Indie game studios battle for piece of Switch 2 success
The three games on display are all made by smaller-scale, independent developers seeking to impress users of the device that became the world's fastest-selling console after its launch last month.
But with Nintendo game sales long dominated by in-house franchises — from "Super Mario" to "Donkey Kong" to "Animal Crossing" — it can be hard for outsiders to break through.
"The Switch 2 has certainly gotten off to a strong start," said Krysta Yang of the Nintendo-focused Kit & Krysta Podcast.
But so far, "for third-party game creators, the success of Switch 2 didn't necessarily translate into strong sales."
Many Switch 2 owners bought the gadget to play Nintendo exclusives, such as "Mario Kart World," and the high price of the console and its games mean consumers have been less keen to splash out on a range of titles, Yang said.
Also, many non-Nintendo games currently sold on the Switch 2, such as "Cyberpunk 2077," were already available on rival platforms such as Sony's PlayStation 5.
"Nintendo is incentivized to keep their third-party developer relationships strong as they understand to sustain a console lifecycle they will need (their) support," Yang said, but warned "there certainly are challenges" ahead for the developers.
The Nintendo booth at the BitSummit indie gaming expo in the city of Kyoto on Friday. |
AFP-JIJI
That did not put off scores of hopefuls from traveling to Kyoto, Nintendo's home city, to tout their games — many still works-in-progress — at three-day indie game expo BitSummit, which kicked off Friday.
At booths showing off new software from retro-style puzzles to immersive horror epics, several gamemakers said they were in talks with Nintendo about launching their work on the new console.
The Switch 2 is more powerful than its hugely popular predecessor, and that "opens up the space for what can be made," said Ryan Juckett of the U.S. studio Hypersect.
Nintendo's own games "can be quite expensive, so there's a gap for cheaper, easier-access games that people can play on the fly," said Kent Burgess from New Zealand, part of the team behind the game "Bashful Adoration."
Other concepts were more eclectic — from sword-fighting with barbecued sausages to a game where the main character is a shy giraffe whose head explodes if he talks to a stranger.
In the United States, "some people, when they try the game, are like, 'oh we don't quite get it because we are so extrovert,'" said Lin Huang, the artist behind "A Week in the Life of Asocial Giraffe."
Gaming industry consultant Serkan Toto said Nintendo once had "an almost legendary reputation of being hard to negotiate with" for outside gamemakers.
"But that changed with the Switch 1," which launched in 2017 after the company's previous console, the Wii U, was "a total flop" — opening the way for more third-party games, including indie titles, Toto said.
And the landscape could change further as new technologies gain pace.
No indie gamemakers reporters spoke to at BitSummit said they used artificial intelligence heavily at work, although some said generative AI helped speed up coding tasks.
Few were worried about the potential for job losses in the industry, for now.
"There is not going to be a world in which an AI game will be better than a hand-built game, because there is going to be that love and soul that developers put into it," said Lauren Kenner, senior brand manager for Noodle Cat Games.
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Japan Times
2 hours ago
- Japan Times
Boys' love dramas from Thailand make waves in Japan
Fans packed the 8,000-seat Tokyo Garden Theater in January for GMMTV Fan Fest 2025: "Live in Japan," a major event celebrating Thai BL, short for 'boys' love,' dramas. Banners bearing the faces of beloved on-screen couples lined the walls, while attendees clutched handmade signs along with flowers, letters and other gifts. This was no one-off event, either. Similar gatherings happen every few months across the country, drawing dedicated communities of viewers who have embraced Thai BL dramas as more than just entertainment. This growing enthusiasm reflects Thailand's expanding cultural footprint in Japan. The annual Thai Festival in Tokyo's Yoyogi Park is the largest of its kind in the world, attracting more than 300,000 visitors each year, according to Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But beyond traditional cultural exchanges, Thai entertainment — BL dramas in particular — has emerged as a significant soft power tool. Blending romance with social commentary, Thai BL dramas often include tropes such as university settings with senior-junior dynamics, workplace romances complicated by class differences, and coming-of-age stories that address family acceptance and societal pressure. Unlike many BL productions from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, Thai series tend to feature more intimate scenes while also tackling real-world issues like mental health, economic inequality and LGBTQIA+ rights. According to the Economic Intelligence Center at Siam Commercial Bank, the BL series market is projected to generate more than 4.9 billion Thai baht (approximately $150 million) in revenue this year. Thailand now leads the Asian BL market, accounting for more than half of all BL series aired across the region, with more than 340 BL features, drama series and short films produced to date. Cross-cultural connections Among the enthusiastic crowds at Thai BL events is Nyx, a 25-year-old nonbinary British resident of Japan who works full-time in community-based international exchange. (Interviewees for this article requested to be identified by nicknames or first names due to privacy concerns.) Nyx first encountered Thai BL as a teenager through 'Love Sick,' a groundbreaking series about high school students navigating love and identity. Though they later became an avid consumer of Japanese BL, it was 'Cutie Pie,' a romantic drama featuring arranged marriage themes, and 'A Tale of Thousand Stars,' an emotional story about a heart transplant recipient who becomes a volunteer teacher and falls for a forest ranger while fulfilling his donor's promise, that reignited their passion for Thai media in 2023. However, the drama 'Bed Friend' proved life-changing. 