Shochiku Ventures has announced a £77K game accelerator programme

Shochiku Ventures has launched a the Shochiku Game Accelerator 2025, which will offer select games industry start-ups up to £77,221 [$100K USD] in funding.

The accelerator is for companies creating game-enhancing middleware, infrastructure software and other technologies ‘that enhance the gaming experience’, and is not for broader game development costs.

Applications for the programme are currently open, and will close on May 19, 2025 at 02:59AM GMT.

Shochiku has said that by providing this funding for developers, it “seeks to empower innovative game-related start-ups and technology companies to enter the Japanese market or expand their global reach.”

As such, companies that participate in the accelerator will also be invited to Tokyo to take part in networking opportunities with leading Japanese venture capital firms, game publishers, and other potential partners.

“Shochiku’s gaming business has been evolving rapidly since its launch a year ago, with a strong focus on indie game publishing. With this accelerator program, we aim to broaden our reach beyond developers, welcoming companies specializing in middleware, SaaS, and infrastructure — essential components of the gaming ecosystem,” said Takahiro Inoue, Managing Director at Shochiku Co. Ltd.

“Our goal is to contribute to industry growth, encourage innovation, and collaborate in creating new gaming experiences. We look forward to seeing many creative and forward-thinking applicants join us on this journey.”

If you’d like to sign up for the Shochiku Game Accelerator 2025, you can do that over on its website.