Online participation available across Japan, supporting indie developers to exhibit at “gamescom asia”

Tokyo, Japan, August 18, 2026 — MIXI Global Investments (MGI) is a wholly-owned corporate venture capital subsidiary of MIXI, Inc. that invests in global startups with a primary focus on India. As of today, MGI has opened applications for Phase II of LVLZero Tokyo, an accelerator program designed to provide hands-on support to emerging Japanese game developers aiming to expand into international markets.

In Phase II, selected teams will receive support to exhibit at “gamescom asia.” Additionally, the program has transitioned to an online format, allowing developers to participate regardless of where they live.

LVLZero Tokyo website (Japanese): https://mixiglobalinv.com/lvlzerotokyo/

■ About Phase II of LVLZero Tokyo

LVLZero Tokyo is a practical program specializing in overseas publishing, designed to launch Japanese indie games into the global market.

Designed for emerging Japanese game developers who want to expand overseas, the program facilitates creating and launching game content that can succeed globally.

Phase I, which opened for applications in April 2026, received 78 applications, from which 5 teams were selected. Following mentoring sessions with overseas publishers and investors, the selected teams will exhibit at “gamescom” in Cologne, Germany in August 2026.

Whereas Phase I was mainly held in person at the MIXI headquarters, Phase II will transition to an online format to allow developers from a wide range of areas to participate. Similarly to Phase I, five teams are planned to be selected for Phase II as well.

Through “100-day mentoring,” the selected teams will receive support for localization, trailer production, pitch refinement, and networking with overseas publishers and investors. During this mentoring period from October to November 2026, the program will help the developers exhibit at “gamescom asia” in Bangkok, Thailand and boost their efforts to take on the global market.

The program operates from a neutral standpoint that respects the independence of developers, meaning it does not acquire equity in the selected companies or obtain publishing rights.

Additionally, LVLZero Tokyo has been selected as a FY2025 partner project under TOKYO SUTEAM, a Tokyo Metropolitan Government initiative that promotes startup support through various organizations.

■ Application Details

Applications for Phase II of LVLZero Tokyo are now open. We are seeking Japanese game developers and startups looking to expand into overseas markets and take on global challenges. Detailed application guidelines and entry procedures are available on the website linked below.

Application Period: August 18 to September 6, 2026
Phase II Program Period: October to December 2026

LVLZero Tokyo website (Japanese): https://mixiglobalinv.com/lvlzerotokyo/

■ Briefing Session

An online entry briefing session will be held August 22, 2026 for those considering applying to Phase II. We will give an overview of the program, the application process, and the selection criteria, as well as answer questions from participants. Details will be available on the website above.

■ Tokyo Game Dungeon Joins as Operating Partner

Tokyo Game Dungeon will join Phase II as a new operating partner. As an exhibition for indie games created by individuals and small teams, Tokyo Game Dungeon has deep connections with the domestic indie game community and provides many developers with opportunities to showcase their work. Leveraging this community network, we will collaborate with Tokyo Game Dungeon on program execution and participant engagement to create an environment where even more developers can take on new challenges.

Additionally, Active Gaming Media Inc. will return as a “Knowledge Partner” for Phase II, supporting the program with their expertise in indie game localization and global expansion.

Tokyo Game Dungeon Official Website (Japanese): https://tokyogamedungeon.com/
Active Gaming Media Inc. Official Website: https://www.activegamingmedia.com/index.php/en/home-en/ 

■ Comment from Tomoharu Urabe, Director and Head of Investments, MIXI Global Investments

LVLZero Tokyo is a program designed to support game startups and developers who’ve set their sights on global markets. In Phase II, building on our experience from Phase I, we are expanding our reach across Japan by moving online, while also providing support for developers wanting to exhibit at “gamescom asia.” By leveraging the global network of MIXI Global Investments and the expertise of our partner companies, we will continue to support game developers in Japan as they take on the global market.

■ About MIXI Global Investments

MIXI Global Investments (MGI) is a corporate venture capital firm that handles MIXI’s overseas investments. It invests primarily in the areas of Digital Entertainment, Lifestyle, and Sports, both in India and globally.