'I connected with it on such a deep level, and it helped me process some things in my own life,' Nyx says. 'The main character, Uea, helped my self-confidence and changed my outlook on life. I often say to myself, 'If he could get through everything and still keep moving forward to tomorrow, then so can I.'' Nyx's engagement with Thai BL is far from passive. Since late 2023, they've attended five fan events in Japan, as well as the 'Love Out Loud' concert in Bangkok — an annual celebration hosted by GMMTV, one of Thailand's largest entertainment companies and a major producer of BL dramas. The most recent edition featured 22 actors representing 11 screen couples. British fan Nyx attended the annual 'Love Out Loud' concert in Bangkok, featuring 11 screen couples from various series by GMMTV, one of Thailand's largest entertainment companies and a major producer of Thai boys' love (BL) dramas. | Courtesy of Nyx Nyx also organizes letter-writing campaigns for actors, participates in Discord servers with hundreds of members, connects with other fans on social media and has even joined Dungeons & Dragons campaigns with fellow BL enthusiasts. 'It has really helped me settle in and find a community in Japan,' they say, adding that what sets Thai BL apart is 'the queerness inherent in the shows,' the visibility of openly queer creatives and the availability of translated content. The fandom has even inspired them to learn Thai. T.F., a Brazilian university employee in her 30s, had a similar trajectory. Her BL journey began with fan fiction in her teens, later progressing to Japanese anime like 'Gravitation.' During the pandemic, a friend's recommendation of 'TharnType' opened the door to Thai content, but it was '2gether' and its charismatic leads Bright (Vachirawit Chivaaree) and Win (Metawin Opas-iamkajorn) that truly captured her heart. (In Thailand, most people go by a nickname in both personal and professional settings, such as 'Bright' and 'Win.') Thailand's boys' love (BL) media industry accounts for more than half of all such series made in Asia, and is expected to bring in revenue of $150 million in 2025. BrightWin is the portmanteau for the screen couple from the popular BL series '2gether.' | via PR Times T.F. values how 'the genre seems more naturally accepted by the general public' in Thailand and offers 'a variety of plots and approaches to romance.' She appreciates the interactive nature of the fandom, facilitated by social media access to actors and behind-the-scenes content. The shows have inspired her to learn more about Thai culture, from monastic traditions to everyday religious customs. The emotional resonance runs deep, especially in coming-out scenes. 'I wish everyone could experience this happiness of being accepted for who they are,' she says. 'I appreciate that these shows give LGBTQ+ people the chance to see themselves represented." Breaking boundaries Japanese viewers of Thai BL enjoy the genre for its different perspectives on romance and social issues. Maki, an office worker in her 50s who has a job in the financial sector, discovered the genre through a coworker's recommendation of '2gether.' Like many fans, she was initially attracted to Bright's screen persona, but soon came to appreciate how Thai BL weaves romance with social themes — something she felt was rare in Japanese television. Maki's interest evolved from following individual actors to exploring broader cultural topics. She finds Thai BL's tone more relaxed and relatable than dramas from other countries and says the genre sparked a personal interest in gender issues. Watching these dramas shifted her perspective as a cisgender heterosexual woman, drawing her attention to the current social realities faced by queer communities. The community aspect proved equally important. Maki has made friends across age groups and regions through the fandom, and participates in a chat group she describes as warm and joyful. 'When you're really into something, everyday life becomes more vivid,' she says. 'I feel like I can say, 'I love what I love,' and face things more openly.' A fan meeting for the show 'Only Friends' held in Saitama Prefecture | Courtesy of T.F. Wakana's story represents the most dramatic transformation. Now in her 20s, she first discovered Thai BL through a magazine feature on '2gether.' After watching the series on a coworker's suggestion, she quickly became absorbed — especially after viewing 'SOTUS,' a university-set drama exploring hazing culture and forbidden romance. What stood out to Wakana was the willingness of Thai BL to address topics often avoided in Japanese television, including gender identity, bullying and social inequality. Her passion ultimately reshaped her life. In 2023, she moved to Bangkok to study Thai for six months and later decided to pursue a job opportunity there. 