Indie Jam 2025 returns with bigger line-up

Indie Jam 2025, the region’s premier indie game showcase and mini-conference, is set to return for its third edition at the Xsolla Curine Academy in Cyberjaya on 26 and 27 April 2025. Organised by THE MAGIC RAIN, the free-to-enter event celebrates the creative talent of independent game developers across Southeast Asia, spotlighting homegrown games from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Since its inception, Indie Jam has introduced over 50 games and welcomed more than 3,000 attendees annually. This year’s edition will feature over 35 game demos, including standout student projects from local institutions such as the University of Wollongong Malaysia, DigiPen Malaysia, Asia Pacific University, and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. The showcase aims to build a bridge between indie creators and the wider gaming community, creating opportunities for both casual gamers and industry professionals to connect with the region’s rising talent.

IGDA Mentor Café makes Asian debut

In a historic first, the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) will be bringing its Mentor Café to Indie Jam 2025, marking the inaugural Asian edition of the global mentoring programme. Set for 26 April, this initiative enables aspiring developers to receive personalised career guidance from seasoned industry professionals. The IGDA Mentor Café is known for fostering meaningful connections, offering participants the opportunity to both give and receive mentorship in an open, accessible format.

This addition further cements Indie Jam’s position as not just a showcase but a platform for meaningful professional development. The initiative aligns with the event’s community-driven ethos, supporting sustainable growth in Southeast Asia’s game development ecosystem.

Student Game Jam empowers youth

Kicking off the activities ahead of the main event, the annual Student Game Jam invites fresh graduates and students to develop and present their game prototypes. Teams are judged through a hybrid system of expert scoring and public voting, giving the audience a direct role in determining the winners.

Attendees will be able to try out the student games on-site and cast their votes during the main event. The top team will walk away with scholarships worth up to RM60,000, courtesy of Xsolla Curine Academy. This approach not only nurtures emerging talent but also encourages engagement between student developers and real-world gamers.

Expanded online presence

Indie Jam 2025 also expands its digital reach through several post-event activities. In partnership with SEAGamethetic, the online showcase “Indie Jam Direct” will run from 19 April to 11 May, giving global audiences a chance to wishlist participating titles on Steam and Itch.io.

From 28 April to 4 May, a curated livestream series titled “After Jam” will feature ASEAN content creators playing and reviewing games from the event. Organised in collaboration with The Cham Drinkers, Neon Doctrine, and Soft Source Publishing, this initiative helps developers reach wider audiences and keep the spotlight on their games long after the weekend showcase ends.

With its open-access policy, inclusive programming, and regional collaborations, Indie Jam 2025 remains a vital platform for the independent game development scene in Southeast Asia. This year’s edition is shaping up to be its most impactful yet, offering fresh opportunities for discovery, mentorship, and community building — all at no cost to the public.