Indie Game Contest 'IND-1 2025' Holds Semifinals at Osaka Expo!

IND-1 2025 Semifinals at Osaka EXPO

The IND-1 2025 semifinals were held on July 20, 2025, at Osak's EXPO Messe WASSE, where indie game creators under the age of 22 showcased their talents. This event, organized by ADOOR, gathered over 10,000 attendees in the sweltering heat.

Among the impressive total of 698 submissions, ten teams advanced after rigorous preliminary rounds. These finalists presented their projects to a panel of judges, who then selected four Grand Prize finalists and two special category finalists to compete in the Grand Final scheduled for September 20.

Event Highlights

On that vibrant day, crowds were captivated by the youthful creativity displayed. Each presentation was a window into a unique world, with creators passionately discussing their games while visuals filled the screens, taking the audience along on a journey into the future of gaming.

The atmosphere surged with excitement as attendees experienced their first glimpses of what could be the next big hit in the gaming industry, ignited by the energy of the burgeoning creators. With each presentation, one could sense the raw potential and drive that these young developers possess.

Grand Prize Finalists

Here are the teams that are moving on to the Grand Final:

- Puppeteer

Creator: Reo Ueda
School: N High School
Introduction Video

- SHADOW LEAP

Creator: Leapers
School: Kobe Institute of Electronics
Introduction Video

- Janken Oni

Creator: Koutarou Suakamoto
School: N High School
Introduction Video

- SpellCraft

Creator: Rin5 (Ringo)
School: Kinjo High School
Introduction Video

Special Jury Award Finalist

This year’s special jury award went to Uchinoko by creator Taro Kamenoko from Koran Women's High School.

Grand Final Details

- Date: September 20, 2025
- Time: 13:00
- Admission: Free
- Venue: Grand Green Osaka 'Blooming Camp' Event Square by Sakura Internet

Event Details

Awards and Prizes

- GRAND PRIZE (Game Category): 500,000 yen + overseas study tour
- AUDIO Category Prize: 50,000 yen + game production equipment
- VISUAL ARTS Category Prize: 50,000 yen + game production equipment
- Jury Prize: 200,000 yen + overseas study tour

Meet the Judges

The final event will feature esteemed judges:

- Michinori Ozawa, Producer at Bandai Namco Studio, known for his work on the Tekken series.
- Satoshi Ban, CBO of Thirdverse, with experience in game development and Google.
- Bill Ritch, Executive Producer at Side International Japan, with a background at Sega and various successful franchises.

Grand Final Emcee

The event will be hosted by Go Aso from The Plan 9, who will surely amplify the excitement of the competition.

About IND-1 2025

IND-1 2025 is part of the 'Digital Festival 2025', aimed at discovering and nurturing young indie game creators. The contest encourages entries across various categories, including game design, character design, and sound composition, welcoming participants of all backgrounds as long as they are under 22. Winners will receive not just cash prizes but opportunities for global exposure, enhancing their career potential in the game industry.

Visit Blooming Camp

Blooming Camp is a facility run by Sakura Internet Inc., located in Osaka's Umeda district, designed to foster open innovation and facilitate connections between diverse individuals and companies.

Access Map

About ADOOR

ADOOR was founded in May 2023 as a subsidiary of Paulowin Holdings, focusing on leveraging digital technology to create new value in the entertainment sector, particularly in gaming and XR.

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