#Japan #Tokyo #thatgamecompany #LIMITS #ArtSports

Thatgamecompany's Support for the LIMITS National Championship 2025

Thatgamecompany, based in California, USA, has officially announced its sponsorship of the Art Sports 'LIMITS National Student Championship 2025.' This initiative aims to inspire and support the next generation of creative young minds, offering them opportunities to thrive competitively in what has been described as the 'new summer Koshien' for art.

A central figure in this event will be Yuichiro Tanabe, the Visual Development Lead at Thatgamecompany, who will serve as a judge. Alongside this, he will conduct seminars for participating students, sharing invaluable insights and experiences garnered from the company's journey in art and game development, thus fully supporting young artists in their endeavors.

What is the Art Sports 'LIMITS'?

The 'LIMITS' competition features a live painting battle where participants have 20 minutes to create digital art based on randomly selected themes. A distinct aspect of this championship is that not only the final artwork is assessed, but also the entire creative process. Since its inception in 2015, it has gained significant attention both domestically and internationally, merging elements from art, entertainment, and sports into a groundbreaking cultural event.

Starting with a high school tournament in 2023, the upcoming 2025 national event will expand its participant base to include vocational school and university students, attracting numerous talented young artists from across the nation to compete for the prestigious title of national champion.

Thatgamecompany envisions video games not just as entertainment but as a medium capable of forging positive emotional experiences that connect individuals globally. The company expresses a strong desire to impart the value of diverse perspectives through creative production and aims to support young, energetic artists.

The incorporation of an award, tentatively named the 'Sky: Children of the Light Special Award,' will recognize outstanding teams based on evaluation criteria derived from Thatgamecompany's extensive experience. Moreover, seminars will provide crucial hints for students on how to effectively create their artworks within the tight time constraints imposed by the competition.

With the aim of fostering creativity among promising younger generations, Thatgamecompany is committed to continuing its support of initiatives like the LIMITS National Championship.

Event Details

1st Round

• - Date: July 19-20, 2025
• - Venue: Aeon Mall Nagoya Noritake Garden

Final Round

• - Date: August 31, 2025
• - Venue: Yokohama Landmark Hall

Special supporter Ayane Sakura, a renowned voice actress known for her roles in popular anime series, will also lend her support to the young artists, encouraging them through the competition while showcasing their passion for art. Sakura believes that the LIMITS competition is an opportunity for young artists to present their current self and is determined to champion their challenges.

Her encouragement aims to inspire potential participants to take that first step and join the competition, creating memorable pages in their artistic journey.

In the Words of Thatgamecompany's CEO, Jenova Chen

Jenova Chen emphasizes to young artists that art is a journey that requires time, reflection, and courage. He reflects on his aspirations as a game developer—creating emotional experiences that connect people and build bonds. 'At LIMITS, you're being asked to express something meaningful in just 20 minutes. That's no small challenge, but it's a rare opportunity to express emotions that are deeply personal to you,' he writes. He encourages them to listen to their own hearts and to take pride in their authentic creative expression, hoping for a fruitful journey for their artistic careers.

The excitement surrounding the upcoming LIMITS championship is palpable, and Thatgamecompany is committed to nurturing the rich potential of aspiring artists in Japan, affirming that the creative energies of students hold immense power for the future.