Kenyan game developers are among those set to benefit after Google launched a Ksh129.5 million (USD1 million) fund aimed at supporting independent game studios across Africa.
According to reports, the Google Play Indie Games Fund, unveiled on Wednesday, July 1, will provide equity-free funding, technical support and mentorship to selected independent game developers from 32 African countries, including Kenya.
Under the programme, successful studios will receive between Ksh6.48 million (USD50,000) and Ksh25.9 million (USD200,000) to expand their games and grow their businesses without giving up ownership stakes.
Google introduces gaming fund for Kenyan creators
Additionally, Google said the selected developers will receive technical guidance, business mentorship and opportunities to showcase their games to a global audience through the Google Play platform.
Further reports indicate that the programme is open to independent game studios with 50 or fewer employees that are registered in any of the 32 eligible African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana and Zambia.
Applications will be opened on July 1 and will close on July 31, with the technology giant expected to announce the 10 successful game studios in September.
The selected developers will also receive hands-on support from Google experts to improve their games, strengthen their technical capabilities and increase their visibility to millions of users on Google Play.
The selected developers will also receive hands-on support from Google experts to improve their games, strengthen their technical capabilities and increase visibility to millions of users on Google play.
Applicants must have already published at least one mobile, PC or console game and commit to making their games available on Google Play while participating in the Google Play Pass programme for two years if selected.
