New Japanese Government Accelerator Program Boosts Indie Game Development with Funding, Networking Opportunities and Mentorship

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has recently announced the launch of the So-Fu project, a unique accelerator program aimed at supporting indie game developers. This initiative offers mentorship, financial backing, and networking opportunities to selected applicants. To be eligible for the program, applicants must be under the age of 35 and have completed junior high school by April 1, 2024.

The So-Fu program is a comprehensive four-part game development initiative that involves attending lectures, creating project production plans, and delivering a final presentation around February 2025. At the conclusion of the program, developers will have the opportunity to showcase their work to industry stakeholders. Notable mentors involved in the project include Tomoko Miya from Flamebair Games and Masashi Kimura, the representative director of Room6 Inc.

Takaaki Ichijo, an executive member of the Indie Game Incubator and developer, highlighted on social media that this accelerator program is the first of its kind from the Japanese government to support indie game creators. He emphasized that this program provides a valuable opportunity for indie developers in Japan to receive mentorship, funding, and industry connections.

Indie game developers in Japan have until April 26 to apply for the So-Fu program. If you’re an indie developer looking for support and guidance in your game development journey, this initiative may be just what you need.