Join us for an exclusive session directly from kyoto with the minds behind 17-BIT: Jake Kazdal and Colin Williamson. Known for reshaping indie games with innovative design and a retro flair, 17-BIT created iconic titles like Skulls of the Shogun and Galak-Z, merging 16-bit nostalgia with modern gameplay and visuals.

Jake Kazdal, CEO and creative lead, brings experience from industry giants like SEGA Japan, where he worked on cult classics Rez and Space Channel 5 with Tetsuya Mizuguchi. Kazdal founded 17-BIT to craft bold, visually rich games, making a mark in VR with Song in the Smoke, which pushes VR boundaries with immersive, prehistoric worlds and dynamic gameplay.

Colin Williamson, a veteran artist with an impressive background at Square Enix, has shaped the unique visual style of 17-BIT. His work at Square Enix laid a strong foundation in narrative-driven, atmospheric art, which he now uses to evoke both nostalgia and modernity in 17-BIT’s games. His artistic direction gives 17-BIT’s titles a compelling mix of Eastern and Western influences.

In this special talk, Kazdal and Williamson will share their journey from AAA to indie, insights into developing cross-platform games, and stories from their time with industry giants. Learn about their creative process, the challenges of keeping indie games fresh, and catch exclusive updates on 17-BIT’s upcoming projects. Whether you’re an aspiring developer, gamer, or industry pro, this is a rare chance to hear from two creators pushing the boundaries of indie gaming. Don’t miss it!