By Sagar Mankar 
Fueling the Rise of Indie Game Developers!
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has launched the “So-Fu” Incubator program for its indie game developers.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to provide mentorship, financial support, and practical guidance to the country’s burgeoning indie game development scene.
What is the “So-Fu” Program?
The “So-Fu” program, which translates to “create a new wind,” is a first-of-its-kind direct government support system for indie game developers in Japan.
Unlike other initiatives that primarily focus on financial assistance, this program takes a more comprehensive approach by offering mentorship, industry insights, and practical guidance.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for the “So-Fu” program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be of Japanese nationality or have permanent residence in Japan
- Have graduated from high school by April 1, 2024
- Be under the age of 35 (preference for young entrepreneurs)
What Does the Program Offer?
Successful applicants will have access to a wealth of resources and support, including:
- Lectures on industry trends and best practices
- Project management and production planning advice
- Opportunities to interact with industry veterans like Koichi Takeshita (Kuukiyomi producer) and Tomoko Miya (Neon Noroshi)
- An “intermediate achievement presentation” in October, followed by a final project presentation in February 2025 to industry stakeholders
In a highly competitive global market, initiatives like “So-Fu” can empower Japanese indie developers to bring their unique creative visions to life, while also contributing to the overall growth and diversity of the gaming industry.
Saudi Arabia, India, and Brazil also launched similar programs to nurture gaming development within the country.
Along with govt big gaming companies like Riot Game(Nigeria), Krafton(India), and Google Play, running mentorship programs for local developers.
Applicants interested in participating in the “So-Fu” program can sign up from now until April 26.
For more Information and Links visit: Game Developer
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