MENA Hero Project

Middle East North Africa Hero Project (MENA HP) is a new incubator program founded by Sony Interactive Entertainment focused on identifying and supporting emerging developer talent from the Middle East and North Africa. For questions, contact us.

Now accepting Second Cohort applications.

For developers in Saudi Arabia

Submit your application

For developers in MENA

Submit your application

Benefits of MENA 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 MENA Hero Project
Possibility for your game to be published by Sony Interactive Entertainment

Latest updates

Announcing the First Cohort of MENA Hero Project Games

At Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), we are committed to fostering innovation and creativity in game development across the globe.

As part of our continued effort to support emerging talent, we are thrilled to announce the first cohort of titles supported under the MENA Hero Project, each one a unique reflection of the creativity and spirit of developers in the region: Red Bandits, Enci's Solution, The Perfect Run and A Cat's Manor.

MENA Hero Project games coming soon to PlayStation

Red Bandits

Red Bandits is a fast-paced robbery action game set in a hyper-capitalist age where one company rules the world through complete monopoly. In this world, a newly formed thieves organization, known as the Red Bandits, emerges to challenge the system and spark a rebellion. You play as Stutt, a seasoned old thief with a stuttering condition and a mysterious past he can’t fully remember.

Developer: Team Agenda
Coming to: PlayStation 5 and PC

Enci's Solution

Exiled by humans centuries ago, the Aeons are confined to the desolate underground. Their village is safe but beyond the gates danger lurks at every corner, and not everyone can be trusted. Nobody has left the village before, except for Ji’we. Enci’s Solution is a hand-painted, narrative 2.5D platformer following the story of Ji’we, a young Aeon venturing out into the unknown in an attempt to save his dearest friend.

Developer: Dark Emerald
Coming to: PlayStation 5 and PC

The Perfect Run

Save the world or blow it up yourself, one loop at a time! The Perfect Run is an action-adventure RPG game where the player controls Quicksave, a time-traveling hero caught in an epic struggle between supervillain gangs, marketed superheroes and a powerful mega corporation for the control of the city of New Rome. With three days to decide the city’s fate, the player can go back in time to decide their perfect ending.

Developer: Lanterns Studio
Coming to: PlayStation 5 and PC

A Cat's Manor

A Cat's Manor is an atmospheric adventure that blends puzzles, combat, crafting and rhythm-based music challenges. Use your wits to escape the manor. Investigate your surroundings, solve puzzles, fight your way through deadly encounters or outsmart your foes and avoid trouble.

Developer: Happiest Dark Corner
Coming to: PlayStation 5 and PC

What is the Hero Project Vendor Program?

The Hero Project Vendor Program is a pioneering initiative designed to empower studios participating in the India and MENA Hero Project program. By bringing together a curated network of trusted partners who provide developers with cutting-edge tools, expertise, and resources, this program fosters an environment where innovation thrives and success is shared.

Learn more

Vendor partners

MENA Hero Project FAQ

We encourage prospective applicants to read the MENA Hero Project FAQs before submitting the form. If you have further questions, please contact us.

When can I start applying for the MENA Hero Project?

MENA Hero Project accepts online applications through our registration link.

For developers from Saudi Arabia, use this registration link.

What are the minimum criteria for MENA Hero Project?

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)

Who can apply for MENA Hero Project?

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.

We are an international team based in MENA region. Can we apply for MENA Hero Project?

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.

Does the MENA Hero Project have a minimum or maximum team size limit?

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

What kind of games does the MENA Hero Project support?

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.

Do MENA Hero Project applicants need to be accredited by Sony Interactive Entertainment to apply for MENA Hero Project?

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.

Are partnerships (groups of different developers/project partners) eligible for MENA Hero Project funding?

Formal partnerships that are legally binding are acceptable.

Can developers submit multiple MENA Hero Project applications?

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.

Is previous experience in console or game development mandatory?

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

What is the average duration of an 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.

What platforms does the MENA Hero Project support?

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

Will MENA Hero Project support PlayStation®VR2 titles?

Yes, PlayStation®VR2 titles will be supported.

Will MENA Hero Project support mobile titles?

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 have a previously released game and would like to port it to PS5. Can it qualify for submission for MENA Hero Project?

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

How much funding can an applicant can request?

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

In which language can I submit my application?

All applications should be in English.

Can I submit additional documents to strengthen my application?

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

How are the applications assessed, and what is the selection process?

All applications will be evaluated by the MENA Hero Project committee comprising of internal SIE Portfolio members.

Who decides what games will be funded?

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

How can I find out about the status of my application? 

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 formalizing the approval for funding.

Do any fees apply or are charged to the developer during the MENA Hero Project selection process?

No fees are applicable. The MENA Hero Project aims to showcase MENA regions emerging game development talent.

Does this funding include publishing?

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.

Is MENA Hero Project different from other Sony Interactive Entertainment funded programs?

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

How will selected applications receive funding?

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

What are the monitoring and reporting requirements of the MENA Hero Project?

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.