Tokyo, Japan – Spain’s video game industry steps into the global spotlight, as developers, clubs, and innovators proudly present their talents at the Tokyo Game Show 2024. Games from Spain, a national initiative to foster game development, represents a new wave of creativity, energy, and connection that the world is beginning to notice. The participation of 22 Spanish companies isn’t just a testament to Spain’s growing gaming industry—it’s a call to the world, inviting them to see what Spanish indie games and esports can offer.
Games from Spain Takes Center Stage at Tokyo Game Show
Spain’s video game creators have found a home at the Tokyo Game Show, one of the most prestigious global events in gaming. Games from Spain, a project led by Icex under the guidance of Diana Bueno, arrives not simply to display, but to inspire. Bueno, the head of Icex’s animation and video game division, passionately declared, “We are not just here for ourselves, we are here to create connections, to forge opportunities, and to show that Spain can be a powerful voice in the global game development world.”
The heart of Games from Spain lies in its indie games and burgeoning esports industry, which has seen remarkable growth since the pandemic. Spain’s gaming community embraces innovation, and this year’s presence at the Tokyo Game Show signals its intention to continue building on that momentum. Video game developers, advertisers, and market researchers mingle with Japanese gamers, sharing ideas and exploring new possibilities for collaboration.
Spanish Soccer Clubs Invest in Esports
UD Las Palmas and CD Tenerife, two names that may be more familiar on the football pitch, have taken a bold step into the world of esports. These clubs recognize that digital gaming offers a different kind of energy, one that attracts younger audiences and redefines how people engage with competitive sports.
“Football and video games share a common spirit—joy,” says Yeray Sánchez, CEO of E-Sports at UD Las Palmas. The club, known for its professional esports teams, has been investing in digital sports for six years. Sánchez explains their efforts: “We’ve created an academy where young players can train, develop their skills, and potentially become the next stars of the esports world.”
CD Tenerife, guided by Artamy Rodríguez, sees their participation as an invitation for other Spanish soccer clubs to invest in esports. “We believe this event is a turning point,” Rodríguez shares. “It’s an opportunity to show that esports can grow alongside traditional sports, creating new opportunities for clubs, players, and fans.”
Indie Developers from Spain Shine
Indie game developers from Spain, often underrepresented on the global stage, have found a platform to shine at the Tokyo Game Show 2024. Chema and Vera, creators of the puzzle game “Stickin’ The Landin'”, express their excitement about being part of this massive event. Their game, which takes inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons, is simple yet captivating, and their hopes are clear: to find the right partners who understand and appreciate their creative vision.
Another standout is “Two Strikes,” a beautifully crafted Japanese martial arts fighting game that, while familiar to Japanese audiences, seeks to gain a wider global reach. The game’s developers, filled with pride, hope that Tokyo Game Show will be their gateway to international success.
Spain’s Gaming Future Looks Bright
The future of Spain’s video game industry grows brighter with every connection made at events like the Tokyo Game Show 2024. The passion, creativity, and dedication of its indie developers, coupled with the strategic investments from esports pioneers like UD Las Palmas and CD Tenerife, show that Spain is no longer simply trying to catch up in the global gaming industry—it’s taking a leading role.
Diana Bueno sums it up best: “We may be only a small part of this vast global industry, but our voice is strong, and our vision is clear. Spain’s gaming industry is here to stay, and we will continue to grow, innovate, and inspire.”
