Germany has allocated 8 million euros for a support program for young indie studios
The German government is launching a new grant program to assist budding indie developers in creating their first projects. A budget of 8 million euros has been allocated to fund the initiative. The launch of the program was highlighted by Game Developer.
To participate in the 18-month project, a panel will select 130 founders of independent studios who have at least one game prototype. Applications will be accepted until November 17.
Each participant will receive a monthly stipend of 2,750 euros, which, according to the organizers, will enable them to focus on the initial stages of studio creation and game development. Additionally, the program includes educational courses and support in establishing professional connections.
The selection process is open not only to video games but also to projects utilizing game mechanics and technologies in a broader sense. These include gamification, virtual or mixed reality, among others.
The head of the German Games Industry Association (GAME), Felix Falk, emphasized that under the current conditions, "starting a company is an especially challenging task for new developers." This is evidenced by a decline in the number of game startups in Germany, making this measure even more significant.
It is worth noting that last year, Germany also allocated 100 million euros to support the gaming industry over the next three years. Such funding programs for gaming companies and startups are in extremely high demand in the country.
