons of overtime to prepare for the event, but he showed no signs of fatigue, sharing his deep passion for games.

“I am developing the game by myself, while working together with an art team. Next, I want to add voice acting to the characters. I want people to fall in love with our game through many different ways”, Julian shared. His booth featured demo stations and custom novelties, allowing visitors to dive right into the game’s universe.

In fact, this interview happened because Julian emailed us before the event. To grow a brand, media coverage is essential. Many media partners attend BitSummit, looking for stories. BitSummit is not just for signing deals; it is a massive opportunity for companies to gain visibility.

Try to play every single game!

Other developers also shared their thoughts: “On Public Days, more general users will play our games, so we can collect feedback and data on Days 2 and 3. On Business Day, we can focus entirely on building brand awareness and expanding our sales channels. That is really helpful”.

Business cards were flying across the venue, and both exhibitors and attendees seemed to achieve their goals. While companies exhibit for different reasons, they all have one goal: getting people to play their games. Having PCs and consoles set up at booths so people can sit down and talk seriously is the unique strength of BitSummit.

Must-see stage programs for business professionals

Business Day features a wide range of events, especially seminars focused on B2B strategies, development tips, and project management. Top industry leaders share rare insights you can only hear here.

During our visit, the stage featured a presentation titled: “Four standout indie studios, selected from ten exceptional teams supported by KOCCA, take the stage to showcase the creativity and innovation of Korea’s indie game scene“. It highlighted the actual state of the Korean indie scene, showing just how international BitSummit is.

Attending the after-party

The After-Party is an exclusive event for Business Day attendees. Held after the main floor closes on Day 1, it offers light snacks and drinks.

This closed-door setting allows participants to network in a relaxed atmosphere. Unlike the daytime exhibition, this party sparks casual encounters that often lead to deeper, honest business conversations. The venue stays open until 8PM, giving attendees plenty of time to head out into the city of Kyoto for secondary parties.

The hidden side of BitSummit

People often focus on the excitement of the public days, but Business Day behind the scenes is where strategies are made and intense negotiations happen to launch indie games onto the global stage.

From hands-on game demos and strategic outreach using “Meet to Match,” to media PR and the exclusive after-party—BitSummit provides a complete ecosystem for indie game business success. While there are still challenges to solve, such as helping smaller teams manage their time, no other event connects domestic and international stakeholders so closely and equally.

From Kyoto to the world. We look forward to seeing how the business seeds planted on Day 1 of this special 3-day event will blossom into future hit games!