European Union pledges EUR 1.5m for game developers

The European Union has announced a funding mechanism aimed at game developers, offering grants worth a total EUR 1.5 million for prototypes of videogame projects.

Any developer based in the EU can apply for grants of between EUR 10,000 and EUR 60,000, so long as they have developed at least one product to market since 2005.

A bigger emphasis is placed on console, PC and handheld projects, with developers able to receive up to EUR 100,000 provided it makes up half the budget, and concepts focusing on the cultural heritage and diversity of Europe can claim up to 60 per cent of their budget.

"This is the first visible sign of the success of our political work with the European Commission," commented the European Games Developer Federation, which has lobbied the EU for such a programme.

"We hope now, as the European Union has acknowledged the importance of our industry, that the developer community will harvest the fruits of our work and make their submissions for prototype funding," said Malte Behrmann, general secretary of the EGDF.

The first application period for submissions to the EU ends November 15, 2007. More details can be found on the EGDF website.