10 Tips for Video Games & Immersive Content Applications

Spooky Doorway / Isometric Dreams is an Irish game studio and a beneficiary of previous Video Games funding calls. Their Eldritch House video game was supported by MEDIA funding and is a supernatural mystery inspired by Irish mythology. Other EU funded projects include Sunken Spectre and Song of the Seasons.

The objective of Video Games & Immersive Content funding is to increase the capacity of European video game producers, XR studios and audiovisual production companies to develop video games and interactive immersive experiences with the potential to reach global audiences. The support also aims to improve the competitiveness of the European video games industry and other companies producing interactive immersive content in European and international markets by enabling the retention of intellectual property by European developers.

The deadline to apply for Video Games & Immersive Content is 12th February 2025.

10 Tips for Games & Immersive Content Funding Applications

1. Allow Time To Do The Application

• There is a lot of detail required. Don’t expect to do it in a weekend
• We take 2 weeks on average: 1 week for creative info and game design doc and 1 week for application and budget
• Aim to submit before the deadline. If things go wrong, you’ll have time to figure it out!

2. Reach out to Creative Europe MEDIA Office

• If you get overwhelmed or confused contact the Creative Europe Media Desks in Dublin or Galway.
• They can help you figure it out, review content, steer you in the right direction. They’re nice!

3. Your Budget Should Be Realistic

• Remember your budget is for a demo, not a full game
• Budget for the game you’re actually making
• Make sure you’re considering all the costs: Music, SF, Voice Acting, UI / UX, Art, Marketing, Event Travel etc.
• Do you need to apply for the full amount?
• Can you cover the 40% of the expenses you need to provide?

4. Show A Realistic Development Timeline

• Create a realistic timeline of what you’re going to do and when.
• It will change as you make the game, but it shows you’ll have considered the development in detail.
• Professional developers will be reviewing your work. They will know if you’re underestimating the time needed.
• If it’s not a reasonable timeline, then your budget will come under more scrutiny.

5. Treat Your Creative Dossier Like A Pitch

• Make a PowerPoint style document that flows well and is easy to read.
• Invest in good art. It’s competitive. Do your best to stand out!
• Mock up screenshots as well as concept art.
• Do NOT use AI Art! It suggests you cannot make this game.
• Think of the application reviewers as publishers. What do you need them to see or understand quickly?
• What’s your hook? What makes your game special. Don’t hide it in the Game Design Document or the Part-B document.

6. Humanise Your Team

• Add a slide showing the people who are making the game. (If you already have a team in place).
• It doesn’t matter if it’s a small team or you’re a solo dev. People make games!
• Show your achievements if you can.
• Explain why you want to make the game.

7. Provide A Detailed Game Design Document

• You need to be able to demonstrate that you’ve really thought your game through.
• This document lets you explore the story and mechanics in detail.
• It will show the scope of your vision and where the money is going.
• It will communicate anything you were unclear about in the application or pitch.
• You’ll need this for a publisher anyway.
  

8. Show Your Market Research And Strategy

9. Get Help With The Writing (If You Need It)

10. Try To Get Some Supporting Documents

Please do contact us in Dublin or Galway if you have any questions or need some advice on your funding application.