Supercell’s Developer Grants Program: A Boost for African Game Development
In a major move to support emerging talent in Africa, Supercell has launched a developer grants program, offering equity-free funding ranging from $20,000 to $200,000 to “exceptional” studios across the continent. This initiative is a significant step towards strengthening the gaming ecosystem in Africa and recognizing the region’s rich creative potential.
Supercell, best known for its hit mobile game Brawl Stars, has made it clear that this program is not just about throwing money at African developers; it’s about investing in their growth and success. The equity-free grants will enable studios to reach new heights, whether they’re working on a single project or multiple titles across various platforms. This support is particularly crucial for emerging studios, which often struggle to secure funding from traditional investors.
The program is open to game development studios based in Africa, with the majority of their operations and team members located on the continent. Supercell is looking for “exceptional” studios that are already showing promise, but may need a little push to take their projects to the next level. To qualify, studios must be registered as such and have a solid track record of creating engaging games.
One of the key benefits of this program is that Supercell will not take equity or ownership in any participating studio or game. This means that African developers can maintain full control over their intellectual property, free from external influences or obligations. The company’s focus on equity-free grants also ensures that studios are not diluted by external investors, allowing them to retain their autonomy and creative freedom.
The application process is now open, with a deadline of August 9th for submissions. Supercell recommends that applicants have several key documents ready, including a pitch deck, gameplay trailer or video, links to previous games, a high-level funding plan and budget, and a playable build (although this is optional). The review period will run from August to October, with successful applicants notified in October and grant funding set to begin in December.
This move by Supercell marks an important milestone in the growth of African game development. As the gaming industry continues to evolve and globalize, it’s essential that emerging markets have access to resources and support to help them thrive. With this developer grants program, Supercell is not only investing in Africa’s creative potential but also contributing to a more diverse and vibrant gaming landscape.
The future of VR/XR looks bright indeed, with initiatives like this pushing the boundaries of innovation and inclusion. As African game development continues to grow and flourish, we can expect to see even more exciting projects emerge from the continent. With Supercell’s support, these talented studios will have the resources they need to take their games to new heights, further solidifying Africa’s position as a major player in the global gaming industry.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-07-07