#Japan #Tokyo #Game Development #Tokyo eSports #Contest 2026

Tokyo eSports Game Development Contest 2026 Finalists Announced

The Tokyo eSports Festa Executive Committee is excited to announce the finalists for the professional and student categories of the Tokyo eSports Game Development Contest 2026. The contest aims to promote eSports and foster growth in the related industries. This vibrant event will take place at Tokyo Big Sight from January 9 to January 11, 2026.

During the eSports Festa, attendees will have the opportunity to experience the finalists’ games firsthand at dedicated booths and engage in presentations by the finalists and award winners. On January 9 and 10, there will also be voting for the finalists' projects, culminating in an awards ceremony on January 11 where the Grand Prize and Excellence Award will be announced. We invite everyone to join us at the venue!

Professional Category Finalists

Finalist Works:

1. Hand Heads - A 2 vs. 2 rock-paper-scissors battle game from Nakama Play Application Research Institute.
- Genre: Others | Platform: PC
This game integrates the simplicity of rock-paper-scissors with tag gameplay, allowing players to alter rules without programming. It’s designed for all audiences, making it highly engaging.

2. Jelly Troops - Developed by Nukenin Corporation.
- Genre: Real-time Strategy | Platform: PC / Nintendo Switch
In this 1 vs. 1 game, teams collect flags scattered across the battlefield. Players must gather magical fruits to increase their slime forces to help capture more flags.

3. Fruit Mountain Party - B-Side Inc.
- Genre: 3D Puzzle Game | Platform: PC / Nintendo Switch
A competitive evolution of the original Fruit Mountain game, where players toss fruits into plates. They can merge fruits of the same kind and enhance their game with a variety of rivalry rules.

4. EUREKA 5 - by Creative Beyond Corporation.
- Genre: Puzzle Game | Platform: Smartphone (iOS / Android)
This game features 1-2 players trying to spot differences as quickly as possible. With its simple mechanics, it attracts players of all ages to dive into this thrilling competition.

Special Award:

• - Hiyoko POP! - A rhythm and music game from Elix Corporation.

- Genre: Rhythm & Music Game | Platform: PC
Players must sort falling chicks by color, providing a fun challenge that emphasizes coordination and timing.

Student Category Winners

Winning Works:

1. CrossSpell by Inc-Cross (Tokyo International Technical College)
- Genre: Puzzle Game | Platform: PC
A competitive puzzle game where players form words by placing blocks and can strategically eliminate words to sabotage opponents.

2. MAG FLIP by Magic Hand’s Team (Nihon Kogakuin College, Hachioji)
- Genre: Racing Game | Platform: PC
In this 3D racing game, players switch lanes with magnetic mechanics to navigate through challenges and compete against friends or AI.

3. GemHunter by GemHunter Team (Tokyo Design Technology Center)
- Genre: 4-Player Battle Game | Platform: PC
A fast-paced chase and score attack game where players gather gems to build speed and create escape routes while switching roles from hunter to prey.

4. Battle Channel!! by Bachibachi Broadcasting Station (Tokyo Design Technology Center)
- Genre: Rhythm & Music Game | Platform: PC
A 2D rhythm game that simulates sibling rivalry as players fight to control a TV channel using simple key-pressing mechanics.

Festival Schedule

Tokyo eSports Festa 2026 will be held from January 9 (Friday) to January 11 (Sunday) at the South Halls 1 and 2 of Tokyo Big Sight. Here is a brief overview of the schedule:

• - January 9 (Business Day): 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• - January 10 (Public Day): 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
• - January 11 (Public Day): 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Entry is free, but registration is required for January 9.
Visit the official website here for further details and information!

Participating and Supporting Organizations

The event is supported by multiple sponsors including TOPPAN, TCL Japan Electronics, Kao Corporation, and various educational institutions among others. Their collaboration emphasizes the collective effort to enhance the eSports industry.

This contest not only showcases creativity amongst developers in Tokyo but sets a vibrant platform for interaction with eSports fans and industry stakeholders. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity! Attend the festival, explore the games, and support your favorites during the voting!