Investment Hub eligibility
The Investment Hub is a curated track for projects seeking early angel investment. These are the conditions every application is measured against — read them before you apply.
Proof you can build games
Whether you apply as a solo developer or a team, you must have at least one playable game published on The Gaming Nest, to show real hands-on game development experience.
It does not have to be the same game or project you are seeking investment for. It can be:
- An earlier game
- A Game Jam entry
- A prototype
- A small game
- Any other project you genuinely helped build
WebGL / Web builds are preferred, so the community and investors can play it directly on the platform.
This condition exists to prove you or your team can execute — it is not a judgement of the investment project itself.
The project seeking investment
You may submit a completely different project to the Investment Hub. Development does not need to have started — the project can be at any stage:
- Idea
- Concept
- Pre-production
- Prototype
- Advanced development
What matters is that the team can explain the idea, the target market, the execution plan, the team it needs, the budget, and how the investment will be used.
Limited use of AI
We favour projects and teams that rely primarily on original human skill in design, programming, art, writing, audio and game development. AI tools are not banned, but their use should stay limited and as small as possible, and should not make up the core of the game's content or its creative identity.
AI is welcome as an assisting tool for:
- Research and early idea generation
- Coding assistance
- Streamlining production steps
- Placeholder assets during the prototype stage
Projects that lean heavily on AI-generated content — especially in art, characters, voices, writing or the game's core identity — may be given lower priority in the selection process.
We are looking for teams with genuine creative and execution ability that can build long-term value, not an assembly of AI tool outputs.
Evidence of player interest
We prefer teams that work on building an early audience around the project and can show there are players who want to try it.
You can evidence this through:
- Followers and engagement
- Surveys
- A Discord community
- Wishlists
- Playtests
- Activity around the project inside The Gaming Nest
A huge audience is not required, but real interest from potential players clearly strengthens an application.
Skills-enhancement program
Some accepted projects or teams may be asked to join an online development and skills program, typically 2–3 months long, before moving to more advanced stages of the program or being introduced to investors.
Depending on what each project needs, the program may cover:
- Developing the game concept and player experience
- Sharpening game design and product thinking
- Defining the market and target audience
- Building a realistic development plan
- Preparing the budget and investment usage
- Pitching and presentation skills for investors
- Early marketing and community building
- Improving the prototype, or the plan to reach one
For some projects, completing the program and its requirements may be a condition for continuing on the Investment Hub track.
Investment size
The current phase of the Investment Hub focuses on angel investment opportunities typically in the range of:
$5,000 – $10,000
The team must explain how the investment will be used and which stage or milestone it expects to reach with it.
Important note
Being accepted into the Investment Hub does not mean you automatically receive investment. A project may go through evaluation, development, audience building, a skills program, and further review before it is ready to be presented to investors.
Frequently asked questions
Does the published game have to be the same project I am seeking investment for?
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No. The game published on The Gaming Nest is only proof that you can execute — it can be an earlier game, a Game Jam entry, a prototype, or a small game. The project you submit to the Investment Hub can be completely different.
Can I apply while my project is still just an idea?
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Yes. A project is accepted at the idea, concept, pre-production, prototype or advanced development stage. What matters is that you can explain the idea, the target market, the execution plan, the team you need, the budget, and how the investment will be used.
Is AI use banned in Investment Hub projects?
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It is not banned, but it should stay limited and as small as possible. AI is welcome for research, early idea generation, coding assistance and placeholder assets during prototyping. Projects that lean heavily on AI-generated art, characters, voices, writing or core identity may be given lower priority in selection.
How large does my audience need to be before applying?
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A huge audience is not required. What matters is showing real interest from potential players — through followers and engagement, surveys, a Discord community, wishlists, playtests, or activity around the project inside The Gaming Nest.
What is the skills-enhancement program, and is it mandatory?
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An online development program, typically 2–3 months long, that some accepted projects may be asked to complete before moving to more advanced stages or being introduced to investors. It covers game concept and player experience, game design, target market, a realistic development plan, budgeting, pitching skills and early marketing. For some projects, completing it is a condition for continuing on the track.
How much investment is available through the Investment Hub?
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The current phase focuses on angel investment opportunities typically in the range of $5,000 – $10,000. The team must explain how the money will be used and which stage or milestone it expects to reach with it.
Does acceptance into the Investment Hub mean I have secured investment?
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No. Acceptance does not mean investment is automatic. A project may go through evaluation, development, audience building, a skills program, and further review before it is ready to be presented to investors.
Meet the conditions?
Submit your project to the Investment Hub — or publish a playable game first to prove you can execute.