Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. and Bandai Namco Studio Inc. have announced the first GYAAR Studio Indie Game Contest, held by Bandai Namco Studios’ indie game label, “GYAAR Studio,” for indie game creators outside the company.

This contest will select (at most) one Platinum Award winner and seven other prize winners from a pool of game entries, including those in development, and award a total of up to 100 million yen in support funding.

In addition to the prize funding, game developer Bandai Namco Studios will also offer direct development support, as well as a support program that includes access to the “GYAAR Studio Base” game development center within the Bandai Namco Studios office, publishing support, and IP co-creation support.

GYAAR Studio was founded in 2021 as an indie game label meant to help foster ace game creators for Bandai Namco Studios’ major global titles by allowing young talent to directly and freely express their creative ideas.

This contest will be held to allow an even wider pool of creative talent, one not limited to company employees, to take a turn at bat and have the chance to receive proactive support for their creations. By allowing a variety of games to shine brighter than ever with the proper support, the hope is to further stimulate the video game market.