Square Enix announced on the 20th via its official website that it will host a large-scale game development contest with a total prize pool of ¥1 billion (approximately ₩9.47 billion).

The contest will evaluate entries based on novelty, originality, entertainment value, and overall polish to discover promising new titles. The Grand Prize, awarded to a single winner, includes ¥300 million (approximately ₩2.84 billion). Four 'Masterpiece' awards will receive ¥100 million (approximately ₩947 million) each, and ten 'Excellence' awards will receive ¥30 million (approximately ₩284 million) each.

Upon receiving the prize money, all winning entries will become joint works owned by Square Enix. In return, Square Enix will provide full support for all aspects of publishing, including distribution and marketing, and will cover royalty payments on sales, significantly reducing the commercial burden on developers. Eligibility is limited to individuals and corporations residing in Japan, and entries must be original games for PC or mobile platforms that have never been sold or distributed for commercial purposes.

The company also clarified its regulations regarding the use of AI, a hot topic in the gaming industry. While Square Enix respects the use of the technology, it emphasized that the process must be fully transparent and must not infringe upon the rights of others. The company plans to release a separate, detailed set of AI guidelines in the near future.

Applications for the contest will open on December 15, 2026, and close at 11:59 PM on March 15, 2027. Following a rigorous judging process, the final results will be announced on June 30, 2027.

Further details and regulations regarding the contest can be found on the official 2026 Square Enix Game Development Contest website.