An Evening with Tokyo Indies

Akihabara, once the epicenter of Japan's vibrant otaku culture, has experienced a decline in its appeal. However, areas like Ikebukuro and Nakano Broadway have risen to prominence, and the neighborhood still maintains its charm as a haven for tech enthusiasts and gamers. The backstreets of this electric town are home to numerous hidden communities, giving the area a unique character. MOGRA, a geeky music club in the heart of Akihabara, is a notable example, offering an underground space where gamers and developers can gather to share their passion for games and music. The club has been a staple of the community since 2009, hosting Tokyo Indies, a monthly meetup for indie game developers. This event provides a platform for developers to share their projects, receive feedback, and connect with like-minded individuals. Alvin Phu, the founder of Tokyo Indies, created the event in 2014 after moving to Japan from the US. Phu, a Chinese American, had previously worked on his own indie game, Block Legend, and wanted to establish a community for indie developers in Tokyo. Inspired by similar events in Boston, Phu aimed to create a space where developers could meet, share their work, and discuss their projects. The first event attracted 20 attendees, exceeding Phu's expectations, and the meetup has since grown in popularity. Today, Tokyo Indies is a vital part of Japan's indie game development scene, offering a safe and supportive environment for creators to showcase their work and receive feedback. The event has also caught the attention of publishers and platform holders, who recognize its value as a hub for indie game development. However, Phu emphasizes that Tokyo Indies is not an event for recruiting or pitching games to major companies. Instead, it is a space for developers to support each other, share their experiences, and learn from one another. The meetup has become an incubator for Japan's indie game development scene, providing a platform for creators to connect, share ideas, and thrive. The Japanese indie game development scene has undergone significant growth in recent years, with the rise of Steam self-publishing and doujin publishing houses. The scene is still relatively small and volatile, but events like Tokyo Indies have played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among developers. As Japan's independent game development scene continues to evolve, the importance of spaces like Tokyo Indies cannot be overstated. They provide a foundation for creators to build upon, share their passion, and drive the growth of the industry.