A new all-island pilot fund to support indie game developers based in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is set to help level up the next generation of creators.
Galway-based creative industry hub Ardán is launching a pilot all-island games prototype fund in partnership with IMIRT, the organisation representing game developers and creators from all disciplines throughout Ireland, as well as Northern Ireland Screen, and Screen Ireland.
Ireland's games market is growing considerably each year with a recent surge in indie game development. This is an exciting time for the games industry across the island of Ireland, and investment in independent developers is key to this growth.
(L-R) Alan Duggan (Ardán), Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and
Company Regulation Dara Calleary TD, Dr. Maria O'Brien (IMIRT),
Kerry Michelle O’Brien (Northern Ireland Screen) and Colman Farrell (Screen Ireland)
As announced at Run for the Border, an event designed to encourage cross-border collaboration and partnerships for game developers, Ardán and IMIRT - on behalf of Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Ireland - will manage a first-of-its-kind programme that supports indie game developers based in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as they create a prototype of their game.
Seven successful teams will be supported with funding of up to £15,000 / €15,000 based on programme, mentorship, and team requirements. The scheme will connect with the Northern Ireland Screen Pixel Mill-based programme in Belfast and Ardán / IMIRT events and workshops in Galway and Dublin.
Applications are Now Open for IndieDev 2024!
— Ardán (@ardan_ie) May 14, 2024
The Pilot Cross-Border Games Prototype Fund in association with @ardan_ie , @NIScreen , @ScreenIreland , and @Imirt_ie is now open for applications 🥳
Submit by 12 noon on the 31st May 2024.
Apply here: https://t.co/7bXgre5dUH pic.twitter.com/EK6ta2HFQn
Successful applicants will be inducted through a series of workshops and talks from games industry professionals during two weeks of generating ideas and prototypes in Belfast, Dublin, and Galway. Participants will then enter 10-12 weeks of development culminating in a playable concept prototype.
Alan Duggan, Ardán CEO, said; "The Irish games market is expanding, but key to the success of the sector is strategic support for grassroots indie game developers as they level up."
"As champions of creative talent development in the West of Ireland, Ardán has spent several years nurturing that games talent locally in Galway, and we look forward to joining forces with our partners in IMIRT, Screen Ireland, and Northern Ireland Screen to support talent at an all-island level."
The deadline for applications is 12 noon on the 31st May 2024. For more info on IndieDev 2024, visit the Ardán website here.
