The '2026 Korea Game Society × NEXON Games National University Student Digital Art Contest,' co-hosted by the Culture and Arts Division of the Korea Game Society and NEXON Games, took place on May 30th at the Korea University of Technology and Education.

Under the slogan 'Create Better Worlds!', the contest was open to all currently enrolled and on-leave students from universities and equivalent educational institutions across the country. Submissions were accepted in all digital art categories, including those utilizing AI.

The judging panel featured Kim Yong-ha, the Executive Director known for the NEXON Games flagship title 'Blue Archive,' alongside PD Ahn Gyeong-seop. Drawing from their extensive experience in game development, the judges evaluated entries based on overall quality, creativity, and the technical execution of digital art.

The Grand Prize was awarded to Lee Ye-bin from Hansung University for 'The Arbiter of the Blue Sanctuary.' The NEXON Games Award went to Jung San-seong from the Department of AI Game Software at Myongji College for the piece 'Ember.'

The Excellence Awards were granted to Seok Seo-young of Myongji College's Department of Communication Design for 'Baekseonryong (White Line Dragon),' Kim Hyo-eun of Hongik University for 'Warrior of the Blue Dragon,' and Kim Ji-ah of Hansung University for 'The Evil God of White Night.'

The Merit Awards were presented to Ahn Ji-min (Korea Creative Content Agency Game Talent Institute, 8th batch) for 'Cheering Under the Sun and Moon,' Choi Hye-in (Daegu University) for 'Hunter Forged by the Desert,' Liang Zhengjing (The Catholic University of Korea) for 'The star-forsaken sword-bearer,' Jang Ha-young (Korea National University of Arts) for 'Moonlight,' Lee Go-eun (Hongik University) for 'Trixie, the Electric Bat,' Kang Min-seong (Kimpo College) for 'Capra,' and Oh Seo-yeon (Kaywon University of Art & Design) for 'Soul Hunter.'

These winning works are set to be showcased at the Busan Indie Connect Festival (BIC 2026) in August.

Lee Eun-jin, the Organizing Committee Chairperson and Professor at Myongji College, remarked, 'This year's contest saw a wider range of participating universities, proving the high level of interest from student creators. We plan to continue collaborating with various game companies to ensure these students gain industry-aligned creative experience and find broader stages to showcase their potential.'

The event was hosted and organized by the Korea Game Society and NEXON Games, with sponsorship from the Korea AI Game Association, the Advanced Convergence Technology Industry Association, Naver OGQ Market, and Anchor Node.