Sony has announced MENA Hero Project, the next step in its game development support program. The Hero Project initiative is a way for the company to seek out and support new video game talent in underrepresented regions. Now, it's extending that to the Middle East and North Africa — MENA for short.
Included countries are Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. Developers and studios in these parts of the world may be eligible for Sony's support, which can involve mentorship, training, and investment. Submissions for MENA Hero Project are now open.
Over the last few years, Hero Project has brought us many diverse and interesting titles. Beginning in China, the program has helped games like ANNO: Mutationem, F.I.S.T: Forged in Shadow Torch, and the upcoming Lost Soul Aside come to fruition. The more recent India Hero Project has so far backed the likes of Fishbowl, Requital: Gates of Blood, and Mukti.
While we likely won't see these MENA Hero Project games for a while, it's always exciting to discover new games from talent in all corners of the globe.
[source sonyinteractive.com]
Comments 13
Shame Pakistan isn't on the list of supported countries. They have a cool underground gaming scene, especially for fighting games. I know it technically isn't part of the "Middle East", but still.
This is awesome! Sony's doing a great job cultivating these emerging markets.
I really like these projects of helping and supporting unknown indie devs from region outside Japan, US, or EU. Different countries has different culture so it's fascinating to see what these devs can do with their creative minds.
I completely agree that the more cultures we get into dev work, the more unique ideas could be explored, this to me is a W
Sony should invest in latin America next, also how about increase game dev in other states other than California. Just saying might help reduce game dev costs.
I appreciate Sony spending their money doing this. It's a far better strategy than what those other guys are doing.
@RBMango Yeah the rise of the Pakistan Tekken community over the last ten years has been mental.
Another great initiative; look forward to seeing what the Devs in these countries make!
@PuppetMaster @WhiteRabbit @get2sammyb
I genuinely spit out my drink when I read this. Seeing Sony supporting my people in this way makes me happy in ways I could never describe. Truly feels like the future is limitless. I’m incredibly happy. : D
Seeing my country (kuwait) mentioned in a push square article is also incredibly surreal, especially in this context.
Well then I look forward to seeing what games they come up with.
New reports are saying that the PS5 has sold out in China because of Black Myth Wukong as well.
I grew up in countries around the Arabian Gulf. It'll be great to see what they can put out.
Sweet! Looking forward to see all the creative entertainment the devs will make.😊
@RBMango then maybe a South Asia HERO project can work then.
Oh wait, Sony is already doing one for India. Maybe a HERO project for South Asia in general.
I say this as a South Asian.
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