MENA Hero Project

MENA Hero Project accepts online applications through our registration link.

For developers from Saudi Arabia, use this registration link.

• MENA-based game developer from the following countries: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates(UAE), Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Tunisia, Algeria and Iraq.

• Legal entity registered in a MENA region country or territory.

• Able to register as a PlayStation Registered Developer (Register PlayStation Partners)

Companies in game development (of any size) based out of the following countries can submit their application online: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates(UAE), Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Tunisia, and Iraq.

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

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

MENA Hero Project supports games that enhance game development in MENA region 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 MENA Hero Project application. Nonetheless, applicants must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the online application.

Formal partnerships that are legally binding are acceptable.

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

No, we encourage all existing and new game developers to submit for MENA 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. The game must support cross-platform features with PlayStation 5, such as cross-save or cross-play. 

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 MENA Hero Project committee comprising of internal SIE Portfolio members.

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

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

No fees are applicable. The MENA Hero Project aims to showcase MENA regions 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 MENA Hero Project is an MENA region-specific incubator program customised for the local needs of MENA 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.