Supercell starts developer grants program for African studios
Supercell, the studio behind mobile hit Brawl Stars, has launched a developer grants program aimed at supporting game development studios across Africa. The initiative offers equity-free grants ranging from $20,000 to $200,000 to help “exceptional” studios reach their next growth stage while strengthening the continent’s emerging gaming ecosystem.
In announcing the program, Supercell emphasized Africa’s creative potential, stating that “some of the most exciting creative energy and distinctive cultural narratives today are emerging from Africa,” positioning the investment as recognition of talent that will shape the future of global gaming.
The application timeline is compressed: interested African studios have until August 9 to submit applications. Supercell will conduct its review from August through October, notifying successful applicants in October, with funding disbursement beginning in December.
The move reflects a broader industry trend of major publishers investing in underrepresented regions and emerging markets. By providing equity-free funding, Supercell supports developer growth while allowing studios to maintain independence—a model that combines capital access with operational autonomy that can be particularly valuable for emerging markets.