BitSummit 2025 is set to be an extraordinary celebration of indie gaming, showcasing 120 unique titles from Japan and around the globe. This year’s theme, “Summer of Yokai,” pays homage to the fascinating supernatural creatures of Japanese folklore, promising an immersive experience that blends gaming with rich cultural narratives. As the event returns to its traditional venue at the Miyako Messe in Kyoto from July 19 to July 21, attendees can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere filled with creativity and innovation.

The indie gaming scene is about to get a stunning addition with the announcement of Particle Hearts, an atmospheric puzzle game set to launch on Nintendo Switch later this year. Developed by Underwater Fire Games and supported by First Break Labs, this game invites players to explore a mesmerizing world crafted entirely from particles, where manipulation and creativity are key to overcoming challenges. In Particle Hearts, players will gain unique abilities that allow them to interact with the environment in innovative ways.

The recent Day of the Devs showcase unveiled an exciting lineup of 20 upcoming indie games, highlighting the creativity and innovation within the indie gaming community. With titles like Thick as Thieves, from the legendary Warren Spector, and Escape Academy 2, this event promises to deliver fresh experiences for gamers everywhere. The world premiere of several games, including Blighted and Please, Watch the Artwork, showcases the diverse storytelling and gameplay mechanics that indie developers are bringing to the table.

Indie developer Pixel Maniacs is making waves with their upcoming title, ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard, boldly claiming, “Valve never made a Portal 2 sequel. So we did.” This audacious statement highlights the ongoing demand for innovative puzzle games reminiscent of the beloved Portal series. While Valve has left fans yearning for a Portal 3, ChromaGun 2 aims to fill that void with its own unique twist on the genre. Set in a vibrant world where players utilize a color-shifting gun to manipulate objects, ChromaGun 2 draws visual inspiration from Portal but leans more towards the puzzle mechanics found in games like Qube.