Expo 2025: Play Nordics

Since its inception as the Great Exhibition in 1851, the World Expo has been a platform for the countries of the world to showcase their vision for the future, including technology, culture, and international exchange. 

At Expo 2025 in Osaka, The Nordic region will be building on this by hosting an insightful seminar that delves into the evolving landscape of the games industry, focusing on the synergies between the Nordic region and Japan. 

The core of the program will be a full day at the Nordic Pavillion and will feature a series of in-depth presentations and panel discussions, offering a comprehensive view on strengths of these two vibrant regions with the aim to explore the potential of combining the creative knowledge of Japan and the Nordic region.

Participants will be able to meet and engage with their counterparts from the Japanese gaming industry onsite in Osaka which will be complemented with visit(s) to leading Japanese game companies and studios planned for September 23rd or 24th. 

The event also takes place in leading up to the Business Days Tokyo Game Show on September 25th-26th where participants can get access to the matchmaking system as well see the latest in Japanese game developments and exhibits. 

We are investigating the interest from participants in regards to the exhibition so please join us in optimizing the program! 

We look forward to seeing you onsite in Japan! 

Themes and target audience

The thematic areas of the pavilion event include (but not limited to)...

The Nordic Model
Showcasing the Nordic region’s unique ecosystem, highlighting the Nordics as an attractive partner in the global games industry.

Japanese Creation with Nordic Innovation
Highlight the strengths of Japanese storytelling and artistic style and how they complement Nordic games, creating a powerful blend of creativity and innovation.

Exchange and Connection
Foster deeper ties between the Nordic and Japanese games industries, sharing experiences and ways of working that are essential for growth and future collaborations.

Japanese stakeholders targeted for attendance is focused on leaders and creators from major publishers, developers, and key opinion leaders within game industry as well as relevant industry associations, government stakeholders and experts.

Agenda

22nd September, Monday – Play Nordics

11:30 – 12:00 Presentation on the situation and future of Nordic Game development

12:00 – 13:00 Networking Lunch

13:00 – 17:00 Showcases from key participants on co-worked games, Panel discussion with Japanese & Nordic developers on similarities and differences in the creative process

17:00 – 19:00 Reception & Mingle with all participants

23rd September, Tuesday (NATIONAL HOLIDAY)

Possible External Cultural Activity, Expo visit, or possible studio visit (TBC)

24th September, Wednesday 

E.g. visit to Bandai Namco Entertainment offices in Tokyo, Capcom offices in Osaka or similar 

September 25th & 26th, Thursday & Friday 

Business Days at Tokyo Game Show with possible exhibition status (Pending interest from attending members)

Registration fee and deadline

• Participation is by invitation only.
• The cost for participation is 2000 EURO excl. VAT. per SME company and 10000 EURO for non-SMEs. Please note that your participation is final upon signing the binding agreement which you will receive by email after registration.
• The fee covers 
  • For your company to participate at the Nordic Play event program during September 22nd with 1 company representative. Additional participants beyond that will cost an additional 1000 Euro
  • Participation to company visits planned for either September 23rd / 24th
  • Meals / arrangements within Nordic play event activity on September 22nd and practical handling of studio visits on the 23rd or 24th
  • (Pending interest) Entry to Tokyo Game Show Business Days, September 25 - 26th 
• The fee does not cover
  • Entrance to the World Expo site on any other day than on September 22nd 
  • Airfare, accommodation, transfer to and from Tokyo, or any other arrangements outside of the main program
• Registration deadline is on May 26th, Monday EOB.
• Please note that your participation is final upon signing the binding agreement which you will receive by email after registration.