Mark Cerny and Geoff Keighley have unveiled the Nova Games Foundation, a charitable fellowship initiative designed to financially back up‑and‑coming game designers. The venture, which operates independently of both The Game Awards and Sony’s PlayStation brand, sets out to award sizable grants that can help young creators bring their visions to life without the usual commercial pressures. According to a report by Game File, the foundation intends to distribute $100,000 grants to twenty designers annually.
Approximately one‑quarter of those recipients will be eligible for an extra infusion of up to $500,000 for projects that demonstrate exceptional promise or innovative potential. This tiered funding model is meant to recognize both solid, work‑ready concepts and truly groundbreaking ideas that could reshape the medium.
Beyond the monetary component, the program pairs each fellow with seasoned mentors from the industry. These mentors—veterans who have navigated the complexities of game development, publishing, and marketing—will provide guidance, feedback, and networking opportunities. Importantly, the fellows retain full ownership of any intellectual property they create, allowing them to choose publishers, platforms, or self‑distribution routes that best suit their artistic goals. Nova Games will act as a connector, facilitating introductions to potential partners while remaining hands‑off regarding equity or profit sharing.
Application windows open in December for graduates of the 2026 and 2027 cohorts from thirteen partner university programs spread across eight nations. The list includes Germany’s TH Köln, Australia’s RMIT University, France’s CNAM‑ENJMIN, Scotland’s Abertay University, and in the United States, a joint pathway between New York University and the University of Southern California. These institutions were selected for their strong curricula in interactive media, game design, and related disciplines, ensuring a pipeline of talent that aligns with Nova’s mission.
Cerny, the chief architect behind the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles, and Keighley, the well‑known host of The Game Awards, Summer Game Fest, and Opening Night Live, are personally underwriting the foundation with multi‑million‑dollar contributions. Both have indicated that they view the initiative as a long‑term commitment and plan to continue injecting capital as the program expands and demonstrates impact. "Nova is philanthropy: we aren't taking equity or looking to recoup the grants," Keighley explained to Game File.
"The return we're hoping for is creative – helping new voices make games and find their footing." This philosophy underscores the foundation’s focus on artistic development rather than financial return, positioning it as a rare example of pure investment in creative talent within the commercial gaming ecosystem. The organization has appointed John Maconga as its executive director, tasked with overseeing day‑to‑day operations, strategic planning, and partnership development.
Former Game Developers Conference director Ashley Corrigan has taken the helm of the grants department, bringing her extensive experience in curating industry programs and supporting indie creators. Additionally, Josef Fares—renowned for directing It Takes Two and Split Fiction—has pledged both a monetary donation and ongoing mentorship support. "I'm proud to support Nova because it gives the next generation of creators the freedom to explore their creativity and hopefully bring their unique visions to life," Fares said. His endorsement highlights the broader community’s enthusiasm for a model that removes financial barriers while preserving artistic autonomy.
Cerny emphasized that the foundation views games as an "artistic medium," citing titles such as Neva, ABZÛ, Gorogoa, Stray, and Outer Wilds as exemplars of the kind of expressive, boundary‑pushing work Nova hopes to nurture. These games are noted for their distinct aesthetics, innovative mechanics, and emotionally resonant storytelling—qualities that the fellowship aims to replicate and expand upon. Keighley's inspiration for the fellowship concept stems from several personal experiences.
He recalled an unsuccessful attempt to secure a Rhodes Scholarship, admired the MacArthur Foundation’s “genius grants,” and drew influence from Jenova Chen, the USC graduate behind critically acclaimed games like Flower and Journey. By blending these influences, Keighley sought to create a program that rewards ingenuity, provides mentorship, and removes the financial gatekeeping that often hampers emerging talent. The Nova Games Foundation represents a significant shift in how the industry can support its future creators.
By offering substantial, no‑strings‑attached funding, paired with mentorship from established professionals, the program seeks to cultivate a diverse array of games that might otherwise never see the light of day. Its emphasis on retaining IP rights ensures that creators maintain control over their work, fostering a healthier ecosystem where artistic vision can thrive alongside commercial success. In practice, the fellowship will likely encourage a wide spectrum of projects—from intimate narrative experiences to experimental mechanics that challenge conventional design. The additional $500,000 tier will enable more ambitious undertakings, such as larger team collaborations, cutting‑edge technology integration, or extensive playtesting and marketing efforts.
By supporting both modest and grand visions, Nova hopes to broaden the definition of what a successful indie game can be. Looking ahead, the foundation’s success will be measured not only by the number of games released but also by the lasting impact on the creators’ careers. Alumni of the program may go on to found their own studios, influence mainstream development practices, or become mentors themselves, creating a virtuous cycle of support and innovation.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the Nova Games Foundation could become pivotal in ensuring that fresh, diverse voices remain at the forefront of the medium’s artistic evolution.