The 'Youth Esports Festival 2025', an event dedicated to helping children and teenagers from local community centers explore career paths in the gaming industry, served as a backdrop for a series of collaborative networking sessions.

Smilegate Hope Studio announced on the 12th that it held a 'Partners Networking Session' at the Daejeon Esports Arena. This venue hosted the 'Youth Esports Festival 2025', a flagship example of the 'collective impact' social contribution model fostered by the Hope Studio platform. This approach involves various stakeholders uniting under a common agenda to tackle pressing social issues.

Nine partners, including the Nexon Foundation, Daejeon Information & Culture Industry Promotion Agency, Big Picture Interactive, Supercell, Amazon Web Services, Korea Association of Local Children's Centers, Kakao Games, Korea Creative Content Agency, and Hope Studio, gathered to exchange insights on their respective ESG initiatives and social contribution efforts.

The Nexon Foundation highlighted 'Hello Maple', a free coding education platform leveraging the MapleStory IP, alongside the 'Maple Leaf Playground' project designed to bolster children's right to play, as well as various medical support programs. The Daejeon Information & Culture Industry Promotion Agency showcased its efforts to enhance the quality of life for citizens through cultural content. Meanwhile, Supercell shared details of its collaboration with the Doosan Bears, where proceeds from Brawl Stars-themed merchandise were donated to support children battling incurable diseases.

Kakao Games introduced its 'Visiting Friends Game Land', which utilizes 4D VR buses and interactive gaming content to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location or physical limitations can experience the joy of gaming. Hope Studio presented its gamification efforts via its donation platform, focusing on how gamer participation can drive social change. Representatives from local community centers in Busan and Namwon, Jeonbuk, shared heartwarming stories of how the Youth Esports Festival has positively impacted the children and teenagers involved.

A representative from the Nexon Foundation, which has been a partner for three years, remarked, "The Youth Esports Festival is deeply meaningful because it brings together various partners from the gaming ecosystem to create a lasting social impact for the next generation. It is a pleasure to witness how, through connection and collaboration, gaming can become a tool for children to unlock a better world."

Yoo Hyun-seok, Acting President of the Korea Creative Content Agency, added, "Gaming has moved beyond mere play; it has become a vital resource for the next generation to discover their potential and grow. I hope that the good influence generated by the partners in this ecosystem continues to spread through sessions like this."