Tokyo Game Show 2025 has revealed the eight finalists for its Sense of Wonder Night 2025 contest, set to take place on Friday, September 26 during the event’s business day. The announcement comes alongside the news that popular video creator Pocky will serve as Official Indie Game Ambassador for the fourth year in a row.

Sense of Wonder Night is a contest that finds indie game developers whose games create that special “sense of wonder” moment – when you see or hear about a game idea and feel like your world just shifted a little. This year marks the 18th edition of the contest. The competition expanded this year to include more participants. Along with games selected for “SELECTED INDIE 80,” developers exhibiting in the Indie Game Area could also enter. From 165 total entries, eight games made it to the finals.

The eight finalists will present their games at 17:00 on September 26 at Makuhari Messe’s International Conference Hall. The presentation will also be streamed as part of TGS’s official program. Here are the finalists:

• Deep Space by Latent Entertainment (Japan)
• Nearpin GO by Nearpin GO (Japan)
• Non-Virtual Reality Games by Non-Virtual Reality Games (Germany)
• Time Flies by Playables (Switzerland)
• Darekare by TearyHand Studio (Japan)
• TopplePop by TopplePOP (Australia)
• Word Game by Word Game (Taiwan)
• BB Adventure by Yamamu Games (Japan)

Video creator Pocky will judge the contest again and choose the Pocky Award from the SELECTED INDIE 80 entries. In addition, the winning games will be featured in gameplay videos on Pocky’s YouTube channel.

Pocky has built a huge following with over 3.7 million YouTube subscribers and more than 4 billion total video views. He’s known for game commentary and especially for supporting indie games. Since becoming TGS’s Official Indie Game Ambassador four years ago, he has helped bring indie games to a wider audience.