Kyoto-Based Studio CharacterBank to Unveil VR RPG “Knights of Fiona” at BitSummit PUNCH 2026

Kyoto, Japan – April 28, 2026 – CharacterBank, a Kyoto-based developer specializing in XR (extended reality) games, will showcase its upcoming VR multiplayer action RPG, Knights of Fiona ~フィオナ騎士団~, at BitSummit PUNCH 2026, Japan’s largest indie game festival. The event, scheduled for May 22–24 at Kyoto’s Miyako Messe, will mark the first public demonstration of the game, offering attendees an exclusive hands-on experience with a playable demo.

What to Expect at BitSummit PUNCH 2026

CharacterBank’s booth (B05, located on the first floor of Miyako Messe) will feature live demonstrations of Knights of Fiona, allowing visitors to explore the game’s VR mechanics and narrative-driven gameplay. The studio’s team will be on-site throughout the event to guide players, answer questions, and provide insights into the development process. Media representatives can request private demos or interviews by contacting CharacterBank via its official website.

The game’s debut at BitSummit PUNCH underscores CharacterBank’s commitment to leveraging Kyoto’s vibrant indie game scene as a launchpad for global audiences. “BitSummit has become a cornerstone for indie developers in Japan, offering unparalleled exposure to both players and industry professionals,” said a representative from CharacterBank. “We’re excited to introduce Knights of Fiona to the world in this dynamic environment.”

About Knights of Fiona: A VR Multiplayer RPG

While details about Knights of Fiona remain limited, CharacterBank has described the game as a VR multiplayer action RPG blending traditional JRPG (Japanese role-playing game) elements with cooperative combat. The title is set in a medieval fantasy world, where players assume the roles of knights in the eponymous “Fiona Order,” embarking on quests that emphasize teamwork and strategic gameplay.

Key features teased by the developer include:

• VR-First Design: Optimized for virtual reality headsets, with intuitive motion controls for melee combat, spellcasting, and environmental interactions.
• Cooperative Gameplay: Support for multiplayer sessions, allowing players to team up with friends or join public lobbies.
• Narrative Depth: A story-driven campaign with branching quests and character-driven arcs, a hallmark of JRPGs.
• Artistic Direction: A visually distinct aesthetic inspired by European medieval fantasy, with a focus on detailed character designs and immersive world-building.

CharacterBank has not yet announced a release date or target platforms for Knights of Fiona, but the BitSummit PUNCH demo is expected to provide the clearest look yet at the game’s mechanics and scope.

BitSummit PUNCH: Japan’s Premier Indie Game Festival

BitSummit, organized by the Japan Independent Game Association (JIGA), has grown into one of the most influential indie game festivals in Asia since its inception in 2012. The 2026 edition, themed “High Impact,” will feature over 200 exhibitors from Japan and abroad, including indie studios, publishers, and hardware manufacturers. Last year’s event drew over 58,000 attendees, cementing its reputation as a must-attend gathering for developers, press, and gaming enthusiasts.

BitSummit PUNCH 2026 will run from May 22–24 at Miyako Messe in Kyoto. Business tickets are available for industry professionals, while general admission tickets will go on sale for the public on May 23–24. For more details, visit the official BitSummit website.

Why This Matters for VR Gaming

The announcement of Knights of Fiona arrives at a pivotal moment for VR gaming, as developers continue to explore the medium’s potential for immersive storytelling and social interaction. While VR has struggled to achieve mainstream adoption, titles like Knights of Fiona highlight the growing sophistication of indie studios in leveraging the technology to create unique, player-driven experiences.

CharacterBank’s focus on multiplayer gameplay aligns with broader industry trends, where cooperative and competitive VR titles have gained traction among niche audiences. The studio’s decision to debut the game at BitSummit—a festival known for spotlighting innovative indie projects—reflects a strategic move to build early buzz and gather feedback from both players and industry peers.

“VR gaming is still finding its footing, but events like BitSummit demonstrate that there’s a passionate community eager for fresh, high-quality experiences,” said a game industry analyst. “CharacterBank’s approach—combining VR with the depth of a traditional JRPG—could resonate with players looking for something beyond the typical action-focused VR titles.”

Key Takeaways

• Game Debut: Knights of Fiona ~フィオナ騎士団~, a VR multiplayer action RPG, will develop its public debut at BitSummit PUNCH 2026 (May 22–24, Kyoto).
• Developer: Kyoto-based CharacterBank, led by CEO Kaito Mikami, specializes in XR (VR/AR) game development.
• Gameplay Features: Cooperative VR combat, narrative-driven quests, and a medieval fantasy setting.
• BitSummit PUNCH: Japan’s largest indie game festival, with over 200 exhibitors and 58,000 attendees in 2025.
• Industry Context: The game’s reveal underscores the growing role of indie studios in pushing VR gaming forward.

FAQ

What is Knights of Fiona?

Knights of Fiona is an upcoming VR multiplayer action RPG developed by CharacterBank. The game combines cooperative gameplay with a narrative-driven campaign set in a medieval fantasy world. Players assume the roles of knights in the “Fiona Order,” completing quests and engaging in combat using VR motion controls.

When and where can I play the demo?

The demo will be available at BitSummit PUNCH 2026, held at Kyoto’s Miyako Messe from May 22–24. CharacterBank’s booth (B05) will offer hands-on sessions with the game. Media and industry professionals can request private demos or interviews via the studio’s contact page.

What platforms will Knights of Fiona be available on?

CharacterBank has not yet announced the game’s target platforms or release date. The BitSummit PUNCH demo may provide additional details.

How can I attend BitSummit PUNCH 2026?

General admission tickets for BitSummit PUNCH 2026 will be available for purchase starting May 23. Business tickets for industry professionals are already on sale. For more information, visit the official BitSummit website.

What makes Knights of Fiona unique?

The game stands out for its blend of VR immersion and traditional JRPG storytelling. Unlike many VR titles that focus primarily on action or simulation, Knights of Fiona emphasizes cooperative gameplay and narrative depth, offering a fresh accept on the genre.

Looking Ahead

As VR gaming continues to evolve, titles like Knights of Fiona represent the medium’s potential to deliver rich, story-driven experiences that go beyond simple tech demos. CharacterBank’s decision to debut the game at BitSummit PUNCH—a festival known for its support of innovative indie projects—signals confidence in the title’s appeal to both players and industry stakeholders.

For now, the gaming community will have to wait until May to experience the game firsthand. In the meantime, CharacterBank’s announcement has already sparked curiosity about how Knights of Fiona might push the boundaries of VR storytelling and multiplayer interaction. One thing is clear: Kyoto’s indie game scene is once again proving to be a hotbed of creativity and innovation.