'I was watching dramas constantly during the pandemic, but now that I live here, I get to experience the world I once only saw on screen.' Wakana's fan activities span both countries. In Japan, she has attended fan meetings for the on-screen couples known by portmanteaus, like KristSingto (actors Perawat Sangpotirat and Prachaya Ruangroj) and OffGun (Jumpol Adulkittiporn and Atthaphan Phunsawat). In Thailand, she experiences firsthand the events where fans arrive hours early with stools and cameras. 'The energy of local fans is amazing,' she says, 'and when they see you're a foreigner, they help you out without hesitation.' She remains close with three fellow Thai BL fans from her former workplace, who even visited her in Thailand to explore filming locations together. 'I experienced that feeling of tōtoi — being overwhelmed by love — for the first time,' Wakana says. 'The more I learned about the actors, the more I came to love all of them. Eventually, I fell in love with the whole country.' The journeys of these fans show that Thai BL is more than just entertainment. The genre has strengthened Thailand's soft power as a form of cultural diplomacy, offering Japanese and international viewers a deeper appreciation for Thai customs, values and social perspectives. Fan activities also forge lasting bonds — from online communities to real-world friendships that cross borders. Through Thai BL, fans find more than just compelling stories: They discover different ways of understanding love, identity and acceptance.
Japan Times
a day ago
- Japan Times
Amid fossil fuel shift in U.S., hope emerges for India and Japan tie-up on solar
The latest data has made it official — India overtook Japan in 2023 to become the world's third-largest generator of solar energy. But at the International Solar Festival held at the Osaka Expo earlier this month, the focus wasn't on competition but rather how India and Japan can partner to grow solar capacity together. The gathering, the second of its kind, was organized by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and brought together business leaders, government officials and other representatives from Japan, India and ISA member nations. The goal was to tell the story of solar and its potential as a driver of economic growth to visitors from around the world. 'We wanted to have the International Solar Festival in Osaka because one of the key challenges is on getting the private sector to look at new frontier solar technologies, which is linked to the question of how Japan and India can collaborate meaningfully,' said Ashish Khanna, the director-general of the ISA. The ISA, founded in 2015 at COP21 in Paris and based in India, has more than 100 member countries. Of those, India and Japan are two of the largest economies and are widely seen as leaders in global solar and solar-linked technologies. In addition to promoting tech to the private sector, the alliance also seeks to address another challenge — the lack of progress on expanding solar generation and production in developing countries, despite massive potential. Case in point, the most recent analysis from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) found that Asia, Europe and North America accounted for 90% of renewable capacity growth in 2024. 'Bridging the divide and closing the investment gap between countries and regions is critical,' said Francesco La Camera, IRENA's director-general, in an emailed statement. Expanding partnerships The ISF in Osaka was just the latest in a series of energy- and climate-related discussions between Japan and India. In 2022, the two countries launched a Clean Energy Partnership, with the goal of expanding cooperation on clean energy and energy security. India also joined the Japan-led Asia Energy Transition Initiative (AETI) in 2023. More recently, talks are ongoing about India becoming the next country eligible to receive funds under Japan's joint crediting mechanism (JCM), one of the largest state-led carbon credit and offset programs in the world. 'The JCM is expected to generate employment opportunities in both nations by fostering investments in low-carbon technologies,' said Shamkant Mirashi, an India-based sustainability consultant. 'By subsidizing these technologies, Japan can help equalize the cost of clean energy with conventional polluting sources.' The International Solar Alliance hosted a festival at the Osaka Expo, with collaboration in the key renewable energy source being the order of the day. | Nithin Coca Then, in 2024, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) provided funds to support Osaka Gas' joint investment in renewable energy projects with India's CleanMax. Despite this, there's still much more to be done, says Khanna, as overall bilateral investment and trade in solar have been limited. That, he hopes, will soon change. 'All partnerships take time,' Khanna said. 'We want to see the R&D and manufacturing ecosystem of Japan marrying with the entrepreneurial talent and market of India, a harmonization of alignment. How this translates into concrete business opportunities is something that we would like to facilitate more.' One challenge is that most major Japanese companies and financial institutions have yet to make large investments into solar technologies in India, which Khanna says is disappointing, as solar provides a safe, reliable investment opportunity. 'Japan has not exercised enough the financial muscle of its pension funds and institutional investors,' said Khanna. 'The time is now ... to create an ecosystem by which more concrete investment decisions are made.' Part of that reluctance could be the fact that major players in Japan and the government itself are not exactly all-in on solar energy. One criticism of Japan's approach, via entities such as AETI but also the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) has been a focus on pushing alternative Japanese technologies such as ammonia and biomass co-firing, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage. Critics say these alternatives are either not viable, short-term solutions or would have limited impact in reducing emissions. But Khanna did not necessarily see these efforts as distracting from solar. 