The Japan Pavilion at GDC 2025 will feature 10 leading Japanese game companies, 70+ game titles, AI-native tools, middleware, and indie games. Supported by JETRO, the pavilion offers an immersive look into Japan’s innovative gaming industry.
Image courtesy of japanpavilion
San Francisco, CA – The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has announced that it will be hosting the Japan Pavilion at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025, set to take place from March 19 to 21 in San Francisco. The pavilion will feature 10 Japanese game-related companies, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovations within the gaming industry.
The Japan Pavilion aims to highlight the country’s leadership in gaming, bringing together both established companies and rising startups. Visitors can expect a diverse range of exhibits, including indie game developers, middleware providers, AI-driven content creation tools, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) innovations, and next-generation gaming software.
JETRO has been instrumental in supporting Japanese companies looking to expand their global footprint, and GDC provides an ideal platform for networking and business development. The event attracts thousands of gaming professionals, including developers, publishers, investors, and industry experts, from around the world, offering opportunities for partnerships, collaborations, and knowledge sharing.
The Japan Pavilion at the 2025 Game Developers Conference (GDC), taking place in San Francisco from March 17–21, promises to be one of the most dynamic showcases on the show floor. Organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), this year’s pavilion will highlight the creativity and innovation of Japan’s gaming ecosystem, featuring 10 distinguished Japanese companies and offering attendees hands-on experiences with more than 70 game titles from over 40 developers.
At the heart of the pavilion is an interactive demo area, where visitors can immerse themselves in a wide range of Japanese-developed content—from console and mobile titles to PC games, VR experiences, and middleware tools. This initiative aims to foster global partnerships and expand the visibility of Japanese game developers in the international market.
One of the key highlights of the Japan Pavilion will be live demonstrations and presentations from participating companies, giving attendees hands-on experience with the latest advancements in game technology. From revolutionary game engines to AI-enhanced procedural content generation, these exhibits are expected to draw significant interest from industry insiders and gaming enthusiasts alike.
“We are excited to introduce some of Japan’s most innovative game-related companies to a global audience,” said a JETRO spokesperson. “Our goal is to foster international connections, encourage cross-border collaborations, and showcase Japan’s contributions to the ever-evolving gaming industry.”
In addition to the exhibition, JETRO will also host business matchmaking sessions, allowing participating companies to engage with international partners, publishers, and investors. These sessions are designed to help Japanese game developers explore opportunities for market expansion and establish strategic alliances with global counterparts.
– NINJA CATS - Creator of "NINJA CATS", a quirky and fast-paced indie title blending stealth mechanics with traditional Japanese flair. Tokyo-based indie studio Pit-Step, Inc. is pioneering AI-driven gaming with their upcoming title, NINJA CATS. This 3D battle RPG introduces players to a squad of endearing ninja cats that can be trained and interacted with through voice commands. Leveraging advanced AI, these feline warriors respond dynamically to player input, creating a personalized and immersive gaming experience. NINJA CATS is designed with content creators in mind, offering unique, streamable moments ideal for platforms like Twitch and YouTube. The game is slated for an Early Access release on Steam in late 2025.
– holo Indie - Hosts the "holo indie" program, promoting holographic display technology and immersive indie game experiences. A subsidiary of COVER Corporation, CCMC Corporation operates the holo Indie program, a platform dedicated to supporting indie game developers. This initiative focuses on integrating holographic display technology and immersive experiences, particularly within the VTuber and virtual entertainment sectors. By fostering innovation in holographic gaming, holo Indie aims to expand the possibilities of interactive media.
- Specializes in high-quality Unreal Engine titles, bringing cinematic-level visuals and intense gameplay to new IPs. Established in 2016, Blast Edge Games Inc. is a Tokyo-based game development studio renowned for its expertise in Unreal Engine. The company focuses on creating high-quality, immersive gaming experiences, as demonstrated by titles like HYKE: Northern Light(s) and GOMAN: Stuck in the Avici Hell. With a team of 50 professionals, Blast Edge Games continues to push the boundaries of game design and storytelling.
- A Tokyo-based creative studio known for their cross-media storytelling and unique approach to digital art and gaming. Founded by CG generalist Bruno Leni, atKombi is a Tokyo-based creative studio specializing in 2D/3D digital art and animation. With experience collaborating with global brands like Disney, LINE, NHK, Adidas, and Xbox, atKombi brings a unique blend of cross-media storytelling and artistic innovation to the gaming industry.
– Mononoke no Kuni - The team behind "Mononoke no Kuni", a beautifully crafted game that draws on Japanese folklore and supernatural elements. STUDIO-LIGHTS., Ltd. invites players into the enchanting world of Mononoke no Kuni, an adventure game steeped in Japanese folklore. Players embark on a journey with Musashi, a spirited puppy, exploring a mystical land inhabited by whimsical spirits known as Mononoke. The game offers a soothing yet mysterious experience, blending traditional narratives with modern gameplay.
- A veteran solutions provider offering localization, development, and QA services tailored to the game industry. DICO Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive solutions provider in the gaming industry, offering services in development, CG/3D graphics, localization, multilingual customer support, and quality assurance. As a global creative and technology partner, DICO collaborates with developers to enhance game quality and reach international audiences.
- An independent studio established in 1999, known for its puzzle and strategy games that combine nostalgia with modern design. Since its establishment in 1999, BeXide Inc. has been dedicated to developing engaging puzzle and strategy games. Their recent release, Persha and the Magic Labyrinth -Arabian Nyaights-, combines match-3 puzzles with dungeon RPG elements, offering a fresh take on classic gameplay mechanics. Available on multiple platforms, including Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and the Epic Games Store, the game showcases BeXide's commitment to innovative game design.
- A prolific game developer and publisher with a portfolio that spans MMORPGs and mobile games. Aiming Inc. is a prominent Japanese game developer and publisher specializing in online games. With a diverse portfolio that includes MMORPGs and mobile games, Aiming Inc. focuses on creating immersive and engaging experiences for a global player base.
- Developer of an AI-native 3D editor, aimed at accelerating game asset creation for studios of all sizes. AssetHub Inc. offers an AI-powered 3D creation tool designed to streamline the workflow of 3D model creation for game developers, artists, and printers. By leveraging multiple AI models, AssetHub enables users to generate and edit 3D models efficiently, bridging the gap between AI-generated content and production-ready assets.
- Makers of the widely-used CRIWARE middleware, offering powerful audio and video solutions to enhance in-game experiences. CRI Middleware Co., Ltd. develops and supports middleware solutions for video and audio playback, file systems, and voice recognition. Their flagship product, CRIWARE, is widely used across various platforms and devices, providing developers with robust tools to enhance in-game experiences through high-quality audio and video integration.
JETRO’s support for the Japan Pavilion reflects Japan’s growing commitment to international game development collaboration. With a strong mix of indie game creators, middleware developers, and AI tool innovators, the 2025 lineup showcases the country’s broad talent spectrum and forward-looking approach.
Whether you're an investor, publisher, or game enthusiast, the Japan Pavilion at GDC 2025 is a must-visit for discovering new titles, networking with developers, and gaining insight into Japan’s evolving gaming frontier.
With Japan’s strong presence in the gaming sector, the Japan Pavilion is expected to be a major attraction at this year’s event. More details on the participating companies and their exhibits will be released in the coming weeks. For updates and additional information, interested attendees can visit JETRO’s official website or follow their social media channels.
