Lastest Update

Announcing the Second Cohort Submission for the India Hero Project

We are thrilled to announce the opening of submissions for the second cohort of the India Hero Project (IHP). Building on the success and innovation of our inaugural cohort, we are excited to continue our mission of fostering and supporting the burgeoning game development community in India.

Here are some important details regarding the submission process:

Submission Timeline: The submission period for the second cohort of the India Hero Project will conclude by 31 July 2024(IST). This provides aspiring game developers with ample time to prepare and submit their proposals.

Submission Requirements: All submission packages, including the pitch, budget, and demo, must be submitted by 31 July 2024(IST) for second cohort consideration. It is crucial for applicants to ensure that their submissions are comprehensive and address all necessary components.

Previous Cohort Applicants: We welcome applicants from the previous cohort to submit applications for new games in the second cohort. This presents an opportunity for developers to refine their skills and ideas, further contributing to the growth of the Indian gaming industry. IHP applications submitted from October 2023 are considered for the second cohort.

Evaluation of Previous Cohort Games: Games evaluated in the first cohort will not be reevaluated for subsequent cohorts, unless substantial changes have been made to the existing game. This ensures fairness in the evaluation process and encourages developers to continually iterate and improve their creations.

Post Submission date: Submissions received after July 2024 will be assessed for the next cohort of the India Hero Project. While developers are encouraged to submit their proposals early, we understand that creativity and innovation cannot be rushed, and therefore provide this opportunity for developers to refine their ideas.

The India Hero Project is committed to empowering game developers across India, providing them with the resources and support needed to bring their visions to life. We look forward to receiving a diverse range of submissions and witnessing the creativity and talent within the Indian gaming community.

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Revealing 5 India Hero Project games coming to PlayStation

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Find out more details about the games from the first cohort.

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What is India Hero Project?

"India Hero Project (IHP)" is a new incubator program focused on identifying and supporting emerging talent from the region. This India-centric program was launched by Sony Interactive Entertainment for Indian game developers.

Benefits of India Hero Project:

  • Mentorship from Sony Interactive Entertainment
  • Access to Sony Interactive Entertainment's internal resources
  • Recoupable development funding from Sony Interactive Entertainment
  • Opportunity for your title and company to be featured globally as part of the India Hero Project
  • Possibility for your game to be published by Sony Interactive Entertainment 

India Hero Project FAQs

We encourage prospective applicants to read the India Hero Project FAQs before submitting the form. In case you have any further questions, please contact us. 

Applications for India Hero Project are being accepted online via our  registration link , from May 2023 onwards

  1. India-based game developer
  2. Legal entity in India
  3. Able to register as a PlayStation Registered Developer (Register PlayStation Partners)

Companies in game development (of any size) based out of India can submit their application online.

The objective of the India Hero Project is to support Indian game developers. International teams are welcome to register if they have a team in India and a registered entity in India. We expect 50% or more of the game development to be executed out of India. 

There is no team size restriction. Even one person companies are encouraged to apply.

India Hero Project supports games that enhance game development in India and encourages everyone to participate. Sony Interactive Entertainment applies a rigorous and competitive selection procedure to all submissions. 

We do not support gambling, Real Money Gaming (RMG), or games with explicit content.

No, Sony Interactive Entertainment accreditation is not a prerequisite for the India Hero Project application. Nonetheless, applicants must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the online application.

In principle, there is no limit to the number of applications. However, applicants are advised to be strategic as it is doubtful India Hero Project will fund more than one proposal per developer. 

No, we encourage all existing and new game developers to submit for India Hero Project.

We acknowledge that game development schedules can vary. Each submission will likely be at a different stage of development. We anticipate that most games will take one to three years to complete.

Our primary platform focus is PlayStation®5 (PS5™) and PC.

Yes, PlayStation®VR2 titles will be supported.

Mobile game titles will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

We encourage the submission of new games. Existing ports will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants can apply for a minimum of 100,000 US dollars.

All applications should be in English.

After submission, we will review your application and contact you for all necessary documentation, including the game build.  

All applications will be evaluated by the India Hero Project committee comprising of internal SIE Portfolio members and Shuhei Yoshida.

The criteria are:

  1. Showcases talent emergering from India
  2. Game has solid prospects for successful implementation
  3. Game is technically sound in conception and feasibility

 

The final decision on funding will be made by the India Hero Project committee.

For inquires, please contact us at IHP@sony.com Shortlisted applicants will be invited to draft a detailed pitch deck and budget. Followed by a review of the game build before formalizing the approval for funding.

No fees are applicable. The India Hero Project aims to showcase India's emerging game development talent.   

No. This is a recoupable development funding and doesn't include publishing. Publishing opportunities will be discussed on a case-by-case basis at a later time and will be subject to additional criteria. 

The India Hero Project is an India-specific incubator program customized for the local needs of Indian developers. Sony Interactive Entertainment will also continue supporting third-party game developers through our existing programs.

Funding will be disbursed on a milestone basis. After each milestone, the criteria will be examined, and the developer will receive payment upon approval.

All applicants are required to monitor their own activities. Sony Interactive Entertainment will require development updates and status reports. The level of delivery will be based on the milestone deliverables specified in the contract. If there is cause for concern, Sony Interactive Entertainment may seek additional information and conduct an audit. The developer will be notified of such actions.

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