Video games part 2: indie games and ecosystem support

Indie games refer to games developed by individuals or small teams with relatively limited budgets and resources.

Funding for game development may come from multiple sources, including developers’ personal savings, investments from individuals or companies, accelerator programs, and public support such as grants and subsidies.

The Exit 8, released in 2023 by Japanese game developer KOTAKE CREATE, is widely recognized as a notable example of a Japanese indie game developed by an individual creator. The title gained attention through word of mouth and game streaming, and in 2025 it was adapted into a film.

The film adaptation of The Exit 8 was selected for the Official Selection (Midnight Screenings section) of the 78th Cannes Film Festival. This case can be positioned as one example of cross-media expansion originating from an indie game.

In part 2 of the Video Game series (read part 1 here), this article examines the recent indie game trend and the domestic ecosystem in Japan that supports indie game developers.

Why Do People Love Indie Games?

When discussing globally recognized indie games of the 21st century, titles such as Minecraft (2011) by Markus Persson (Notch), Undertale (2015) by Toby Fox, and Among Us (2018) by InnerSloth are often cited.

Among Us gained renewed attention several years after its release, driven by increased time spent at home during the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid expansion of game streaming culture. This exposure led to a significant growth in its global player base. As this example illustrates, some indie games achieve widespread recognition not immediately after launch, but later through exposure by streamers, influencers, and community-driven sharing.

In many indie game studios, developers actively incorporate feedback from players and communities, refining their games through early access releases and ongoing updates. Large game companies generally operate with larger budgets but must coordinate with a lot of stakeholders, including shareholders and partner companies. As a result, certain constraints may arise in planning, creative expression, and development processes.

Like major studios, indie developers must also consider business success: how to make their games known, played, and financially viable in order to continue creating future projects. Nevertheless, interest in indie games continues to grow for a variety of reasons. Put simply, audiences basically want to support indie studios rather than development teams composed of salaried employees at large, financially stable corporations.

How Do Indie Game Studios Raise Funds?

The organizational structure of indie game studios shares similarities with seed- to early-stage startups. As an example, the French indie game studio Sandfall Interactive, comprising a team of approximately 30 developers, many with experience at major game companies, released its debut title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, in April 2025.

Following its release, the game achieved strong critical reception and sales performance, surpassing 5 million units sold worldwide and receiving multiple nominations and awards at major game industry ceremonies, including The Game Awards 2025.

More broadly, indie game studios often resemble early-stage startups in their structure and funding needs. In France, developers can access a range of support mechanisms, including international programs such as Epic MegaGrants, as well as regional incubators and public or semi-public institutions like the National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC). These systems provide meaningful support for independent and emerging game studios.

Japan’s Ecosystem for Indie Game Developers

In recent years, Japan has also expanded the number of accelerator, incubation, and support programs targeting indie game developers.

• Shochiku Game Accelerator An accelerator program led by Shochiku that supports game development by leveraging the company’s expertise in film and IP businesses, with a focus on commercialization and cross-media IP expansion.
• Indie Game Incubator An incubation program for indie game developers residing in Japan, offering development and business support as well as opportunities to connect with domestic and international publishers.
• Indie Games Accelerator An online education and mentorship program provided by Google Play, aimed at supporting growth on Android and the Google Play marketplace.
• SELECTED INDIE 80 A support initiative associated with the Tokyo Game Show that provides indie developers with opportunities for exhibition and global visibility.
• CREATOR’S LAB. A creator support and R&D organization operated by Kodansha, offering cross-disciplinary assistance—from games and film to manga—covering planning, development, and commercialization.
• Shibuya Startup Support A startup support initiative centered in Shibuya Ward that includes companies and developers in the entertainment and content industries.

Stay tuned for part 3!