Video Game Development
Development and production of audiovisual works
The objective is to increase the capacity of European video game producers to develop projects with highly innovative content and quality gameplay, which will have the potential to circulate throughout Europe and beyond and to improve the competiveness of the European video games industry in European and international markets by enabling the retention of intellectual property by European developers.
Under this support scheme, applicants may submit a proposal to develop a concept and project (activities to the point that the concept leads to a playable prototype or trial version) of highly innovative and creative narrative storytelling video games designed for commercial exploitation for PCs, consoles, mobile devices, tablets, smart phones and other technologies.
The MEDIA Sub-programme supports European video game production companies with proven experience interested in developing a video game concept or project presenting: a high level of originality and innovative and creative value, that represents cultural diversity and Europe’s cultural identity and heritage; a high level of commercial ambition and extensive cross-border potential able to reach European and international markets.
Eligible Applicants
This call for proposals is open to European video game production companies which have been legally constituted for at least 12 months prior to the submission date and that can demonstrate a recent success.
A European company is a company owned, whether directly or by majority participation (i.e. majority of shares), by nationals of Members States of the European Union or nationals of the other European countries participating in the MEDIA Sub-programme and registered in one of these countries.
The applicant must prove that it has produced or developed a previous video game that is eligible under under this Call for Proposal and that has been commercially distributed after 01/01/2016 and before the date of submission of the application.
Eligible Activities
Only the activities relating to the development phase for the following projects are eligible: Narrative storytelling video games regardless of platform or expected distribution method. The story must be told or shown throughout the whole game (in-game storytelling) and not only as an introduction or an ending to the game. In all cases the video game must be intended for commercial exploitation.
The development phase is understood as the phase starting from the first idea until the production of the first playable prototype or first trial version, whichever comes first.
The production phase (see definition) of the submitted project must not be scheduled to start before 8 months after the date of submission of the application.
The company must also own the majority of rights related to the submitted project.
Budget
The total budget earmarked for the co-financing of projects is estimated at EUR 3.78 M.
The financial contribution under these Guidelines is between EUR 10.000 and EUR 150.000 provided the amount does not exceed 50% of the total eligible costs of the action.
