Have you ever imagined your favorite indie game title being adapted into an anime series? This year, the Japanese entertainment industry presents an interesting collaboration that brings the two worlds together. Let's take a look game what has caught the attention of fans.
The Beginning of Anime and Indie Game Collaboration
For those of you who aren't familiar, AnimeJapan is the world's largest anime expo where the industry's big announcements happen. Meanwhile, BitSummit is a prestigious event where independent Japanese games go global.
There are 35 nominees competing in this event. The nominees come from the BitSummit 2025 award winners as well as domestic Japanese titles that went viral on social media. Fans have cast their votes online from January 26 to February 11, 2026.
To celebrate the closeness of these two industries, AnimeJapan, which entered its 13th year, and BitSummit, which entered its 14th year, organized a collaboration project. They found out what titles fans wanted most to get anime adaptations.
It's important to note that making it onto this list doesn't necessarily mean that the game will be made into an anime! This event actually serves as a “bridge” for anime producers and studios to see which games have a large fan base and the most potential for adaptation.
There are 35 nominees competing in this event. The nominees come from the BitSummit 2025 award winners as well as domestic Japanese titles that went viral on social media. Fans have cast their votes online from January 26 to February 11, 2026.
The voting results are exclusive and are not announced online by the organizers. Visitors can only see the list of winners in person at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition site on March 28 to 29, 2026.
Top 10 Most Anticipated Indie Games List
Here are the top ten games that won over fans based on the results of the on-site exhibition.
1. Urban Myth Dissolution Center
This adventure mystery game by Developer Hakaba Bunko and Publisher Shueisha Games invites you to solve supernatural phenomena. You will follow the story of Azami Fukurai who works with Ayumu Meguriya, the head of the Urban Myth Debunking Center and the best psychic in Japan. The development team is very grateful for fan support and hopes that this anime adaptation can be realized soon.
2. IZON
This adventure game from Developer Yoshi. and Publisher Creek & River Co., Ltd. takes you to a dark yet beautiful world. The story centers on a strange girl named Chijin who has the power of creation. She is accompanied by a weapon called Kyojin that can destroy everything. The creators are honored and think that non-human characters make it easier for players to empathize.
3. Azure Striker Gunvolt Trilogy Enhanced
Developer and Publisher INTI CREATES presents a complete edition of their flagship 2D side-scrolling action series. This package includes the three main games and all the DLC. The development team stated that they have produced the OVA format before. Thanks to the enthusiastic support from fans, they are now aiming for a big screen version.
4. HackClad
This deck-building strategy game by Developer SUSABI GAMES and Publisher bkueFlint brings you to fight against monsters. You will play as a wizard in a world that has been destroyed. The creators are very encouraged by the voting results and are looking forward to the day when their characters can move freely on screen.
5. Sausage Legend Arena
Developer Milk Co. has crafted a fighting game with a very unique 3D physics simulation. You'll play as a medieval prisoner who must fight for his life in a sausage duel. The creators emphasize that the story behind this game is actually a dark fantasy theme to achieve freedom.
6. Retrieved
This rhythm roguelike action game by Developer Hiroyuki Kotani and Kazuto Sakajiri with Publisher GSE - Game source entertainment offers co-op multiplayer features for up to four players. There are more than 100 characters who will be involved in a big brawl. The development team is currently focused on the official July release and believes this IP can expand into the anime realm.
7. I Am a Dorm Resident (but Cat)
This adventure game from developer Project Bon is set in the real-life Kyoto Yoshida Dormitory. The story focuses on a cat that can suddenly speak but has lost its memory. The creators hope to convey the dormitory's charm to people around the world through the game, which has received official permission from the student council.
8. Monstabox
Developer atkombi presents a new fighting game sensation that uses six-sided dice. You must organize magic and monsters into the dice to challenge the Great Demon King. The creators feel that their unique characters would be very interesting and action-packed if made into an anime.
9. Barcelona Hotels
This parody horror roguelike slasher game from developer SWERY and publisher White Owls Inc. takes place in a hotel filled with serial killers. Fanaticism and obsession lead to intense deadly battles. The creators are very enthusiastic about imagining the fierce battles of their characters in an anime format.
10. Hungry Meme
This game from Developer Drecom Co., Ltd. and e-one Co., Ltd. with Publisher Clouded Leopard Entertainment Inc. invites you to adventure in the World Tree. Your task is to save a greedy creature called Meme from an extinction crisis. The development team hopes that fans will be able to see their characters' new adventures in the future.
If you're curious about the full list of 35 nominees competing this year, you can check it out on the official page. AnimeJapan 2026.
Get Ready for BitSummit 14 PUNCH Indie Game Festival!
For those of you who want to see more independent games, the festival BitSummit 14 PUNCH! will be back soon. The event is scheduled to take place on May 22 to 24, 2026. The venue is at Miyako Messe, Kyoto.
BitSummit was first formed in late 2012 with the aim of broadcasting exciting domestic games overseas. The inaugural event in 2013 was initially a small-scale event for industry players with around 200 attendees.
As time goes by, the event continues to grow rapidly. In 2018, the festival surpassed 11,000 visitors and became a highly anticipated event.
Given the overwhelming enthusiasm of fans at this year's AnimeJapan, the line between interactive media and anime is becoming increasingly thin. Although it's only a “fan wish” at this point, this Top 10 list is a golden portfolio for developers.
Moreover, similar voting events for the manga version on AnimeJapan have previously successfully produced giant adaptations such as SPY x FAMILY and Oshi no Ko. So, direct support like this is certainly a great motivation for independent creators to continue expanding their game universes to the screen.
