Future Generations to Learn the Value of Fair Competition and Cooperation Through Esports 2025-09-16

On August 12, Daejeon Dream Arena came alive with the energy and cheers of children. Over 400 children and teens from community child centers across the country gathered for the opening of the “Youth Esports Festival 2025.” The arena turned into a vibrant stage where their dreams and passions came together.

Through intense competition and cooperation in virtual worlds, and by exploring new career possibilities in the real one, the children experienced the limitless potential of the gaming industry and began envisioning their own futures. The laughter and cheers that echoed throughout the festival were proof that they were not just “playing games” but “growing their dreams.”

This year, a total of 3,244 children from 261 community child centers nationwide participated in the event through Heemang Studio’s donation platform.

Racing Toward Their Dreams: Youth Passion Ignites in the Esports Tournament!

One of the festival’s main highlights was the esports competition. Elite teams from 16 community child centers across the nation, who had advanced through the online qualifiers held in July, competed fiercely for the championship titles in “KartRider Rush+” and “Brawl Stars.”

As the matches began, Daejeon Dream Arena turned into a sea of cheers. The stands were filled with banners, pickets, and the enthusiastic shouts of children chanting, “Go, our center!” The players showed remarkable focus comparable to professionals, and each lead change drew loud applause and cheers. After intense competition, the “Legend Riding” team from Cheonan Bansuk Community Child Center won the KartRider Rush+ division, while the “Gen-E sports” team from Jeonju Hae-nim Community Child Center took the Brawl Stars championship.

Park Do-hyun from Gen-E sports said, “Since it was my first competition, I never imagined we’d win. I’m truly happy, and I owe this victory to my parents, teachers, and friends who cheered for me.” Kim Jung-woo from Legend Riding added, “It was a rare and meaningful opportunity to participate in an esports competition. I was happy to prepare for the event while enjoying games with my friends and teammates. Thanks to my team members who never gave up and stayed united, we were able to win.”

Parents and community center staff who watched the matches commented, “Regardless of the outcome, it was moving to see the children approach the competition with such dedication,” giving the participants a heartfelt round of applause.

Laughter, Learning, and Dreams Bloom Amid Diverse Experiences

Outside the main arena, the experience booths were filled with laughter and excitement as children eagerly participated in various hands-on programs prepared throughout the venue.

At the “Traveling Friends Game Land,” children enjoyed sports-themed games such as 4D basketball, archery, and darts—cooperating and competing with their peers. One participant who experienced the VR bus said, “It felt just like riding a real roller coaster—it was amazing and so much fun!”

In the “Creator Zone,” activities such as keyring making, AI-assisted drawing, and game character design sparked the children’s creativity. Their eyes lit up as their self-drawn characters came to life on the screen, proudly sharing their work with friends. A highlight came when the game developed by the “Oh-Hap-Ji-Jol” team from Seongnam Together Youth School—winner of the “Champion Award” at the July “Palette Booster Camp”—was showcased, receiving cheers and applause from fellow students.

The “Challenge Zone” featured mock quizzes for KartRider Rush+ and Brawl Stars, along with reflex tests that inspired the children’s competitive spirit. In the “Reward Zone,” booths such as “Treasure Chest Draw” and “Dungeon General Store” delighted children with souvenirs and snacks, filling the air with laughter.

The official “Brawl Stars” creator Holit’s fan signing event was a major attraction. One child, unable to hide their excitement after receiving an autograph and taking a photo, said, “It was amazing to meet Holit in person after only seeing him online! He signed my stuff, took pictures, and even listened to my story—it was one of the happiest days of my life.”

Growing Social Impact Through Shared Purpose

During the “Partners Networking Session” held on the same day, representatives from participating companies and organizations gathered to share social contribution and ESG initiatives. A total of nine partners—including Nexon Foundation, Daejeon Information & Culture Industry Promotion Agency, Big Picture Interactive, Supercell, Amazon Web Services, the National Association of Community Child Centers, Kakao Games, the Korea Creative Content Agency, and Smilegate Heemang Studio—discussed strategies to expand social impact for future generations.

Various partners presented their initiatives and shared heartfelt efforts dedicated to children. Nexon Foundation introduced its free coding education platform “Hello Maple,” along with projects promoting children’s play rights and medical support. Supercell shared how it donated proceeds from the sale of Brawl Stars merchandise—produced in collaboration with the Doosan Bears—to children with rare diseases. Kakao Games showcased its “Traveling Friends Game Land,” enabling anyone to enjoy games without physical or regional limitations, while Heemang Studio presented gamified donation-based initiatives and gamer-driven social issue content. Representatives from community child centers in Busan and Namwon shared moving stories of how participating children had grown and changed through the festival, earning heartfelt applause.

As each presentation continued, attendees nodded in deep agreement, and a shared understanding of “change made possible together” naturally emerged. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to creating even greater social value through future Youth Esports Festivals, reflecting on the broader meaning of the event.

A Festival of Joy, A Stepping Stone Toward the Future

Smilegate Heemang Studio has developed the Youth Esports Festival into more than just a one-time event—it has become a platform for youth growth. This year’s festival once again allowed young participants to feel a sense of achievement in competition, discover new possibilities through hands-on experiences, and witness the expansion of social value through collaboration among gaming companies and institutions. The Youth Esports Festival will continue to serve as a platform for fostering a positive gaming culture and generating social impact for youth and future generations.

The “Youth Esports Festival 2025” stands as one of Smilegate Heemang Studio’s flagship collective impact initiatives, gaining recognition across the gaming industry. This year’s event not only highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration within the gaming sector but also inspired future generations with the power of working together.