Japan's Gaming Landscape Embraces Spanish Ingenuity

The Tokyo Game Show has become a global stage for the video game industry, and this year, the "Games from Spain" project is making waves, showcasing the innovative spirit of the Spanish gaming sector. With 22 companies presenting their latest releases, the event promises to be a testament to the country's growing influence in the digital entertainment landscape.

Unlocking the Potential of Spanish Gaming at the Tokyo Game Show

Expanding Horizons: Spain's Gaming Industry Takes Center Stage

The "Games from Spain" project, spearheaded by the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX), is making a strong push to capture the attention of the Japanese gaming public. With a diverse array of video game stands and the participation of marketing and publicity firms, the initiative aims to establish a stronger foothold for Spanish gaming companies in the Asian market.Diana Buerno, the chief of ICEX's Animation and Video Gaming sector, highlights the growing interest in the Japanese and Asian markets. "Just after the Covid-19 pandemic, in 2022, we had 15 companies accompany the project to Tokyo, and we're seeing even more interest in coming to Japan and Asia in general," she reveals.The project's success can be attributed to the ICEX's year-round collaboration with video game companies and their constant communication with studios. This strategic approach has enabled the organization to gather a significant number of participants, not only in Japan but also at other major industry events, such as Gamescom in Cologne, Germany.

Embracing the Esports Revolution: Canary Islands Clubs Lead the Charge

The "Games from Spain" project extends beyond just video game developers, as it also includes representatives from the esports industry. Notably, two Canary Island soccer clubs, CD Tenerife and UD Las Palmas, have joined the initiative, recognizing the potential of the digital and young audience in the esports realm.Yeray Sanchez, the CEO of esports at UD Las Palmas, explains the club's strategic decision: "UD Las Palmas understands that there is an audience that traditional sports are not reaching. Soccer is leisure, and video games are leisure, so we believe and understand that we have to be in a digital ecosystem."For the past six years, the Canary Island club has been investing in several professional esport football clubs, as well as in its own academy, a project that Sanchez says is "raising many hopes." The idea of investing in esports and being the only Spanish soccer clubs at the Tokyo Game Show came from the local Canaries government and companies such as Proexca, a Canary Islands e-investor.Artamy Rodríguez, the director of the CD Tenerife Foundation, echoes the sentiment, expressing the hope that this involvement will "help encourage more professional clubs to join events like this" and promote professional esports within Spain's La Liga.

Indie Games Shine Bright: Spanish Creativity Captivates the Tokyo Audience

The "Games from Spain" project is not just about showcasing the established players in the industry; it also shines a spotlight on the vibrant indie gaming scene. Among the featured titles is "Stickin' The Landin'," a puzzle game with a theme inspired by the popular TV series "Dungeons and Dragons."Chema and Vera, the developers of "Stickin' The Landin'," are eager to raise awareness of their release at the Tokyo Game Show and make valuable connections within the industry. "The main expectation is to attract people or companies who are interested in investing in these video games," says Irene Sanchez, an ICEX worker, while promoting another Spanish indie product, "Wonder Wars."Another standout title is "Two Strikes," a Japanese-style fighting game that was recently promoted in Kyoto, western Japan, according to Enrique Martínez, the director of Entalto Publishing, the game's developer.The inclusion of these indie games at the Tokyo Game Show underscores the depth and diversity of the Spanish gaming industry, showcasing the country's ability to produce innovative and captivating digital experiences that can resonate with global audiences.As the Tokyo Game Show unfolds, the "Games from Spain" project continues to demonstrate the growing influence and potential of the Spanish video game industry on the international stage. From established studios to rising indie talents, the Spanish gaming ecosystem is making its mark, captivating audiences and forging new partnerships that will shape the future of the industry.