Play &
Connect
Hibiya Okuroji, Tokyo
Artober 2026 kicked off with a relaxed evening of retro games, beer pong, and good company, bringing people together for a fun night of gaming, conversation, and new connections.
A laid-back, social evening celebrating video games and the connections they create. From nostalgic favourites like Mario Kart and Street Fighter to beer pong and friendly competition, Play & Connect brought together gaming enthusiasts and newcomers alike for the opening night of Artober 2026.
A Great Start!
Play & Connect brought together friends, gaming enthusiasts, and new faces for a relaxed evening of retro games, beer pong, and friendly competition.
Date: Thursday October 22nd, 2026
Time: 7–10pm
Venue: Hibiya Okuroji, Tokyo
Alongside the games, visitors explored Artober's two gallery spaces, showcasing artwork from 43 independent artists.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped kick off four wonderful days of Artober!
Event Highlights
Retro Games
From Mario Kart to Street Fighter, guests enjoyed a selection of nostalgic favourites, rediscovering old classics and sharing their love of gaming.
Friendly Challenges
A little friendly competition brought everyone together, with races, battles, and plenty of cheering from the sidelines.
Gaming Community
The evening offered a chance for gaming enthusiasts to connect, share their interests, and discover new games.
Developers & Game Artists
Play & Connect celebrated the creativity behind video games, bringing together people with a shared passion for gaming, art, and interactive entertainment.
Beer Pong
Away from the screens, beer pong provided another opportunity for friendly competition, laughter, and a little chaos.
New Connections
Whether attending with friends or arriving alone, guests came together to play games, enjoy the atmosphere, and meet new people.
Game Giveaways
A huge thank you to Chuhai Labs for supporting Play & Connect at Artober 2026!
The team generously provided Steam keys for a selection of their games, which were given away to attendees as part of the evening.
We're incredibly grateful for their support in helping make the opening night of Artober such a fun occasion!
Last Year’s Play & Connect Event
Click on a photo to take a closer look.
Access
You’ll find Artober’s galleries and event space opposite each other at Hibiya Okuroji, next to the VAN Jacket store.
Hibiya Okuroji is around a 5–6 minute walk from the following stations:
- JR Yurakucho Station
- JR Shimbashi Station
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Station
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya Station
- Toei Subway Uchisaiwaicho Station