Kodansha Game Lab Monthly Awards for indie game creators
Kodansha Game Lab gives indie game creators a ¥100,000 monthly award and an editor, with research funding of up to ¥1,000,000. First cutoff October 31, 2026.
The Kodansha Game Lab Monthly Awards replace the earlier Game Creators Lab Audition (GCLA) of the Japanese publisher Kodansha. The lab looks for indie game creators who want to reach a million sales or win a global award, and it reviews entries once a month.
Each Monthly Award winner gets ¥100,000 and an editor from the lab, and becomes a fellow. Fellows work on their plan with the editor and aim for the Lab Member selection meeting. During this time a fellow can receive research funding of up to ¥1,000,000 after a separate review. Creators chosen as Lab Members can receive up to ¥5,000,000 (before tax) per half year after a review, keep the copyright and get publishing, promotion, translation and other support from Kodansha.
Track record, level of completion and age do not matter. What Kodansha asks for is a strong plan and the will to carry it out. Entries can be a demo, a prototype or a design document, on any platform and in any genre, including Steam, consoles and Roblox. One plan per entry is allowed, and you can enter more than one plan.
Applications are open all the time through a Google form. Entries received by 23:59 on the last day of each month are reviewed for that month's award. The first cutoff is October 31, 2026, with results planned for December 1, 2026. After that, results come out about two months after each monthly cutoff, and every applicant gets feedback by email.
The rights to the entered plan or program stay with the creator. A contract with Kodansha is only signed when a creator becomes a Lab Member. The application page is in Japanese.
Quick answers
Can I enter a game that is already finished or released?
Yes, as an example of your past work. If you only want Kodansha to publish a finished game, use the contact form instead.
Does winning mean a publishing contract with Kodansha?
No. An award or a fellow place does not create a publishing contract. Fellows who take the research funding give Kodansha the first chance to discuss publishing.
Do I have to make the game I entered?
No. After you become a fellow you can improve the entered plan or work on a new one with your editor.