MIXI's Investment Subsidiary MIXI Global Investments Launches "LVLZero Tokyo," an Accelerator Specializing in Overseas Expansion for Indie Games
~Bringing Japanese Indie Games to the World. Applications Now Open for gamescom Exhibition~
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- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 00:00
MIXI Global Investments (hereinafter MGI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MIXI, Inc. (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Hiroki Kimura, Representative Director, President, Senior Executive Officer, CEO) and a corporate venture capital firm that invests in global startups, primarily in India, has launched "LVLZero Tokyo," an accelerator specializing in overseas expansion. This program practically supports the challenges of emerging Japanese game developers aiming to expand into overseas markets. Applications are now open as of April 2, 2026.

■ About "LVLZero Tokyo"
"LVLZero Tokyo" is a practical program specialized in overseas publishing, aiming to bring Japanese indie games to the global market. It targets emerging Japanese game developers aspiring to expand into overseas markets, promoting the creation and dissemination of game content that can succeed globally.
Through "100 Days Mentoring," the program will provide support for overseas expansion, including localization, trailer production, pitch improvement, and creating connections with overseas publishers and investors. In Phase I, it will offer the opportunity to exhibit at gamescom, to be held in Cologne, Germany, in August 2026.
This program will not acquire equity or publishing rights from the selected companies, operating from a neutral standpoint that respects the developers' autonomy.
Furthermore, "LVLZero Tokyo" has been selected as a partner for the FY2025 agreement project under the "TOKYO SUTEAM" startup support and development program by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
■ Background of Program Implementation
In recent years, while opportunities for creative games by indies and startups to be recognized in the global market have expanded, access to overseas markets remains a significant challenge for Japanese game developers.
MGI, MIXI GROUP's overseas investment subsidiary, has been developing the game incubation program "LVLZero" in India in partnership with Nazara Technologies and Chimera Ventures.
"LVLZero Tokyo" primarily aims to contribute to the development of the Japanese game industry by leveraging MGI's accumulated knowledge and international network from its overseas operations. It will support Japanese game developers' challenges from a neutral position, without acquiring equity or publishing rights from the selected companies.
Additionally, this program is registered with the Incubation Working Group of IGDA (International Game Developers Association), an international organization supporting game developers, and will be implemented with various collaborations.
■ Active Gaming Media Inc. Participates as a Knowledge Partner
Active Gaming Media Inc. will participate as a knowledge partner in "LVLZero Tokyo." The company, which has expertise in indie game localization and overseas expansion, will be responsible for a portion of the mentoring sessions and will widely collaborate with this program to support activities that bring Japanese indie games to the world.
■ About Application Acceptance
"LVLZero Tokyo" has started accepting applications for its Phase I program. It is recruiting participants from Japanese game developers and startups who are considering expanding into overseas markets and wish to take on global challenges.
Details on application requirements and how to apply are available on the special website.
Application Period: April 2 (Thu) - April 25 (Sat), 2026
Phase I Program Period: June - September 2026
Special Website: https://mixiglobalinv.com/lvlzerotokyo/
■ About "TOKYO SUTEAM"
"TOKYO SUTEAM" is a framework for startup support and industry creation promoted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, where private businesses and companies participate and develop executive projects on various themes. It aims to accumulate knowledge and form a startup ecosystem through practical initiatives over a certain period.
■ Comment from Tomoharu Urabe, Director and Head of Investment, MIXI Global Investments
"LVLZero Tokyo" is a program for Japanese game developers who aspire to challenge overseas markets to take their first step. We aim to give back the knowledge and network that MGI has cultivated overseas and, through collaboration with various industry companies, expand opportunities for Japanese game content to challenge the world and contribute to the development of the Japanese indie game developer community.
■ About MIXI Global Investments
MIXI Global Investments (MGI) is MIXI's corporate venture capital arm responsible for overseas investments. It conducts investment activities globally, primarily in India, focusing on digital entertainment, lifestyle, and sports sectors.
■ MIXI, Inc. https://mixi.co.jp/
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*MIXI's name, related trademarks, and logos are trademarks and registered trademarks of MIXI, Inc.
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FAQ
What is LVLZero Tokyo?
It is an accelerator program operated by MIXI's investment subsidiary MGI, supporting Japanese indie game developers in expanding overseas. It offers opportunities to exhibit at gamescom.
Who can participate?
The program targets emerging Japanese game developers and startups aiming for overseas market expansion. It does not acquire equity or publishing rights from selected companies.
What are the program and application periods?
The application period is from April 2 to April 25, 2026, and the Phase I program period is from June to September 2026.