Supercell opened applications for its first Developer Grants Program for African game studios, offering equity-free funding of between $20,000 and $200,000.
The Finnish company behind Clash of Clans, Hay Day and Clash Royale plans to select 3 to 5 studios for the first cohort. Applications close on Aug. 9, shortlisted teams will be contacted in October and funding is expected to begin in December.
The grants are open to legally registered studios whose main operations and most team members are based in Africa. Studios with holding companies outside the continent may also apply if they disclose their legal structure. Applicants can submit several games but must choose 1 as the main focus of the funding request.
Supercell will not take equity or ownership of the studios or their intellectual property. The money can be used for salaries, contractors, engineering, art, design, software, testing, marketing, live operations and other development costs.
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Applications will be judged on the team, the game concept, player interest, business potential and the studio's contribution to Africa's gaming sector. The program adds to other funding efforts in the market, including Google Play's $1 million equity-free fund for independent studios in 32 African countries.
Key Takeaways
Supercell's grant program addresses one of the main limits facing African game developers: access to early funding. Many studios can build prototypes but struggle to pay for staff, testing, marketing and live operations long enough to reach users or attract investors. Equity-free capital gives selected teams more time to improve their games without giving up ownership. The size of the grants also matters. A $20,000 award can support a small team through a development milestone, while $200,000 can fund a larger production cycle, user testing and market launch.
The program could also help African studios build games based on local stories, languages and settings for global audiences. Still, funding alone will not solve the sector's problems. Studios also need payment systems, distribution, publishing support, reliable talent and access to players who can spend on games. For Supercell, the program creates a way to build ties with new developers without buying stakes in their companies. For African studios, it offers capital, visibility and a route into the global games industry.
