Attention all indie game devs! Bandai Namco will start accepting entries from September 21 2023 for the second GYAAR Studio Indie Game Contest held by Bandai Namco Studios’ indie game label, GYAAR Studio.
This is the second contest of this kind, and it aims to stimulate the gaming industry by actively supporting indie game developers. A variety of support programs are offered for indie game creators as last time to allow a variety of game titles to shine brighter than ever.
To enter, you must provide the necessary submissions such as playable demos. The best title shall receive up to ¥100M or roughly ₱38.8M in support funding, as well as a variety of support programs that will be made available to the winners. Honorable Mention award has also been established with a prize ¥1M per entry or around ₱390K for up to 10 title entries, to encourage more indie game creators to enter the contest.
Here are all the fine details:
Entry Overview for the Second GYAAR Studio Indie Game Contest
Contest ScheduleEntry Period: Thursday, 21 September 2023, 10:00 to Monday, 4 December 2023, 23:59 (JST)
Announcement of Results: Winners will be revealed during the TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2024 held between Saturday, 2 March 2024 to Sunday, 3 March 2024 (https://indiegamessummit.tokyo/)
Entry Terms (Excerpts)
Eligibility for Entry
Corporations, organizations or individuals may enter this Contest.
Applicants who have not reached the age of majority in their country of residence at the time of entry to this Contest must obtain consent from their legal guardian.
Applicant must be resident or have its principal office registered in the following areas:(Japan, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States)
*For group applicants, one representative must be appointed, and the representative must agree to these Terms with all other members before submitting the application. If any member is a minor, consent of the minor’s legal guardian must be obtained.For corporations, the person who has the authority to enter into agreements on behalf of the corporation, including agreeing to these Terms, shall submit the application.
How to Enter
Applicant must submit their application through the entry form on the official website (https://indie.bandainamcostudios.com/gyaarcon-2) during the specified entry period.
The following items are required to enter this Contest:
Gaming ROM (playable demos or prototypes are acceptable)
Game proposal
User’s manual *added to required items from second contest onwards
(If the Applicant is a minor) Letter of consent from a legal guardian such as a person with parental authority
*Applicants must register separately with the BANDAI NAMCO ID (https://www.bandainamcoid.com/).
*Entry to this Contest must be made at the Applicant's own discretion and responsibility. Applicant shall be solely responsible for costs or expenses incurred in the participation in this Contest.
Game Requirements
The gaming ROM submitted must meet the following requirements:
Can be distributed on STEAM (PC);
Contain a playable demo or prototype (not "Game proposal");
Be in Japanese or English.
*All game genres are accepted.For more information, please check the terms and conditions on the official website: (https://indie.bandainamcostudios.com/gyaarcon-2/terms)
Prizes
Platinum Award (Max. of 1 winner) Up to 30 million JPY (over 2 years) + Support programs
10 million JPY at the time of award
20 million JPY maximum. 2.5 million JPY every three months after award (up to 8 times over 2 years)
30 million JPY maximum in total
*An examination will be carried out for each support payment, and further support may be cancelled or suspended based on the result.
Award Winners (Max. of 6 winners) Up to 10 million JPY (over 2 years) + Support programs
2 million JPY at the time of award
8 million JPY maximum. 1 million JPY every three months after award (up to 8 times over 2 years)
10 million JPY in total
*An examination will be carried out for each support payment, and further support may be cancelled or suspended based on the result.
Honorable Mention (Max. of 10 winners) 1 million JPY (at the time of award) + Free access to GYAAR Studio base
1 million JPY at the time of award
*Will be required to submit development progress reports to us on a regular basis after receiving the award.
Bonus Prize - Support Programs
Development support
Sharing of technical information and development know-how through sessions with the creators at Bandai Namco Studios and lending equipment and environment that is necessary for development. In addition, marketing support from Bandai Namco Entertainment will be provided as necessary.
Free access to GYAAR Studio Base development center
Free access to GYAAR Studio Base development base located in the office of Bandai Namco Studios (Monzen-Naka-cho, Tokyo) to allow real-time communication between developers and the winners. Topic-based talk sessions with the company's creators will also be held regularly.
Publishing support
Bandai Namco Entertainment or Phoenixx will assist with publishing.
*Phoenixx is participating in this contest as an administrative partner.
IP co-creation Support
In addition to Bandai Namco Entertainment and Bandai Namco Studios, the Bandai Namco Group companies will also provide IP development support.
Hosted by
Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Bandai Namco Studios Inc.
In collaboration with
Phoenixx Inc.
Official Website
URL: https://indie.bandainamcostudios.com/
Official Note
We will post the latest information about this contest and how the winners from the first contest spend their days at the GYAAR Studio Base in the official note.
https://note.com/gyaarcon/
Information Session
An information session will be held for the indie game creators who are considering applying for this contest at GYAAR Studio Base on Wednesday, 6 September 2023. Information on precautions for entry and updates on the winners from the first contest will be shared.
For more details: https://gyaarcon-event-20230906.peatix.com/
Contact Information:
Second GYAAR Studio Indie Game Contest Administrative Office (at Phoenixx Inc.)
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.