Kenyan game developers set to benefit from Google Play's new Ksh.129M fund

Google Play has launched a $1 million (approximately Ksh.129 million) Indie Games Fund aimed at supporting independent game developers across Africa, marking the platform's first dedicated funding initiative for the continent.

The fund, announced on Friday, will provide equity-free financing, technical support and mentorship to promising game studios in 32 African countries, including Kenya, as part of efforts to help developers scale their games and reach global audiences.

According to Google Play, the initiative seeks to address one of the biggest challenges facing African game developers: limited access to funding despite the continent's growing pool of creative talent and rich storytelling tradition.

Selected studios will receive funding ranging between $50,000 (Ksh.6.5 million) and $200,000 (ksh.25 million), alongside hands-on mentorship from industry experts and technical guidance to improve game performance, strengthen development frameworks and increase market visibility.

"Africa's unique creativity has fuelled a vibrant game development scene," said Ben McOwen Wilson, Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Google Play.

"Bringing this fund to the continent underscores our commitment to unlocking the immense talent of local studios, providing the resources needed to scale businesses, refine creative visions, and share uniquely African stories with a global audience," he added.

Applications are open to privately owned independent studios with no more than 50 employees that are registered in one of the eligible African countries.

Applicants must also have already released a mobile, PC or console game and commit to making their selected title available on Google Play while participating non-exclusively in the Google Play Pass subscription programme for two years.

The application window will remain open until July 31, 2026, with Google expected to announce the 10 successful studios in September.

Eligible countries include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and 22 other African nations.