BitSummit Gaiden Is the Online-Only Return of BitSummit

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a heavy toll on events of all kinds, and BitSummit 2020 was among the casualties. But you can’t keep a good con down, and the premier, Japan-based event for indie gaming is back as BitSummit Gaiden. In an announcement on the BitSummit official page and Twitter account, BitSummit parent association Japan Independent Games Aggregate explained the need for an event that “shines a light on hard-working indie developers, provides a unique platform to showcase their works, and gives their games the visibility we believe they deserve.” And so, BitSummit Gaiden will be held this between June 27-28, 2020.

BitSummit is Japan’s largest independent games festival. Growing since 2012, the yearly event attracted thousands of attendees to see new indie games, alongside support from major Japanese and international publishers. The original BitSummit 2020 was scheduled for May 9-10, 2020 in Kyoto, Japan, but BitSummit Gaiden will happen entirely online between June 27-28, 2020. Live streaming will take place via the official Twitch channels, alongside other streaming partners and platforms. Developers and presenters will be available to interact via Discord chat, and a “virtual booth” system will be put into place to show off games.

Other announcements, such as what games will be present at BitSummit Gaiden and scheduled speakers and programs, will be made in the coming weeks.