'I think the answer for that is not either/or, but and,' said Khanna. 'Green hydrogen and ammonia have huge potential if the economics can be sorted out, and India can be a source of green hydrogen for Japan.' The elephants in the room Two notable countries were absent at the ISF — the United States and China. Despite their lack of engagement in the solar alliance, both countries, in their respective ways, cast a long shadow on the potential for Japan-India solar collaboration. While the U.S. has the second-highest solar capacity in the world and, under the Inflation Reduction Act passed during the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden, has made strides in solar and cleantech manufacturing, the world's largest economy is seeing dramatic cutbacks in global climate support this year. Employees carry solar panels at a plant in Aksu in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in 2012. | Reuters The main driver is the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, whose recent budget reconciliation law passed by Congress would reduce solar tax credits, part of a sudden shift away from support for renewable energy projects. 'It guts clean energy tax credits, kills American jobs and ships them overseas, raises electricity bills for families and small businesses, and weakens our energy independence,' said Andrew Reagan, president of the nonprofit Clean Energy for America, in a press release. Efforts set up under the Biden administration, like a partnership with Japan focused on expanding technology and supply chains for floating offshore wind, look unlikely to continue. Instead, amid trade tensions between the two countries, the U.S. has been pushing Japan to buy more of its liquefied natural gas. In fact, new trade tariffs also could limit the export of solar components and panels to the U.S., while the Trump administration prioritizes the domestic expansion of planet-warming fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. China, meanwhile, has been praised for its rapid domestic expansion of solar, adding more capacity than the rest of the world combined in 2024. But the industry has numerous ethical concerns, including well-documented links to forced labor and human rights violations in the Uyghur homelands in the far-western region of Xinjiang, where many solar components are produced. 'There is a significant risk that that solar panels are being built with Uyghur forced labor, potentially across every stage: from quartz mining and polysilicon refinement to module construction and the development of the plant itself,' said Elfidar Iltebir, president of the nonprofit Uyghur American Association. A solar power plant in Solapur, India, in March. In 2024, the country overtook Japan to become the country with the third-largest solar capacity in the world. | Reuters Chinese companies, backed by state subsidies and access to cheap energy and labor, have been able to undercut solar manufacturing in Europe and Japan. Even India's attempts to expand domestic production have run into issues, and the country remains reliant on Chinese components. Exploring new technologies With those issues plaguing the industry in the world's top two economies, tie-ups between countries such as India and Japan become all the more important. For Khanna, one path forward might be developing alternatives to photovoltaics, the most common solar technology used today. 'If the industry is disrupted, that can itself become a source of diversification,' said Khanna. 'Perovskite, for example, doesn't need silica or ingots, and solid state batteries may not need lithium. The current supply chain can become a new supply chain if these technologies can be commercialized, and there is clearly a role for India, Japan and other countries to collaborate.' A model already exists, says Khanna. One of India's leading foreign collaborators is Shizuoka Prefecture-based Suzuki, which partnered with India's Maruti to build the country's largest automaker, and have even released an electric car together. 'What will be the Suzuki for solar in India,' asked Khanna. 'Suzuki transformed the automobile sector, by taking a bet. Who will take that bet, that private sector leadership, for solar?'
NHK
a day ago
- NHK
Bon dance at World Expo in Osaka breaks Guinness World Record
Dancers set a new Guinness World Record for the largest Bon dance on Saturday at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka. The event was held as part of "Osaka week" and brought together 3,946 people from 62 countries for the record-breaking traditional Japanese dance. Participants dressed in summer kimono known as yukata and ethnic costumes danced to the expo's official theme song. To be certified by Guinness, more than 90 percent of the participants needed to perform a choreographed dance for more than five minutes. All the participants met the criteria by dancing for ten minutes. The new record for the largest Bon dance exceeded the previous one by more than 1,000 people set in Yao City in Osaka Prefecture in 2017. The number of participants' nationalities also broke a Guinness World Record. A local participant said it was great that so many people came together for the performance, and she was almost moved to tears. Another participant from Okayama Prefecture said he was able to dance well by following the other dancers.
