This year’s NeoBards Tournament is welcoming its grand finale in December. NeoBards has upheld this tradition since its inception seven years ago. Not only has it made creating and playing games a professional ambition, but the tournament also provides a chance to showcase skills and determine who truly deserves the title of “Game Champion!”
However, the reason the tournament attracts such enthusiastic participation goes beyond just a love for games. There’s a special, symbolic item involved—small in size yet rich in meaning. It embodies and carries forward the spirit of the tournament each year. What is it, you ask? It’s the NeoBards Tournament’s commemorative badge.
A collection of NeoBards Tournament badges from 2018 to 2023.
Every Bard who participates in the tournament receives a badge commemorating the theme of the year. Each badge is a collaborative effort between our EBC members and the art team. From brainstorming and design to adjustments, the badge goes through a detailed process before final approval and production. Intricate and meticulously crafted, the badge represents NeoBards’ commitment to doing things with excellence.
This year’s badge and backing card design align closely with the tournament theme, “Cyberbards Game Tournament.” With the Paris Olympics concluded, it’s now NeoBards’ turn to host a gaming sports event! After the Bards selected the games for the competition, the EBC drew inspiration from these choices to bring the theme to life.
After enthusiastic nominations and voting, Fall Guys, PICO PARK 2, Counter-Strike 2, and The King of Fighters ’98 were selected for the 2024 Neobards Tournament, representing the categories of obstacle course, action puzzle, shooting, and fighting.
After the art team proposed four designs, the EBC members chose their favorite one and moved forward to further adjustment. The final design features a round badge with a cute character in the center inspired by this year’s tournament games and paired with elements from shooting games. On one side of the character are controller icons, and on the other are lines to accentuate a sense of speed. A slightly wide-angle perspective is used to create depth. The backing card design focuses on the spirit of the Olympic torch relay, symbolizing the ongoing legacy of the NeoBards Tournament year after year.
EBC members discussed the badge design with the art team, adjusting the scale and placement of each element.
It’s no wonder that Bards joined the NeoBards Tournament in such enthusiasm. Not only do they get to enjoy gaming with colleagues, but they also receive a delicately crafted, collectible badge. As the tournament heads into the grand finale this December, we look forward to seeing the finalists battle it out for the championship title. This year’s commemorative badge will also be awarded on the day of the finals, carrying forward the spirit of NeoBards!
