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Tokyo eSports Festival 2026: Competitions and Game Development Contest Unveiled

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo eSports Festival Executive Committee have announced that the Tokyo eSports Festival 2026 will occur over three days from January 9 to January 11, offering a hybrid experience with both in-person and online streaming options. This year marks the seventh edition of the festival, which continues to grow and evolve with exciting new features. One key highlight is the introduction of the first-ever 'Tokyo eSports Game Development Contest,' aimed at small businesses, indie game creators, and students. This competition will showcase their creative talents, and winners will have the opportunity to present their projects at the festival and gain exposure in both domestic and international markets.

New Competitive Titles!

The festival will feature six exhilarating eSports titles for the competitions this year. For the first time, the popular games Street Fighter 6 and eFootball™ Series join returning favorites such as Gran Turismo 7, Taiko no Tatsujin: Donderful Festival, Puzzle & Dragons, and Puyo Puyo eSports. Participants will compete fiercely for the prestigious Tokyo Governor's Cup, making this an event not to be missed!

Game Development Contest: A New Frontier

This year introduces a game development contest split into two categories: Professional and Student. The professional category award includes a substantial cash prize of 3 million yen for the Grand Prize winner and the opportunity for free exhibition space at the festival. The student category encourages the participation of students who can also present their innovative gaming projects.

Exhibition Opportunities for Related Industries

Additionally, there is an invitation for exhibitors at the related industry exhibition, targeting companies, students, and organizations in Tokyo that provide eSports-related products or services. A Creator Booth will be available for showcasing the latest innovations and networking opportunities, providing substantial support for exhibitors including pitch events and networking dinners to ease market entry.

E-Sports Competition Details

The eSports competitions will take place featuring six titles:

• - eFootball™ Series (KONAMI) - Smartphone gaming action based on real football teams, open to players aged elementary school and above.
• - Gran Turismo 7 (Sony Interactive Entertainment) - A realistic driving simulator, playable on PlayStation 4/5, open to players from elementary school age.
• - Taiko no Tatsujin: Donderful Festival (Bandai Namco Entertainment) - A vibrant rhythm game using Taiko drums, available on Nintendo Switch, suitable for all ages.
• - Puzzle & Dragons (GungHo Online Entertainment) - A puzzle RPG that challenges players to clear dungeons, with a player age requirement of elementary school level and above.
• - Puyo Puyo eSports (SEGA) - A competitive action-puzzle game available on PlayStation 4 for players of all ages.
• - Street Fighter 6 (CAPCOM) - An acclaimed fighting game with characters to clash in open matches.

Each title will grant the participants vying for a chance to earn the coveted Tokyo Governor's Cup, enhancing both competition and prestige for every contestant involved.

Family-Friendly Activities

Moreover, the festival promises fun activities for families, including eSports experiences suitable for beginners and educational programming experiences for children, ensuring inclusivity and enjoyment for all ages.

A Stunning Visual Identity

The key visual for TOKYO eSports Festival 2026 will be illustrated by the talented Tatsumi Tsurushima, known for their colorful and engaging artwork. The concept reflects a warm and welcoming indoor scene as we transition into a lively festival environment.

Conclusion

In summary, the Tokyo eSports Festival 2026 is shaping up to be an extraordinary celebration of gaming culture, innovation, and community spirit. With numerous competitions, a game development contest, and a focus on family-friendly experiences, this event is set to leave a lasting impression on attendees. For further details and updates, be sure to check the official website, which will continuously release information leading up to the event.

• - Event Name: Tokyo eSports Festival 2026
• - Dates: January 9-11, 2026
• - Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, South 1-2 Hall
• - Official Website: Tokyo eSports Festival

As anticipation builds, we encourage all aspiring gamers, creators, and enthusiasts to get involved and make this festival a success.