Latest news with #BitSummit
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Gaming Legends Take Center Stage at ‘BitSummit The 13th: Summer of Yōkai'
Indie game fans are in for a treat this July as BitSummit returns to Kyoto with a spectacular roster of industry icons on stage. Taking place from July 18 to 20 at Miyako Messe, the "BitSummit the 13th: Summer of Yōkai" will feature live music, panel discussions, and world premieres from some of Japan's most influential creators. Legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu, best known for his work on Final Fantasy, will perform with his band conTIKI on July 19-marking his first-ever concert in Kyoto. The event will also spotlight chiptune pioneer Hirokazu "Chip" Tanaka, renowned for the Game Boy Camera and soundtracks in Metroid and Mother, performing on July 20. Harumi Fujita (OkanP), composer of classic titles like Mega Man 3 and Pulstar, will premiere a brand-new track live, driven by her viral TikTok success. In addition to musical performances, BitSummit has lined up an impressive panel of veteran game developers. Kaz Ayabe, creator of the beloved Boku no Natsuyasumi, will share insights into his journey and the founding of Millennium Kitchen. Hideki Kamiya, known for Bayonetta and Okami, teams up with Crystal Noda (creator of the Noda Game series) to explore the evolving blend of technology and individual artistry in game development. Plus, Jiro Ishii, famous for 428: Shibuya Scramble, will deliver a world premiere of his next narrative-driven game, Shibuya Scramble Stories. BitSummit kicks off with a business-only day on July 18, followed by two days open to the public (July 19–20). Stage events and performances will be live-streamed on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok in both English and Japanese. With 120 global indie titles, demos, and special announcements, this year's lineup promises something special for both local and international indie game enthusiasts. BitSummit 2025 offers an unforgettable showcase of creativity, collaboration, and community in the Japanese indie scene. Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Japan Times
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
John Davis: ‘At its core, indie is about creative freedom'
John Davis , 45, has been immersed in the Japanese gaming industry for over 20 years, first as a writer for outlets like Weekly Famitsu, and later working at studios such as Q-Games. He is the co-founder of BitSummit, the Kyoto-based indie game festival that has grown into a major international event, and a global PR specialist for Shueisha Games. 1. What brought you to Japan? I came here for work opportunities in writing and journalism, and that eventually led me to game development. The indie scene wasn't really thriving when I first arrived (in 2003), but I saw an opportunity to help foster that, and it became a big part of my career. 2. How does working in Japan compare to the U.S.? The work culture in Japan is structured and methodical, whereas in the U.S. there's more of a startup mentality. Japan values longevity and relationships in business, meaning deals can take longer but often result in long-term partnerships.
