PlayStation 5 lead architect Mark Cerny and The Game Awards host Geoff Keighley have launched the Nova Games Foundation, a new philanthropic initiative designed to financially support the next generation of game developers.

The university-affiliated fellowship program will select 20 young game designers every year, providing them with six-figure grants to help turn their ideas into games without taking equity in their projects.

Nova Games Foundation Will Fund 20 Developers Every Year

Cerny and Keighley have each contributed multi-million-dollar donations to establish the foundation and say they intend to continue financially supporting it.

Speaking to Game File, Keighley stressed that Nova isn’t designed as an investment vehicle.

“Nova is philanthropy: we aren’t taking equity or looking to recoup the grants. The return we’re hoping for is creative—helping new voices make games and find their footing.”

The pair also hopes other members of the gaming industry will eventually contribute to the foundation.

Cerny explained that, as he approaches the later stages of his career, he wants to pay it forward by supporting the people who could shape the industry’s future.

Supporting the Next Generation of Game Creators

The foundation isn’t only looking for talented designers. Its broader goal is to identify and support potential creative leaders, team builders and visionaries who could establish themselves within the industry.

John Maconga has been appointed executive director, while former Game Developers Conference director Ashley Corrigan will serve as head of grants.

With substantial funding already committed and 20 fellowships planned each year, the Nova Games Foundation could provide an important new route into professional game development for emerging creators.