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Bitsummit 2026 showed Japanese indies pursuing a new multimedia model, backed by major entertainment firms | Opinion

Major Japanese entertainment companies like TOEI, Shueisha, and Aniplex are increasingly investing in independent games to cultivate new intellectual property for multimedia expansion. Events like Bitsummit showcase this shift, where indie developers are supported by established firms seeking global IP potential beyond traditional media. This strategy aims to leverage Japan's cultural soft power and create revenue streams across games, anime, merchandise, and more.