The BitSummit Organizing Committee and the Japan Independent Game Association (JIGA) have announced that they will hold “BitSummit,” a festival celebrating indie games, for three days from May 21 to 23, 2027, under the name “BitSummit High.”
The theme for 2027 is “High / Reaching New Heights.”
As in previous years, the venue will be the Kyoto City Industrial Promotion Hall Miyako Messe (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City). May 21 will be a Business Day reserved for industry professionals, while the event will be open to the general public on May 22 and 23.
The 2027 theme, “High,” carries two meanings: the challenge of reaching new heights and the exhilarating sense of excitement. By discovering and playing games born from free-thinking creativity, and by sharing that passion between creators and players, the event aims to pave the way for the future of indie games to reach new heights.
In addition, recruitment for sponsors and corporate exhibitors has begun. You can find an overview of the exhibition and application details on the official website.
HIS Named First Official Travel Partner
This announcement also revealed that HIS has been selected as BitSummit’s first official travel partner. The company will provide transportation and lodging support for exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees visiting from both Japan and abroad.
For exhibitors and sponsors, HIS has arranged hotel accommodation plans in Kyoto City specifically for the event dates. Bookings are now open on the HIS special page as of today, October 29.
For general attendees, “accommodation plans with admission tickets” and “overnight bus tours with admission tickets”—departing from and returning to Tokyo with direct service to the venue—are planned. Both options include the “HIS Premium Pass,” which allows early entry through a dedicated entrance 30 minutes before the venue opens on public days.
Masayuki Kaizu, General Manager of the New Business Division at HIS, commented, “As the official travel partner, we will create a comfortable travel and accommodation experience and contribute to the development of indie game culture and the promotion of Kyoto’s charm.”Fumi Koshimizu, Vice Chairman of the BitSummit Executive Committee and the Japan Independent Game Association, also explained the purpose of the partnership, saying, “With HIS supporting transportation and accommodations during the busy month of May in Kyoto, both exhibitors and fans will be able to participate with peace of mind.”
BitSummit is an event launched in late 2012 with the aim of “promoting interesting Japanese indie games to an international audience.”The inaugural event in 2013 was an industry-only gathering with about 200 attendees, but by 2026, attendance had grown to over 68,000. The 2027 event will mark its 15th edition.
BitSummit High Event Overview
Dates: May 21–23, 2027 (May 21 is for industry professionals only)
Venue: Kyoto City Industrial Promotion Hall Miyako Messe (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)
Organizers: BitSummit Executive Committee (Japan Independent Games Association (JIGA) [Q Games / Pygmy Studio / Skeleton Crew Studio / BlackSheep Consulting], Kyoto Prefecture)
Co-organizer: KYOTO CMEX
In cooperation with: URAWAZA
Produced by: Oricom
