ReportCESA – Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association
NHK Enterprise's 'Kami-Ge Creator Evolution' Succeeds Japan Game Awards 'Amateur' and 'U18' Divisions
30 May 20233 pages~1 min full read
NHK Enterprise has integrated the Japan Game Awards’ Amateur and U18 divisions into its 'Kami-Ge Creator Evolution' contest, effective from 2024.
See it on page 1The 2024 competition timeline spans from February 1 to a final event in December, featuring a multi-stage evaluation process including video submissions in July and game submissions in October.
See it on page 2The contest is open to all applicants regardless of age, nationality, or organizational status, with specific categories for general amateur creators and those aged 18 or younger.
See it on page 2Participants gain access to a closed Discord community providing mentorship, knowledge sharing, and exclusive resources to support developer growth.
See it on page 2The initiative is supported by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA) to provide industry credibility and resources for the project.
See it on page 1The project aims to foster game design innovation and strengthen the Japanese developer pipeline, with organizers currently seeking corporate sponsors to ensure long-term sustainability.
See it on page 1NHK Enterprise is launching the “Kami‑Ge Creator Evolution” contest as a dedicated platform for nurturing the next generation of Japanese game developers, and from 2024 it will incorporate the Japan Game Awards’ Amateur and U18 divisions. The initiative, begun in 2022 under the theme “Evolve the Game,” seeks to discover and develop talent through a series of contest events, community support, and media exposure, including a documentary broadcast on NHK General in February 2023 that generated strong public interest.
The competition invites creators from across Japan to submit original games, which are evaluated for innovative expansion of the medium’s boundaries by a diverse panel of established game designers, media artists, and other industry figures. In addition to expert judging, a public popularity vote is conducted, and the contest awards a Grand Prize, Excellence Awards, and Honorable Mentions in the Amateur category, while the U18 category focuses on participants aged 18 or younger, reflecting the Japan Game Awards’ long‑standing commitment to youth development since 2018. The 2024 schedule begins with an entry period from 1 February to the end of April, followed by nomination, second‑round video submissions in July, third‑round game submissions in October, finalist announcements at the end of October, and a final event slated for December.
A closed Discord community supports participants with exclusive benefits, knowledge sharing, and mentorship, reinforcing the project’s role as a learning environment. Special cooperation from the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA) provides additional industry credibility and resources. The contest is open to individuals, teams, corporations, and organizations regardless of age, gender, nationality, or the number of entries, emphasizing inclusivity and broad outreach.
By integrating the Amateur and U18 awards, the “Kami‑Ge Creator Evolution” aims to broaden the creative framework of Japanese games, foster innovative design, and strengthen the pipeline of skilled developers. The organizers are actively seeking sponsors to sustain the project’s growth and align with NHK Enterprise’s broader commitment to sustainable development and cultural enrichment.
