The Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA) has confirmed the sponsors for the "SELECTED INDIE 80" project, an indie game developer support initiative at Tokyo Game Show 2026. This project aims to provide a foundation for indie game developers to grow and contribute to the development of the global game industry. A total of nine companies, including Nintendo, KODANSHA, and PLAYISM, are participating as sponsors.

Nintendo and KODANSHA have been selected as platinum sponsors, while PLAYISM has been named a gold sponsor. The iGi indie Game incubator is participating as a silver sponsor, and CRI Middleware and Amakusa City are included as bronze sponsors. Additionally, ASK, auryn, and Wit One have joined as equipment sponsors. Developers participating in the Selected Indie 80 will receive various exhibition support from these sponsors, as Tokyo Game Show seeks to revitalize the game industry through this initiative.

To evaluate and promote the creativity and quality of indie games, Tokyo Game Show is establishing the new "SI80 Excellence Awards." This award will officially recognize approximately 10 outstanding works from the Selected Indie 80 project, evaluated from various perspectives such as creative quality, completion as a game, and experiential value. The winners will be announced in August, and the awards ceremony will be held during Tokyo Game Show. During the event, award marks will be displayed at each booth to highlight the appeal of the works to visitors, media, and business professionals.

The SI80 Excellence Awards evaluate the value of indie games using new criteria, distinct from the "Sense of Wonder Night (SOWN)," which focuses on the originality of ideas. This system is expected to help outstanding indie works gain more attention from visitors, media, and publishers, creating opportunities for entry into the global market and enhancing the overall value of the Tokyo Game Show indie game project. The "Selected Indie 80" is aimed at individual developers and small studios, and applications are open regardless of nationality, age, or occupation.

Developers applying for the "Selected Indie 80" will undergo a screening process, with a total of 80 works selected to be exhibited for free in the Tokyo Game Show 2026 Indie Game Zone. The application deadline is Thursday the 30th at 17:00 (KST), and screening results will be notified via email on May 20. Eligibility requires the ability to participate in the actual exhibition at Makuhari Messe for five days. Annual revenue must be 50 million yen (approx. 475 million won) or 500,000 dollars (approx. 721 million won) or less for corporations, and 10 million yen (approx. 95 million won) or 100,000 dollars (approx. 144.2 million won) or less for individuals. Corporations must be capital-independent.

Entries must be completely original games; fan creations or derivative works are not permitted. Works must be developed for platforms for which the developer holds development rights and must comply with CESA and CERO codes of ethics. Works rated CERO Z or those containing content equivalent to a 17+ (MATURE) rating abroad are prohibited from entry.

Now in its 19th year, Sense of Wonder Night 2026 is a game idea presentation competition. Eight original idea-based works will advance to the finals, with the Grand Prix winner receiving 3,000 dollars (approx. 4.326 million won) and other winners receiving 500 dollars (approx. 721,000 won).

Meanwhile, Tokyo Game Show 2026 is organized by CESA and co-hosted by Nikkei Business Publications and Sony Music Solutions. The event will be held for five days from Thursday, September 17, 2026, to Monday, September 21 (a public holiday) at the Makuhari Messe exhibition center. Business Days will be held on the 17th and 18th, and Public Days will run from the 19th to the 21st. The expected number of visitors is 300,000, with approximately 3,500 booths prepared.