Games For Change’s new Accelerator scheme to fund and support ‘social impact’ games

Games for Change has launched Games For Change Accelerator, a new initiative that provides funding and advice to developers creating "games, esports, and XR development" for "social impact".

Offering funding of "typically $150k – $500k in exchange for equity and royalties on a case-by-case basis", the Accelerator program includes access to Accelerator graduate or post-cohort resources, a 20-week Games For Change Accelerator program "with intense, hands-on mentorship from our dedicated industry experts", connections to the Games For Change Accelerator global network of founders, alumni and mentors, "exclusive perks" from partners and sponsors, shared office space for four months, plus demo days, industry networking events, talent fairs, and access to distribution partners and investor connections.

Run out of New York City in collaboration with two investors – i(x) Investments and Quake Capital – the program requires at least one developer from each successful team to "co-locate" to Games For Change Accelerator during the 20-week program, with an expectation to be at the office from Tuesday 9 am through to Thursday 7 pm each working week as "the amount of serendipity, unannounced-drop-in mentors, and camaraderie that is developed during the program is staggering".

The program is open to all developers worldwide, but you must be able to relocate to the US legally for the duration of the scheme.

"Over the past 15 years, Games for Change has helped develop a community of practice around the belief that games can be a driver of social impact," said Susanna Pollack, president of Games for Change (thanks, GI.biz). "Through our partnership with i(x) and Quake, we are thrilled to finally be able to play a role advancing the sector into a sustainable industry."

Applications are now open from now until May 31st – for more information, head to the FAQ. Successful candidates will be expected to commence the scheme in September.