This gaming event has something big-name events lack: at “Zentame,” blue skies and a laid-back vibe make it a joy, so please join in [On-Site Report]

When people hear the term “game event,” many probably picture massive exhibition halls lined with booths, trailers for the latest releases, and long lines of people waiting to try out games. Of course, that’s part of the appeal of massive trade shows like the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) and Gamescom. However, there are other ways to enjoy games at events.

On October 17 and 18, 2026, the 9th “National Entertainment Festival” (commonly known as “Zentame”) was held at Kakamigahara City Park in Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture.Playing games outdoors—an experience that sounds simple enough on paper. Yet, it offers a richness that’s hard to find at large-scale trade shows.

Let’s Go to the Park to Play Games

“Zentame” is an outdoor gaming event centered around the theme of “Autumn Halloween & Picnic.” The venue isn’t an exhibition hall—it’s a park. Visiting game booths and spending the day outdoors naturally go hand in hand.

When you go to a game event, you tend to want to pack your schedule with “what to try out” and “which presentations to watch.” However, at “Zentame,” you can enjoy things a little differently. Play the game you came for, then move on to the next booth.Stop at exhibits that catch your eye, and enjoy a meal in between. Or simply stroll through the venue without any specific plan. That alone is a wonderful way to experience the event.

Walking under the blue sky while thinking about which game to play next—just that simple act creates memories unlike those from typical game events. Time spent facing the screen coexists with time spent looking up at the sky.

Of course, just because you can take it easy doesn’t mean the game exhibits take a back seat. According to the exhibitor information released before the 9th event, 17 companies and 34 indie groups were scheduled to participate.

For example, Nippon Ichi Software was offering hands-on demos of *The Garden of Twilight* and *Let’s All Toss It! Prinnies Board Game*.Hamster planned to stream a program from the venue featuring gameplay from “Arcade Archives” and “Console Archives.” Meanwhile, there were also numerous exhibits by indie developers and students.

This lineup alone makes it clear that Zentaime is not merely a scaled-down version of TGS. Whether it’s titles from major publishers or games created by individuals and students, there are different reasons to check them out. It’s a place that values that feeling of “I’d like to give this a try”—a sentiment that can’t be measured by release dates or popularity alone.

In addition to game exhibits and stage events, the venue also featured merchandise sales, a food court, and an “Itasha” (decorated car) exhibition area. Attendees could buy food, take a break, or return to booths that caught their interest. The fact that there’s no sense of urgency during these “non-gaming moments” is part of what makes this event so enjoyable.

That said, Zen-Tame isn’t really the kind of event where you’ll find a lineup of AAA blockbusters or a large number of overseas games.TGS has its own unique kind of excitement that can only be experienced there. Zen-Tame, however, isn’t about competing in terms of the sheer volume of information or scale; playing games here flows seamlessly into the relaxed atmosphere of the park. Naturally, there were many children and families in attendance, and it was common to see them having a lively, fun time.

And that relaxed atmosphere changes the way you discover games. Rather than rushing through one hot title after another, you simply give a try to whatever catches your eye. It’s not just what you saw, but also the mood in which you walked through the venue that leaves a strong impression.

Games That Caught My Eye

Here are some games I discovered while wandering around like that.

“Poop Detective”

This “high-speed poop deduction action” game is a collaboration between Freestyle, the team behind *Oba-Keidoro*, and Sohei Shinkawa—formerly of Nippon Ichi Software—who is producing and developing it. Originally an analog game, it’s now being released as a digital title as well!

The gameplay involves finding the poop that perfectly matches the given clue from among the various poop-shaped silhouettes scattered across the field. Since there are so many poop-shaped objects with similar shapes, it’s surprisingly easy to misidentify them amid the chaotic screen…! And even if you find the correct poop, you still have to win a rapid-fire tapping contest.

The rules are simple yet create a lively, fun atmosphere, making it a great game for a quick play session. I’m looking forward to seeing the rules expanded further and new game modes added. Plus, the characters designed by Bukubu Okawa are absolutely adorable.

"RULES OF RESIDENCE"

The dream home you bought with a 35-year mortgage turned out to be a bizarre apartment complex ruled by a dictatorial chairman—with such a dreadfully unappealing premise, this title is an adventure game featuring a TRPG-style system. Cards obtained through various events serve as resources, and you use these cards to navigate the events that come your way.The gameplay feels a bit like a simplified version of *Citizen Sleeper*.

I couldn’t fully appreciate the game’s true appeal in such a short play session, but the overall design—with its suffocating atmosphere—had my heart racing… Both the cards and the residents feel somehow eerie, and above all, it really drives home the feeling that “I don’t want to be here.”

The real estate ad-style flyer is also great. If you look closely, it’s actually quite unsettling. “Self-reliance”—that’s the last thing you want to see written on a real estate flyer.

*PROJECT-CATCH*

From Lokobit—known for *Butto Bird*—comes this game centered on catch. It seems to feature battle styles that vary by character and the ability to throw special pitches.

It was constantly packed on the days I visited, so unfortunately, I wasn’t able to play…! Perhaps because *Butto Bird* was serialized in *CoroCoro Comic*, it was also popular with kids.

“Séraphine Flies Through the Sky”

This title has been exhibited at various events for quite some time, but it’s truly impressive to experience it anew. With its soft art style and intuitive controls, the game lets you pilot an airship through the Sky Islands—and the graphics are likely all hand-drawn.The artwork changes seamlessly depending on the camera angle, creating visuals as captivating as an anime. And all the girls are adorable.

Next year marks the milestone 10th anniversary. I don’t know what kind of events will be held, but I really hope they keep this laid-back atmosphere…! For those who haven’t attended yet, I strongly encourage you to come and experience this vibe at least once. You can go with a specific game in mind, or just show up without any plans.

A gaming event with blue skies and a relaxed pace. That experience—which seems so ordinary yet feels so fresh—is exactly why I want to recommend “Zentame.”