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Celebrating a Decade at BitSummit PUNCH

Osaka University of Electric Communications (OECU), located in Neyagawa and Shijōnawate cities in Osaka, is thrilled to announce its continuous participation in the BitSummit PUNCH, one of Japan's largest indie game festivals. This year marks a significant milestone, as it’s the university’s 10th consecutive year at the event, taking place from May 22 to May 24, 2026 at Miyako Messe in Kyoto.

As a notable Bronze Sponsor, OECU is not just exhibiting its games but actively contributing to this vibrant gaming culture. Since its first show in 2017, the university has established a solid reputation in the indie game community. This year, the university will showcase 11 selected projects, comprising six digital games and five 2D/3D graphic pieces, all of which have successfully passed rigorous in-house evaluations.

Highlights of OECU’s Participation

The participation process began with an open call for submissions from all departments, showcasing a rich diversity of talent. The submissions underwent a strict selection process comprising document reviews, intermediate evaluations, and a final mock exhibition held on April 25. Faculty members from various disciplines provided invaluable feedback on the projects, emphasizing practical advice on game development and user experience design.

The digital games being showcased this year include:

• - ロボリウム (Robolium)
• - Search for Vampires
• - Trailizer
• - PadPod
• - WeGotSwallowed!
• - ワイヤーワイパー (Wire Wiper)

Additionally, the 2D/3D graphic category includes:

• - PsyLive-サイライブ- (PsyLive)
• - Drowned Atavism-ドラウンドアダビズム- (Drowned Atavism)
• - SILENT BARD-サイレントバード- (Silent Bard)
• - Evil Snow White
• - 探海 (Exploration of the Sea)

On the festival days, students involved in these projects will be present at the booth to engage visitors and demonstrate their games, providing insights into their development process.

New Initiatives and Learning Opportunities

In addition to showcasing indie games, OECU is taking this opportunity to launch exciting new initiatives. The OECU eSports Club, recognized as a strong support entity, plans to conduct interviews with indie game developers, giving students a unique perspective from the developer's side.

Moreover, under the guidance of Associate Professors Yoshitake Mori and Takeshi Nagata, the university will host a BitSummit Game Jam booth, where 15 OECU students will participate. This dynamic environment encourages students to collaborate on creative projects in real-time.

This year’s festival is particularly special as all first-year students from the newly restructured Digital Game Department will engage in an off-campus training program. They will have the chance to witness cutting-edge indie games firsthand, sparking their creativity as game developers right from the start of their academic journey.

Event Details

BitSummit PUNCH runs from May 22 to May 24, 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Note that May 22 will be a business-only day, restricting general public access. The event will be held at Miyako Messe, Kyoto. For more detailed information, please visit the official BitSummit website: BitSummit.

This year’s participation not only showcases OECU's commitment to fostering talent in the gaming industry but also reinforces its status as a pioneering educational institution in digital game studies since establishing the Digital Game Department in 2003. OECU continues to inspire and cultivate the next generation of game creators, ensuring a bright future for the industry.