Paper Games launches 2026 Creator Contest with 390,000 yuan prize pool

Paper Games launched its 2026 Creator Competition on April 27, opening five tracks across 15 creative categories with a total prize pool of 390,000 RMB.

The competition covers character design, scene design, IP merchandise design, copywriting, and music design. It's open to creators aged 18 and above worldwide, with submissions closing at 12:00 on July 31, 2026. Judging begins in August, with winners announced in October.

The judging panel is notably strong. Academic judges include professors from Fudan University, Communication University of China, Central Academy of Fine Arts, and Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Industry judges feature creators from Light and Shadow: Expedition 33, Soul of Yangtí Mountain, and The Wandering Earth. The Shanghai Artists Association's Comics and Animation Committee serves as academic advisor, while Shanghai Film Co., Ltd. provides special support.

Prize structure is straightforward: 30,000 RMB for Best Creation Award per category, 5,000 RMB per Outstanding Creation Award. More significantly, winners can receive full-time or internship job offers from Paper Games, plus commercial collaboration opportunities. For creators targeting the gaming industry, these career pathways matter more than the cash prizes.

Last year's inaugural competition drew 3,442 participants from 354 universities globally, generating over 1,300 submissions. The 2025 turnout suggests this year's scale will expand further.

Paper Games has partnered with Fudan University, Communication University of China, Beijing Film Academy, Jiangnan University, and China's eight major art academies. If you're a student in relevant fields or an independent creator seeking gaming industry entry, this competition offers a rare combination: professional feedback, prize money, and direct employment prospects.