The Dundee-based UK Games Fund – winner of deal of the year prize at The Courier Business Awards – has launched the latest government grant scheme to find the nation’s next big video game.
UK games developers have a chance of securing up to £25,000 in the programme that supports video games projects and helps to develop new talent.
The UK’s video games sector plays a vital role in the country’s thriving creative industries which contribute £84 billion to the economy.
The launch in London, meant it was straight back to business for UK Games Fund head Paul Durrant, who said: “This is a great start to the week following our success at The Courier Business Awards.
“It’s hard to believe that we’re just one year to the day from starting up. Saturday’s event was a great reminder for us that whilst we serve the whole UK there’s some fabulous talent in all sectors of business right on our doorstep.”
The fund, now in its third round, has helped 50 developers from across the UK transform their gaming dreams into reality thanks to more than £1.3m in UK Government grants.
Minister for Digital and Culture Matt Hancock MP said: “The UK is a world leader when it comes to making video games, and we’re determined to make sure this continues long into the future.
“Our UK Games Fund has already helped many young games companies turn prototypes into a reality. Together with the Government’s video games tax reliefs this shows how we’re supporting this dynamic sector to attract further investment and new talent.”
The Minister was visiting the Sensible Object studios at Somerset House, to see how their developers are bringing their designs to the market.
Sensible Object won funding from the first round to bring their game “Beasts of Balance” to life.
Paul Durrant added: “We’re really excited about this funding round, given the high demand and the quality of projects we’ve seen so far.
“It’s also good to see the success stories arising from our support. Sensible Object’s rapid progress shows just what we can achieve when we assist the UK’s top games development talent.”
He started the UK Games Fund by setting up a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) UK Games Talent & Finance.
Through it £4 million was won from the UK Government for a four-year project to support the UK games development industry, an achievement that earned the CIC The Courier’s deal of the year accolade.
