The Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA) has announced 14 major sponsors for the SELECTED INDIE 80 exhibition at Tokyo Game Show 2025, creating significant opportunities for independent game developers to showcase their work on an international stage.

Sony Interactive Entertainment, Nintendo, and Kodansha lead the initiative as Platinum Sponsors. Gold Sponsors include Happinet, PLAYISM, and Hobby Japan, while Silver Sponsors comprise iGi indie Game incubator, NexTone, and World Map. Rounding out the sponsorship lineup are Bronze Sponsors CRI・Middleware and Amakusa City, alongside Equipment Sponsors BenQ Japan, ASK, and Aurin.

The SELECTED INDIE 80 program aims to provide a platform for indie developers to gain visibility and contribute to the global gaming industry’s growth. Developers selected for the exhibition will receive significant benefits, including free booth space, computer and monitor rentals, and interpretation support for business meetings.

CESA has set May 16, 2025, as the application deadline. The program welcomes applications from individual developers and small studios without nationality, age, or occupational restrictions. Eligibility requirements include the ability to exhibit at Makuhari Messe for all four days of the event (September 25 to 28, 2025) and meeting specific annual sales thresholds: 50 million yen (approximately $500,000) or less for corporations and 10 million yen ($100,000) or less for individuals.

Additionally, this year’s Tokyo Game Show will expand its SENSE OF WONDER NIGHT (SOWN) game idea presentation contest to include all Indie Game Area exhibitors, with SELECTED INDIE 80 participants automatically entered into SOWN. The initiative represents a continued commitment to nurturing independent game development talent and providing pathways to market for innovative new games.