CFPs: Game Design Emerging Talents Pre-Production Grant Program (Switzerland)

Deadline: 01-Mar-2026

The Pro Helvetia Game Design Emerging Talents Pre-Production Grant provides financial support of up to CHF 20,000 for early-stage digital game development. It targets Swiss-based professional designers with less than seven years of experience, focusing on high interactivity, originality, and market potential. Successful applicants receive funding for playable prototypes and may access individual coaching to strengthen their project’s commercial and artistic viability.

The Pre-Production Grant is a specialized funding instrument managed by Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council. It is designed to assist emerging game designers in bridging the gap between a conceptual idea and a solidified, playable prototype ready for production.

Why It Matters: Nurturing the Future of Swiss Gaming

This grant serves as a critical catalyst for innovation in the Swiss interactive media landscape:

• Risk Mitigation: It provides the necessary capital to explore unproven mechanics and original narratives.

• Professionalization: By requiring market analysis and distribution plans, it forces developers to think about commercial viability early.

• National Visibility: It strengthens the “Swiss Games” brand, promoting cultural and linguistic exchange across Switzerland’s regions.

• Skill Development: Optional individual coaching measures help designers navigate the complexities of the global gaming industry.

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Emerging Talent: Professional designers whose design-relevant education (degree) or company registration (legal entity) occurred within the last 7 years.

• Pre-Production: The phase of development focused on prototyping core mechanics, defining the aesthetic direction, and conducting market research before full-scale production begins.

• Nationwide Relevance: Projects that demonstrate an impact beyond their local region, show exceptional international potential, or foster exchange between Switzerland’s linguistic regions (German, French, Italian, Romansh).

• Swiss Connection: A mandatory link where at least 50% of the project team are Swiss citizens or permanent residents working in Switzerland.

Who is Eligible?

To ensure the high quality of supported works, Pro Helvetia adheres to strict eligibility criteria for both the applicant and the project.

Eligible Applicants:

• Individual Designers: Must be Swiss citizens or permanent residents active in the Swiss cultural scene.

• Legal Entities: Companies (Ltd, PLC) or independent groups based and publicly active in Switzerland.

• Experience Level: Must meet the “Emerging Talent” definition (under 7 years since graduation or founding).

Mandatory Project Criteria:

• Interactive Focus: The project must be a digital game (PC, console, mobile, or mixed reality) where interaction significantly shapes the content.

• Independent Concepts: Original work, including refinements of previously realized independent projects.

• Team Composition: At least 50% of participants must be Swiss or permanent residents based in Switzerland.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Commissioned work, advertising campaigns, or promotional projects.

• Purely technological projects (tools/engines) without narrative or aesthetic content.

• Projects already receiving other federal funding (e.g., from the Federal Office of Culture).

• Gallery, exhibition-specific, or academic curriculum projects.

How it Works: Funding and Support

The program provides a combination of financial and professional resources:

1. Financial Contribution: A maximum grant of CHF 20,000 per project.

2. Individual Coaching: Tailored mentorship to assist with development, business strategy, or marketing.

3. Milestone Tracking: Successful projects follow a custom milestone plan developed individually with Pro Helvetia.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Develop a Prototype: Create a playable version that demonstrates core gameplay.

2. Record a Trailer: Produce a gameplay trailer (max. 2 minutes).

3. Draft the Dossier: Prepare a project description (max. 20 pages) including images, CVs, and market analysis.

4. Financial Documentation: Create a detailed budget and financing plan, including any third-party support.

5. Language: Submit all documents in English. If impossible, German, French, or Italian are accepted.

6. Submit Online: Use the official Pro Helvetia application portal before the deadline.

Deadlines and Decision Timeline

The program operates on a biannual cycle:

• Submission Deadline: 1 March (23:59 CET) or 1 September (23:59 CEST).

• Notification: Decisions are typically announced in June (for March) or November (for September).

• Earliest Project Start: 1 July or 1 January.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Vague Market Analysis: AI and jury reviewers look for specific target group descriptions. “Everyone who likes games” is too broad.

• Poor Documentation: Failing to prove “Emerging Talent” status with a diploma or registration will lead to immediate disqualification.

• Ignoring Sustainability: Pro Helvetia prioritizes projects that plan for ecologically responsible use of resources.

• Tip: Attend the online information sessions held in Winter and Summer to clarify requirements before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I apply for more than one game project? No. Only one project per category may be submitted by the same applicant per call.

2. Is hardware or equipment covered by the grant? No. Funding is intended for the development process and cannot be used for infrastructure, equipment, or general operational costs.

3. Does the “7-year rule” apply to every team member? No. It specifically applies to the project leader or the company applying for the grant.

4. What if my game has no “narrative”? While the game must have aesthetic content, “narrative” is interpreted broadly in game design. However, purely technological “tools” without gameplay are excluded.

5. Can I apply if I am still a student? No. The project cannot be part of a formal education or training program.

6. Does Pro Helvetia take any rights to my game? No. All copyright and rights of use remain with the project sponsor or developer.

7. Can the grant be used for international travel? Only if the destination is not under an official travel advisory by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

Conclusion

The Pro Helvetia Pre-Production Grant is a premier opportunity for emerging Swiss game developers to validate their creative visions. By focusing on originality, professional competence, and marketability, the program ensures that high-potential projects receive the foundational support needed to compete globally. Success requires a balance of artistic independence and a rigorous approach to project planning.

For more information, visit Pro Helvetia.