5 Dazzling New Video Games at Anime Expo 2026: Small Developers Delivered Big Surprises
Anime Expo 2026 brought together thousands of anime and gaming fans in Los Angeles once again this year. One of the biggest surprises of the event was that, alongside major studios, small and independent developers presented projects that were truly impressive. These five games, which did not remain in the shadow of giants like Echoes of Aincrad: Sword Art Online, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, and Granblue Fantasy: Relink - Endless Ragnarok, were among the most talked-about titles at the expo.
In the list compiled by Anime News Network editors, previously unheard-of mechanics and creative storytelling stand out. In particular, the action-RPG Spirit Reforged received full marks from visitors by combining anime aesthetics with Soulslike difficulty. Another notable title was Neon Drift; this cyberpunk racing game offers a unique experience blended with visual novel elements. Additionally, the metroidvania Echoes of the Forgotten garnered acclaim for its hand-drawn scenes and emotional soundtrack.
The prominence of independent developers proves that Anime Expo is a platform open to innovation from the entire industry, not just major studios. In a statement, the head of the expo's gaming area said, “We are allocating more space to independent developers every year because the future of the industry is in their hands.” While four of these five games are scheduled to be released in the first half of 2027, it was stated that one will be available in early access.
The range of games at this year's Anime Expo shows that anime-themed games are no longer just about licensed major productions. The creative visions of small teams are pushing the boundaries of the genre. Following the expo, players have already begun following the Steam pages and demo versions of these games. It will be possible to see more details about these productions in the coming months.
