In addition to Government-sponsored sources of funding, the private sector has produced certain funds and grants to support the games industry.
In addition to Government-sponsored sources of funding, the private sector has produced certain funds and grants to support the games industry, such as:
This is a growing source of finance in the industry: either successful companies or founders who’ve ‘been there, done that’ wanting to encourage particular types of games, development on a particular engine or another specialism. No doubt these will multiply, so watch this space.
Epic Games has a $100 million fund to support game developers, enterprise professionals, media and entertainment creators, students, educators, and tool developers doing amazing things with Unreal Engine or enhancing open-source capabilities for the 3D graphics community. This is generally only available for projects that use Epic’s Unreal Engine, although if you are looking to port across a project built in another engine or toolset to Unreal Engine, then you may be eligible to apply.
In addition, if you want to develop a project that enhances open source 3D content creation, whether or not it integrates with or relates to Unreal Engine, you may also be eligible.
Key features of the grants are as follows:
For more information click here, and to apply click here.
Astra Games provide a variety of funding, including grants, project finance and equity investments. They are focused on what they call “thinking games”, defined as “cognitively challenging games whose systems and mechanics spark curiosity”.
They offer grants of up to $45,000 for development of “thinking games” projects on an annual basis. Check out their website here for information on how and when to apply.
