Mark Cerny and Geoff Keighley Launch Nova Games Foundation for New Developers
The nonprofit fellowship provides 'no-strings' grants to game design graduates to foster creative independence.
PlayStation architect Mark Cerny and The Game Awards creator Geoff Keighley have launched the Nova Games Foundation. The nonprofit fellowship program provides significant financial support to game design graduates to help them enter the industry.
The foundation will award $100,000 "no-strings" grants to 20 graduates annually. According to Geoff Keighley, the initiative is purely philanthropic, meaning the foundation takes no equity in the games produced and does not seek to recoup the grant money. Keighley stated that the intended return is "creative," focusing on helping new voices find their footing in the field.
A Global Academic Network
To identify and support these emerging talents, the foundation has partnered with academic institutions. NYU and USC are among 13 universities worldwide participating in the program. This network allows the foundation to bridge the gap between formal education and professional game development by providing a financial runway for graduates who might otherwise struggle to fund their first independent projects.
The Drive for Philanthropy
The initiative is largely driven by Mark Cerny's personal reflections on his professional trajectory. Cerny, the lead architect behind the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, indicated that the program is a way to give back to the community that shaped his career. "I’m nearing the end of my career," Cerny said. "I’m not done yet, but paying it forward—in the best way possible—is very much on my mind these days."
Impact on the Industry
By removing the pressure of commercial equity or debt, the Nova Games Foundation addresses a critical barrier for new developers. Most early-stage funding in the gaming industry requires a percentage of ownership or a guaranteed return on investment, which can limit a creator's artistic freedom. This model allows graduates to experiment and innovate without the immediate burden of investor expectations, potentially diversifying the types of games that reach the market.
Looking Ahead
As the first cohort of fellows begins, the industry will be watching to see how these grants translate into completed titles. While the foundation has established its partnership with 13 universities, it remains to be seen if the program will expand its reach or increase the number of annual grants as more graduates apply for the fellowship.