Tokyo Game Show for Indie Devs? Make it Worthwhile!!
Standing Out at Tokyo Game Show: A Small Studio’s Guide to Making Big Waves
It’s inspiring to see the mega booths from AAA studios at Tokyo Game Show (TGS), but as an indie or small team, you don’t need a blockbuster budget to create meaningful buzz. With the right strategy, you can attract publishers, engage gamers, and leave a lasting impression—even from a modest corner of the show floor. Speak with us to maximize your impact at every stage:
1. Pre-TGS: Secure Key Meetings & Build Hype
Main Goal: Lock in publisher meetings before the show to ensure a strong start.
A. Secure High-Value Meetings Early
- Target Asia-specific partners: Reach out to publishers, IP licensing agencies, and dev teams via LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Discord—many are open to indie conversations.
- Leverage government grants: Some countries offer funding for indie devs attending TGS (e.g., Canada Media Fund, UK Games Fund). Check if your local trade agency can help.
- Apply to Indie 80 (Deadline: ~April 30, 2026): A curated indie showcase with $3,000 prize + free booth space. Perfect if your game isn’t ready for 2025.
B. Generate Pre-Show Buzz
- Tease your game with short clips, GIFs, or a “TGS Countdown” series.
- Engage Japanese gamers: Even without a strong Japan-focused following, local players embrace fresh ideas (see: Japan Times on indie devs).
- Press outreach: Offer exclusive previews to indie-friendly outlets (Automaton Media, Gematsu, IGN Japan).
2. At TGS: Maximize Your Booth (Without a Mega Budget)
Goal: Make your game unforgettable—even to attendees who never play it.
A. Communicate Your Game’s Identity at a Glance
Your booth should instantly convey:
- Genre (e.g., “cozy 2D platformer” vs. “hardcore roguelike”)
- Mood (whimsical? gritty? retro-futuristic?)
- Style (art, music, key themes)
How to achieve this:
- Bold, thematic visuals: Neon signs, LED strips, or a standout banner with your game’s key art.
- Decor that pops: Handmade props (e.g., a giant pixel sword for a retro RPG), free stickers/posters, or booth staff dressed in-game.
- Sound & atmosphere: Play your OST softly—just enough to intrigue passersby.
B. Playable Demo Tips
- Short & impactful: Aim for 5-10 minutes of gameplay (leave them wanting more).
- “Secret unlock”: Reward completers with exclusive TGS content (e.g., a Steam demo code or Discord role).
- QR codes everywhere: Link to your Steam page, Discord, or newsletter.
C. Engagement Hacks for Busy Show Floors
- Giveaways with a twist:
- “Collectible” business cards (gamers love trading these).
- Mystery codes (e.g., “First 50 players get a rare skin!”).
- Live interactions:
- Challenge attendees to a speedrun contest (prize: merch or a shoutout).
- Have devs play alongside gamers—creates memorable moments.
D. Standout Examples
- Escape from Tarkov: Won attention in TGS’s outer zones with immersive booth design (military props, dim lighting), as well as selling product and driving interest with characters and hired actors.
- The Berlin Apartment: Small budget and space but shows quickly the environment of the game
- Journey Beyond: Only a 1.5M Width space but with careful choice of accessories it tells attendees about the game (diving, ocean)
- Indie Megabooth: Shared spaces help small teams pool resources for visibility.
environment the game will have
3. Post-TGS: Turn Interest into Long-Term Success
Goal: Keep momentum after the show ends.
- Social media highlights: Post player reactions, booth photos, and dev diaries (“What we learned at TGS”).
- Follow up with publishers: Send a polished pitch deck to every contact.
- Exclusive post-TGS demo: “Missed us in Tokyo? Play now on Steam!”
- Engage new followers: Run a Discord AMA or poll (“What was your favorite part of our demo?”).
Key Takeaways for Indie Success at TGS
✅ Pre-show: Secure meetings early, leverage grants, and tease your game.
✅ At the show: Communicate your game’s soul visually, optimize demos, and create shareable moments.
✅ Post-show: Nurture new connections and keep the buzz alive.
Remember: AAA studios dominate with spectacle, but indies win with passion and creativity. Focus on making genuine connections—whether with players, press, or publishers—and your small booth can leave a big impact.
Ready to make your booth?