The PlayEatSleep team had another opportunity to cover one of the biggest gaming expos in the world, Tokyo Game Show 2025 (TGS 2025). Held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, this year's show felt more massive than ever. We explored booths from major game publishers, indie developers, and specialty areas. hardware and gaming lifestyle.
Here is a summary of our experience and impressions during our time at TGS 2025.
Hands-On of the Most Anticipated Games at TGS 2025
This year's TGS broke records with over 4,000 booths, making the scale of the event feel overwhelming to fully cover. The lines to try out the big games were long even from the first day, which was dedicated to media and business. Nonetheless, we had the chance to try out some of the most promising games.
The first game we tried was NTE: Neverness to Everness. This project from Hotta Studio takes place in open-world It's a modern take on the metropolis, complete with cars and various aspects of urban life. The gameplay features GTA-style combat wrapped in a stunning anime visual style.
Each character feels like they have a strong and distinct personality. The controls feel intuitive and familiar, reminiscent of popular mobile games like Genshin Impact. NTE manages to bring the Genshin formula into the world of urban fantasy with an approach mobile-first solid.
Next, we had a hands-on opportunity ANANTAIt's a demo that offers a very different experience. Developed by Naked Rain and published by NetEase Games, the demo is split into two parts: story missions and free exploration. The story missions are cinematic and intense, starting with fast-paced combat that then transitions into Uncharted-style car chase scenes. However, the free exploration segment is the highlight.
ANANTA has a movement system (traversal) which is very free and stylishANANTA's interactive worlds range from swinging like a superhero, to using a jet hammer that can turn into a scooter, to summoning a police car instantly. This vibrant and interactive world makes ANANTA one of the most powerful demos at TGS 2025.
We also tried Planet Party Time from Universe X Studio under NetEase Games. This game combines elements of life-sim, party gameThe solo mode feels like a relaxed version of the solo mode, and social exploration in a creative package. The solo mode we played felt like a laid-back version of Fall Guys, complete with obstacles, time challenges, and platforming which is intuitive. With bright visuals and easily accessible controls, Planet Party Time is a fresh and highly enjoyable game for all.
Highlights from the Indie Game Stage at TGS 2025
TGS 2025 is not only a stage for industry giants, but also a festival for small and indie game developers to show off.
One that caught our attention was yunyun denpa syndrome, rhythm adventure game about girls hikikomori with a psychotic twist. Sessions rhythm-It is presented as if the players are conducting an "oshi war" on social media, accompanied by the songs of denpa which is very catchy.
We also tried rain98which blends the soothing feel of lo-fi music with the suspense of the story psycho-thriller. The gameplay proved to be more than just a visual novel, with players encouraged to explore every corner of the apartment and interact with various objects. Some minigame is also tucked in for an interesting interlude.
When visiting the area Selected Indie 80We are proud to have discovered two games from Indonesia. First, I NEED SPACE from Khayalan Arts, a 2D game Open-Space Exploration with an immersive narrative and atmosphere, reinforced by Art Style funny that builds its identity as cozy game. The second is Broomstick Exorcist from Digital Happiness. The game offers a unique blend of horror-comedy, a surprise from the studio known for its DreadOut. The gameplay focuses on beat 'em up with elements hack and slash in 2.5D visuals hand-drawn monochromatic, although this project is still in its early development stage (early stage).
In the same area, our attention was caught by PVKK: PlanetenverteidigungskanonenkommandantA game from Germany that stands out thanks to its retro-tech-style replica of the control panel. Concept Point & Click from the original game was taken to the next level, where this TGS demo used an immersive physical control panel to shoot down enemy projectiles.
The PlayEatSleep team also visited the Indonesian Pavilion, which featured several local developers with diverse works. First up, HR Simulator from Animesme offers a unique work-life simulation. Although it is still in its early access and felt like it needed more polish, the demo already featured relevant interviewing and employee management systems. Next up, Ashtray from Vifth Floor took us into the game hack-and-slash with a supernatural urban Indonesian setting. In the demo, the character Sam battles various demons from the paranormal realm inside a train car.
Meanwhile, Agni: Village of Calamity from Half Interactive offers an experience survival horror cinematic inspired by Resident Evil Classic. With camera angles fixed-style and the gripping atmosphere of a remote village, the game is rated CERO Z (18+) in Japan for featuring explicit violence and intense horror elements. Last but not least, Luminote Mio: Aqualoom at Ocean's End of Thizen are cozy adventure which is still in the early stages of development. In the available prototype, players take on the role of Mio who explores the world to create a magical aquarium through exploration and mini-games rhythmic.
Hardware Innovation and Gaming Lifestyle
Outside of the game, the hardware also features exciting innovations. ASUS presents two main highlights: ROG Xbox Ally, a gaming handheld created in collaboration with Microsoft that the public can try for the first time, and ROG x Hatsune Miku EditionA PC set with Hatsune Miku's iconic design and color scheme that really steals the show.
Meanwhile, in the gaming lifestyle, booth Nitori shows that a gaming setup is all about comfort and self-expression. They showcased three thematic gaming rooms in collaboration with Final Fantasy VII Remake, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Street Fighter 6. Visitors can sit on Cloud and Sephiroth-themed gaming chairs, or take pictures with the life-sized Buster Sword, making it one of the most photogenic spots at TGS 2025.
See you at TGS 2026?
We found many interesting things at TGS 2025. The exhibition once again proved that the global gaming industry has huge potential. Unlike last year, we were happy to see that this year's Indonesian Pavilion appeared in a more strategic and easily accessible location. Indonesia's increased presence at an international event like this is very encouraging, and we can't wait to cover TGS 2026 again.
