This is the full text of Stride PR's 06/27/2017 press release.

Independent studios and developers invited to apply for a chance of up to $90,000 of direct investment and development support

Global Top Round (GTR), the indie-focused accelerator helping build sustainable game studios, is now accepting applications for its 2017 program.

GTR assists new and established indie studios to produce the best games possible, with those developers accepted into the program benefiting from hands-on support and funding. Selected teams will receive up to $90,000 in direct investment in exchange for studio equity and a project revenue share once project net revenue eclipses $200,000.

Currently moving into its third yearly seeding round, previous games have come from all over the world, including Holo Café from Germany, Runaways from Korea, Star Chasers from the US and Earth Atlantis from Thailand. A full list of previous and current games and studios can be found here. Studios remain a part of the GTR ecosystem long after the initial acceleration period, allowing them to share their expertise with new participants while benefitting from GTR support for their future goals and projects.

Alongside financial investment, GTR provides developers with development strategy and marketing support, data on industry trends, investor relations assistance and direct connections to publishers across the globe. Optional additional fundraising support is also included and participating studios can expect guidance from a network of advisors including developers from the 2015 and 2016 GTR programs and mentors, among them Square Enix Montréal’s creative director Teddy Dief (Hyperlight Drifter), Trent Kusters from League of Geeks (Armello) and Brandon Sheffield of Necrosoft Games (Oh Deer!).

Up to 20 selected studios will be invited, expenses paid, to participate in this year’s GTR Conference, taking place Oct. 23 and 24, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia during Melbourne International Games Week. The GTR Conference will bring together industry thought leaders to share guidance with the young studios and kick off the 2017 GTR Acceleration Program. Top 10 applicants from across the globe will be accepted to the Acceleration Program.

“Establishing a sustainable business in the game industry can be an incredible challenge,” said Peter Van Dyke, CSO. “GTR has the assets and support structure to help small teams grow and find success. In addition to providing start-up capital, we provide studios with access to a global network of investors and talented advisors who have seen it all and want others flourish as well. Together, our goal is to kickstart the next generation of developers and push our industry forward.”

Developers interested in the GTR Accelerator Program have until July 15, 2017 to submit applications. GTR welcomes projects targeting all platforms, but asks that studios have at least a playable prototype or vertical slice and an intention to launch by mid-2018.