Leading Japanese broadcaster TV Asahi Group is venturing into Web3 gaming with the launch of a new accelerator program created in partnership with blockchain game developer Extra Mile.

The initiative aims to nurture and support up-and-coming blockchain game studios navigating the complex process of developing, launching and operating Web3 titles across both decentralized and traditional gaming audiences.

Under the accelerator, TV Asahi and Extra Mile will provide participants with a comprehensive suite of services spanning community marketing, token economics, distribution strategy and incubation mentorship. Crucially, TV Asahi will also facilitate access to intellectual property holders, licensors and anime production committees representing major multimedia franchises.

"Negotiating IP rights is one of the biggest hurdles facing Web3 game developers," stated the accelerator partners. "Our goal is to streamline this costly, complex process while providing holistic guidance to maximize a game's mainstream appeal."

Beyond just securing IP, the accelerator offers end-to-end backing from conception through live operations. Services will assist developers with game design, tokenomics modeling, NFT integration, MVP launches and scaling engagement across Web3's nascent blockchain gaming ecosystems.

The TV Asahi Group is tapping its extensive media, entertainment and Web2 gaming expertise to position the accelerator as an unparalleled gateway for titles aiming to bridge decentralized technologies with mass-market entertainment franchises.

Already the program has onboarded its first participant – Neobred, an NFT-based horse racing and breeding game developed by Japanese studio Tribase. Asahi and Extra Mile will provide full production support to ready Neobred for its upcoming launch later this year.

Further details around the accelerator's structure, program duration and investment terms have yet to be disclosed. However, TV Asahi has publicly called for additional participants including investors, IP holders and Web3 service providers interested in contributing to its blockchain gaming initiative.

The accelerator's formation aligns with rising excitement and capital inflows around blockchain gaming and decentralized virtual worlds – domains viewed as potential catalysts for driving mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies, NFTs and decentralized technologies.

While Web3 gaming remains in its infancy, the total value of investments in the sector more than doubled to over $7.6 billion in 2022 with backing from major funds and entertainment giants like Disney, Warner Music and Fox.

For TV Asahi and Extra Mile, injecting their media prowess, distribution channels and creative resources into an accelerator focused exclusively on nurturing up-and-coming Web3 games could grant them an early-mover advantage in a space only beginning to scratch the surface of opportunity.

With its unparalleled IP ties and deep gaming pedigree, Asahi's accelerator may prove instrumental in charting the path for bringing decentralized gaming experiences into the mainstream – a convergence developers and crypto evangelists have long envisioned.