Experts highlight Urban Myth Dissolution Center and The Exit 8.
Yano Research Institute has published the results of its annual otaku market research, which analyzes trends in 17 key categories, including anime and games.
According to the forecast for fiscal year 2025, indie games will show the highest growth rate, with an expected increase of 23.9% compared to the previous year. This is the highest rate among all categories considered.
Experts at the institute attribute this explosive growth to the success of several notable Japanese projects, primarily:
- The Exit 8
- Urban Myth Dissolution Center
These games are characterized by simple mechanics and availability on multiple platforms, which breaks down the stereotype that indie projects are exclusively for "hardcore" gamers. The audience is rapidly expanding, and the projects themselves are turning into true cultural phenomena.
