Applications are now open for the inaugural Supercell Developer Grants Program 2026, an exciting funding initiative designed to support exceptional game development studios across Africa. Through this new program, Supercell will provide equity-free (non-dilutive) grants ranging from USD 20,000 to USD 200,000 to help promising studios accelerate their growth, develop outstanding games, and strengthen Africa’s rapidly expanding gaming ecosystem.

Known globally for creating blockbuster mobile games such as Clash of Clans, Clash Royale, Brawl Stars, and Hay Day, Supercell is making a significant investment in Africa’s creative technology sector. The company believes that some of the world’s most innovative storytelling, artistic creativity, and game development talent are emerging from the African continent and hopes to support studios that will shape the future of the global gaming industry.

Unlike investment funding, these grants are non-dilutive, meaning successful applicants retain 100% ownership of their studios, games, and intellectual property (IP). The program is focused on supporting studios rather than individual projects, with funding intended to help businesses reach their next stage of sustainable growth.

About the Supercell Developer Grants Program

The Supercell Developer Grants Program was created to strengthen Africa’s emerging games ecosystem by supporting outstanding game development studios with flexible, equity-free funding.

Rather than investing in a single game, Supercell is investing in talented teams capable of building sustainable studios and producing high-quality games over the long term.

The program welcomes applications from studios developing games across all genres, platforms, and business models. Whether your studio develops mobile, PC, console, or cross-platform games, you are encouraged to apply if you have a compelling vision and a clear plan for growth.

For this first cohort, Supercell is primarily looking for:

• Exceptional development teams
• Innovative and engaging games
• Original creative vision
• Sustainable business potential
• Clear plans for utilizing grant funding effectively

Why Supercell Created This Program

Supercell believes that great teams create great games.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve globally, Africa has become one of the fastest-growing regions for game development, with increasing numbers of talented studios creating original content inspired by African cultures, stories, and creativity.

Through this grants program, Supercell aims to:

• Support Africa’s most promising game development studios.
• Help studios scale their operations.
• Encourage innovation in game development.
• Foster long-term growth within Africa’s gaming ecosystem.
• Build lasting relationships with talented development teams.
• Learn alongside African creators while contributing to the industry’s future.

Grant Funding

Selected studios may receive equity-free grants ranging between USD 20,000 and USD 200,000, depending on their stage of development, funding needs, and growth plans.

The grants are designed to help studios reach meaningful development milestones while maintaining complete independence.

Most importantly:

• Supercell does not take equity.
• Supercell does not take ownership of your studio.
• Supercell does not take ownership of your games.
• Your studio retains full ownership of all intellectual property.

What Can the Grant Be Used For?

Successful studios may use grant funding for a wide range of game development and business activities that directly support their growth.

Eligible expenses include:

• Salaries
• Contractor payments
• Art and animation
• Game design
• Software engineering
• Audio production
• Quality assurance (QA)
• Software licenses and development tools
• Marketing
• Live game operations
• Other game development-related expenses

The funding should be used to advance the studio and the game or development milestone identified in the application.

What Cannot Be Funded?

Grant funding should not be used for:

• Personal expenses
• Activities unrelated to the studio
• Non-development business expenses

Further funding conditions will be discussed with successful applicants during the grant agreement process.

Who Can Apply?

The Supercell Developer Grants Program is specifically designed for legally registered game development studios operating in Africa.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Apply on behalf of a legally registered game development studio.
• Have the studio’s primary operations based in Africa.
• Have the majority of the studio team located in Africa.
• Be willing to complete any required due diligence or compliance procedures if shortlisted.
• Confirm that all information submitted is accurate.
• Have the legal rights and permissions to submit all application materials.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following are not eligible:

• Individual developers
• Hobby projects
• Unregistered teams
• Informal game development groups

Eligible Regions

The inaugural cohort is focused exclusively on Africa.

Studios from eligible African countries are encouraged to apply.

Studios with holding companies located outside Africa may still apply, provided their primary operations and majority of their teams are based within Africa.

Types of Games Accepted

Supercell welcomes a broad range of game development projects.

Applications are accepted from studios developing:

• Mobile games
• PC games
• Console games
• Cross-platform games
• Indie games
• Multiplayer games
• Premium games
• Free-to-play games
• Hybrid business models
• Other innovative gaming experiences

Applicants may include multiple games in their portfolio but should identify one primary game that the funding will support.

Application Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by a cross-functional Supercell team.

Studios will be evaluated across five key areas:

1. Team

Supercell places strong emphasis on the quality, experience, and capability of the development team.

2. Game & Creative Vision

Reviewers will assess:

• Originality
• Creativity
• Quality
• Innovation
• Long-term vision

3. Community & Audience

Applications should demonstrate evidence that players are already engaging with the studio’s games.

This may include:

• Active communities
• User feedback
• Downloads
• Player engagement
• Early traction

4. Potential for Impact

Applications should explain how funding will help:

• Grow the studio
• Build sustainable operations
• Strengthen Africa’s games ecosystem

5. Viability & Use of Funds

Applicants should clearly explain:

• Funding requirements
• Budget allocation
• Development roadmap
• Expected milestones

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare the following before beginning the application:

• Pitch deck
• Gameplay trailer or gameplay video
• Playable game build (optional)
• Links to previous games
• High-level funding plan
• Budget

The application takes approximately one hour to complete.

Application Timeline

The first cohort follows the timeline below:

• Applications Open: Monday, 6 July 2026
• Applications Close: Sunday, 9 August 2026 (23:59 UTC)
• Review Period: August–October 2026
• Successful Applicants Notified: October 2026
• Grant Funding Begins: December 2026

Supercell notes that these dates may change depending on the volume of applications and the review process.

Selection Process

The review process may include:

1. Initial application review.
2. Cross-functional evaluation.
3. Shortlisting.
4. Additional documentation.
5. Due diligence.
6. Interviews (for selected applicants).
7. Final selection.

Approximately 3–5 studios are expected to receive grants during the first cohort.

Successful Applicants

Selected studios will:

• Enter into a formal grant agreement.
• Receive funding according to agreed milestones.
• Submit periodic progress updates.
• Potentially be publicly announced as grant recipients.

Future Funding Rounds

Supercell is currently focused on launching the inaugural cohort.

Future funding rounds may be announced through the company’s official website and communication channels.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Africa’s gaming industry is experiencing rapid growth, with increasing investment, expanding talent, and a rising global audience.

The Supercell Developer Grants Program represents one of the most significant equity-free funding opportunities currently available to African game development studios.

Beyond financial support, the initiative demonstrates international confidence in Africa’s creative technology sector and provides studios with an opportunity to accelerate development while maintaining complete ownership of their businesses and intellectual property.

How to Apply

Interested studios should complete the online application before the deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility requirements, prepare all required documents, and present a clear vision for how the grant will help their studio reach its next stage of growth.

Apply Here

Deadline

Application Deadline: 9 August 2026 (23:59 UTC)

For more information, visit the official website

Discover more global grant opportunities on OFY, VISIT HERE