High demand and realistic self-awareness mark the latest UK Games Fund milestone
The number and quality of applications to the latest round of the UK Games Fund, including the new Pitch Development Programme offering, has once again been high.
Demand for the direct funding route via a straight application to the Fund has been consistent since the programme was launched back in Autumn 2015. With over 100 applications from across the UK, the criteria for the direct route was more specifically aimed at developers with some professional experience than in previous rounds. Applicants without that were able to opt for the Pitch Development Programme.
Paul Durrant, UKGTF CEO, said:
“We’ve been really impressed with how many of our applicants were able to self-select and opt for the Pitch Development Programme rather than applying directly to the UK Games Fund. The grounded approach of these teams will set them in good stead for the future. We know from running the Tranzfuser competition that mentoring, coaching and advice are just as valuable to less experienced teams as direct financial support”
The Pitch Development Programme will support a group of teams with high potential as they develop prototype games ready to be shown off at a consumer games show later in the year. Each team will then be given the chance to pitch their prototype to a panel of industry experts, competing for a grant of up to £25,000.
At the end of the show, each team will be given the chance to pitch their proposal to a panel of industry experts. Teams will also receive a cash and in-kind package equivalent to £10,000 in value when selected to take part in the programme.
Kirsty Gibson, Head of Community at UKGTF, said:
“We’ve seen similar numbers of applications across both routes to support from the UK Games Fund, with applicants being based right across the UK. Our records show that the start up games development field looks to be split fairly evenly across the regions.”
Applicant Split (%)
An update on the shortlisted Pitch Development Programme applicants is expected to be released soon.
The fourth round of funding long listed applications are currently in review. We expect to announce the successful applicants in the summer.