Interest
Shonen Jump Reveals 2nd Annual App Development Contest
posted on by Jennifer Sherman
Despite publishers' steadfast revealed this past February that digital manga volume sales overtook sales of physical manga volumes for the first time in Japan in 2017.
With digital expansion pinning publishers in a corner, Shonen Jump doesn't want to be left behind. The company is seeking to expand its digital horizons not just through electronic manga sales, but also through app development. The Shonen Jump editorial department unveiled its second "Shonen Jump App Development Contest" this week.
The contest is calling on developers to create new apps and online services that deal not only with Shonen Jump itself, but also with related manga and characters. The contest announcement states that projects related to "machine learning, big data analysis, application UI, game engine," and related content are acceptable to submit.
The contest winner will receive 1 million ($9,300) yen and a maximum of 50 million ($466,00) yen in development funds. In addition, one honorable mention will receive 100,000 yen ($930). The application period will close on June 15, and the final winners will be announced in October.
The first "Shonen Jump App Development Contest" was held last year as part of Weekly Shonen Jump's 50th anniversary celebration. The tentatively title "Mawashiyomi Jump" service was announced as the winner in September. The service will use AR technology to let people exchange digital manga volumes with each other through use of a real-world map. The service is slated to launch this fall.
Additionally, the Shonen Jump editorial department will Yūta Momiyama. The event's official website is currently accepting applications for IT representatives, developers, and reporters to attend.
Source: Comic Natalie (link 2)
