Blue Archive STEAM Fanart Contest Results: Winners, Rewards, and What Comes Next for the Community Creators
Nexon has officially released results for Blue Archive’s inaugural STEAM Client Grand Opening Fanart Contest, marking a milestone in the game’s global community outreach. With dozens of Senseis vying for the top spots, the contest showcased exceptional creativity, ignited discussion around the future of fan-driven content, and set a precedent for event logistics in the Blue Archive ecosystem.
At a Glance: Event Summary & Deadlines
- Event: Blue Archive STEAM Grand Opening 1st Fanart Contest
- Winners Announced: Official post, see Nexon’s STEAM Forum Notice
- Prize Claim Deadline: 2024-09-11 (Thu) 14:59 UTC — strict cutoff for all winner verification
- Primary Rewards: STEAM Gift Cards (Pyroxenes as fallback for regional issues), with all taxes covered by Nexon Korea
- Eligibility: All entrants must provide UID, server, region, and original art files (PSD/AI or process photos/videos)
Event Background: Why This Contest Marks a Shift for Blue Archive
The launch of Blue Archive on STEAM earlier this year has accelerated attention toward global art contests, positioning Nexon's strategy alongside industry leaders in gacha community engagement. Historically, Blue Archive’s regional fanart events have drawn dedicated participation, but this contest, tied directly to a new global distribution channel, sets the tone for future worldwide creative campaigns—mirroring a trend seen across other top gacha franchises.
Fanart competitions have become a vital point of interaction for player communities and publishers. In Blue Archive’s case, the move to a more transparent, STEAM-centered contest format demonstrates a commitment to both discoverability and digital accessibility. This helps align Blue Archive with evolving standards for player-driven content and global reward delivery models.
Full Contest Winner List: Top Entries and Rewards
Prizes are divided by rank, with careful attention to each winner’s submission validity and region compliance. Deadlines are strictly enforced—failure to supply all verification materials by 2024-09-11 (Thu) 14:59 UTC will result in forfeiture.
Winner Roster
| Rank | STEAM Nickname | Submission Link | Image/Description |
|————–|—————————————-|——————————————————|————————————————————|
| 1st Place | 최최 | View | Dramatic, high-detail group piece (Alt: multi-character lineup in school setting) |
| 2nd Place | ainy120, lav2pix, PPAP | ainy120; lav2pix; PPAP | Character-focused illustrations showcasing signature art style (Alt: character portraits with dynamic backgrounds) |
| 3rd Place | pestebubbonica, Ò∪Ó, mikanjam, Bungeo-kun, Yushika, 밑바닥그림쟁이, AngryAngryKim, 01771771, Tanto, 나티 | Individual links; see all in official list | Varied — solos, pairs, meme aesthetics, and stylized groupings (Alt: collection of diverse styles; from comic to painterly) |
| Accepted/Participation | 볶음곱창, pisik, JKSDT, mikueiei0001, psp3311, MARU, (≧▽≦*)o, Paracet, Youp, pumpeera, and more | See official list | Honorable mentions, broad stylistic range (Alt: includes both digital and traditional-inspired works) |
Note: All winners must read and comply with event rules. Unclaimed spots and artworks not present in the showcase are due to space limitations, per Nexon.
Requirements for Winners: Verification, Privacy, and Deadlines
To successfully claim prizes, all contest winners must email bluearchive_steam@nexon.co.kr with:
- Blue Archive UID
- Server Name
- Region of Residence
- Original layered PSD/AI file, or process photos/videos of creation (proof of originality)
Additional Steps:
– Submission Deadline: 2024-09-11 (Thu) 14:59 UTC
– 1st/2nd Place winners may be asked for extra personal info (tax processing). All data is handled in compliance with privacy protocols — prize refusal is an option if players do not consent to third-party processing.
– All taxes will be paid by Nexon Korea. Prize delivery is primarily via STEAM Gift Cards; equivalent Pyroxene will be issued if regionally required.
– Communications must be in Korean or English only.
Event Design: Judging Standards and Community Observations
The contest placed a heavy emphasis on originality — requiring proof of creative process via files or documented steps. This not only discourages plagiarism but raises the overall standard of fan contributions. Multiple winners in second and third place categories reflect a deliberate effort by the organizers to recognize both technical skill and thematic resonance with the Blue Archive world.
Industry Trend: Increasingly, gacha games such as Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail are tightening requirements for event authenticity, with Nexon’s move here echoing these best practices. This policy strengthens community trust and boosts the profile of legitimate artists.
Noteworthy Art Styles and Themes
Across the top entries, several trends are evident:
- Group Scenes: High-detail multi-character compositions showcase ensemble casts, reflecting the core appeal of Blue Archive’s setting.
- Individual Portraiture: Expressive, single-character pieces remain popular, highlighting both the game’s character design and the diverse skills of the artist base.
- Humor and Meme Aesthetics: Many 3rd place and participation artworks feature playful references and community in-jokes, reinforcing a sense of fandom identity.
What to Do Now: For Entrants and Interested Players
For Winners:
- Double-check required documents and process files—failure to submit by 2024-09-11 (Thu) 14:59 UTC (no time zone exceptions) may result in loss of reward.
- Review event notice and privacy terms via the official STEAM Fanart Contest page.
For All Players:
- Explore the showcased works (see official winner links above) for inspiration and in-game event hype.
- Monitor Nexon’s global communication channels for potential future contests, as successful engagement in this event signals more STEAM-centric campaigns are likely.
- Note: Some artwork contains suggestive or mature themes and may not be suitable for all ages; access is region-controlled as stated in the contest notice.
Looking Forward: The Future of Blue Archive’s Player Events
The STEAM Fanart Contest represents a significant development for Blue Archive’s outreach and its place in the wider gacha landscape. By combining strict vetting, robust reward structures, and international eligibility, Nexon positions itself to cultivate a thriving global fan creator ecosystem. The focus on transparency and timely communication sets a potential template for future collaborative events—not just in Blue Archive, but across comparable games.
Key takeaway: If you have art ambitions or want to take part in upcoming contests, start honing submission documents and monitor official event pages for new opportunities. As the STEAM edition’s momentum grows, expect fresh event cycles and creative campaigns that reward quality, originality, and above all, verifiable authenticity.
Suggested Visuals:
- Gallery-style header featuring the top three winning artworks (Alt: montage of best submissions for Blue Archive Fanart 2024 STEAM Contest; provides visual context for styles and themes).
- Compact tables summarizing important deadlines and prize tiers (Alt: easy-access for critical info).
- Art process screenshot sidebar (Alt: emphasizes creative authenticity requirement for entry).
*[All links above reference official Nexon announcement pages. Blue Archive contest event details subject to verification as of 2024-09-11.]