#Japan #Tokyo #Game Idea Contest #Marble Inc #Shinpei Takahashi

Discovering Creative Talent: Entry for the 2026 Game Idea Contest

Marble Inc., located in Minato, Tokyo and led by CEO Yu Obayashi, has officially launched the entry phase for the "Game Idea Contest 2026" aimed at students under 24 years of age, including university, graduate, and vocational school students. This marks the eighth installment of this contest since its inaugural event in 2019, and entries will be accepted starting from July 20, 2026.

Background of the Contest: Corporate Philosophy and Vision

Marble has committed itself to nurturing globally competitive talent as part of its management ideology. They strive to remain a "Creative Partner" that supports the growth of its customers. The Game Idea Contest falls under this vision, serving as an avenue for fostering creativity through analog games—experiences that cannot be replicated in the digital realm. With discussions around the declining strength of national creativity, Marble aims to create opportunities for developing individuals who can excel globally, leading this initiative for seven years.

By focusing on the analog game format, Marble seeks to provide a platform for testing creativity and thinking skills, ultimately aiming to discover outstanding talent for the next generation.

A Look Back: Application Rates and Commercialization Successes

Since its first event in 2019, the contest has seen a steady increase in participation. In the recent "Game Idea Contest 2025," a record of 889 applicants from over 40 schools submitted 231 entries. Even during the pandemic, the contest continued, experiencing international participation as the first overseas applicant progressed to the second stage.

Several past award-winning projects have succeeded in commercialization:

• - "Toko Toko! Osabori Chicken Race!" (Awarded in 2023)
• - "That's Probably Up There!" (Awarded in 2023, with related merchandise)
• - "Love Strategy Battle Aidjya" (2024 Grand Prix winner)
• - "LOOKME" (2024 second-place winner)

Additionally, two new products from 2025’s award-winning entries are currently in production, highlighting the potential for student ideas to evolve into market-ready games.

Student Creativity: Growing from Ideas to Real Products

The contest uniquely highlights the transformation of raw student creativity into tangible games that can be accessed by the wider public. This journey has caught the attention of various media outlets, featuring the initiative in publications such as “Public Application Guide” (Summer 2024 edition) and Tamabi University’s publication “TAMABI NEWS” Vol. 97.

Leading the Contest: Chairman Shinpei Takahashi

Game industry veteran Shinpei Takahashi, known for developing iconic products while at Bandai, leads the contest as chairman. He has a rich history of creating successful toys and games, including the hit product "∞ (Mugen) Puchi Puchi." Now the representative director of Usagi, Takahashi engages in board and card game development, new business support, and offers lectures and workshops,
forming a holistic perspective on game creativity. His notable contributions to TED talks and publications on creative ideation have positioned him as a respected expert in the field. His latest release, "Introduction to Board Game Creation" (2025), is gaining attention among educational circles and aspiring game developers for its comprehensive breakdown of game creation processes.

Commitment to Fair and Impartial Judging

The judging process for the Game Idea Contest is anchored in fairness and impartiality. Entries are evaluated based solely on criteria like originality, planning, feasibility, and fun—overriding any biases related to the applicant’s school, affiliation, or locality.
This ensures that even students with no prior game creation experience have an opportunity to win if they present an excellent idea. The contest actively promotes the discovery and nurturing of future game creators, valuing each individual's innovation.

Support from Esteemed Partners

The "Game Idea Contest 2026" is conducted with the support of multiple organizations and partners, ensuring a diverse backing for aspiring creators.

Competition Schedule

• - Entry Period: July 20, 2026 - September 20, 2026
• - First Round Results Announcement: October 10, 2026
• - Second Stage (including Web Voting): October 10, 2026 - October 20, 2026
• - Second Stage Results Announcement: October 23, 2026
• - Finalists Announcement: November 15, 2026
• - Final Results Announcement: December 10, 2026

(Dates may be subject to change.)

About Marble Inc.

Marble Inc. specializes in planning and developing insurance products and provides services aimed at supporting customer growth—including risk management and extended warranty solutions. With a commitment to discovering and cultivating creators capable of thriving on the global stage, Marble emphasizes nurturing student creativity and innovation.

• - Company Name: Marble Inc.
• - CEO: Yu Obayashi
• - Location: 5F Shiba Daito Building, 2-2-2 Shiba Daito, Minato, Tokyo
• - Business Areas: Planning and development of original insurance products, Risk Management & Advisory, Extended Warranty Services, among others.

For further information, visit Marble Inc.’s official website and inquiries can be directed via the contact form on their website or through the official Game Idea Contest page.