The countdown to Tokyo Game Show 2025 (TGS2025) is heating up, and the excitement for indie games just got a major boost. The Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA) has officially announced the eight finalists for this year’s Sense of Wonder Night 2025 (SOWN2025)—a showcase celebrating groundbreaking indie titles that spark creativity and innovation.
Alongside the finalist reveal, video creator Pocky has been confirmed as the Official Indie Game Ambassador for the fourth consecutive year, further solidifying TGS’s commitment to spotlighting indie talent on the global stage.
What is Sense of Wonder Night (SOWN)?
Now in its 18th year, Sense of Wonder Night is TGS’s dedicated stage for indie creators whose ideas evoke that unmistakable “wow” factor. The event aims to spotlight games that shift perspectives, surprise audiences, and expand the boundaries of interactive entertainment.
This year, organizers broadened eligibility to include both SELECTED INDIE 80 exhibitors and developers from the Indie Game Area. From 165 entries, eight games have been chosen to present live at Makuhari Messe and via official livestream.
📅 Event Details
- Date/Time: September 26, 2025 (Friday), 5:00 PM JST
- Venue: Makuhari Messe, International Conference Hall
- Livestream: Official TGS channels
- 🔗 Official SOWN Website
Sense of Wonder Night 2025 Finalists
Here are the eight standout indie games that made the cut:
- Latent Entertainment – Deep Space (Japan)
🎥 Trailer - Nearpin GO – Nearpin GO (Japan)
🎥 Trailer - Non-Virtual Reality Games – Non-Virtual Reality Games (Germany)
🎥 Trailer - Playables – Time Flies (Switzerland)
🎥 Trailer - TearyHand Studio – Darekare (Japan)
🎥 Trailer - TopplePOP – TopplePop (Australia)
🎥 Trailer - Word Game – Word Game (JPN ver) (Taiwan)
🎥 Trailer - Yamamu Games – BB Adventure (Japan)
🎥 Trailer
These titles will battle for recognition across multiple categories, showcasing the best in indie innovation.
Pocky Returns as Indie Game Ambassador
Beloved YouTube creator Pocky, with over 3.7 million subscribers and 4 billion total views, is back as TGS’s Official Indie Game Ambassador.
For SOWN2025, Pocky will not only serve as a judge but also present the Pocky Award, highlighting his favorite indie pick from the SELECTED INDIE 80. The winning title will be featured on his channel, giving it a massive spotlight with Pocky’s global fanbase.
“Indie games bring fresh creativity to the industry, and I’m thrilled to celebrate their uniqueness again this year,” said Pocky.
SELECTED INDIE 80 & TGS Forum Updates
- The SELECTED INDIE 80 official site is now live, offering indie developers free opportunities to showcase at TGS2025’s Indie Game Area.
🔗 Visit Site - Meanwhile, TGS Forum has opened advance registration for its business seminar program. Sessions kick off September 25, 2025, with topics including “What’s Next for the Middle Eastern Game Industry? – Esports World Cup 2025 Report.”
🔗 TGS Forum Details
Tokyo Game Show 2025 Overview
- 📅 Dates:
- Sep 25–26: Business Days
- Sep 27–28: Public Days
- 📍 Venue: Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan
- 🎮 Visitors Expected: 250,000+
- 🔗 Official Website
