RFAs: Game Design Emerging Talents Post-Production Program (Switzerland)

Deadline: 01-Mar-2026

The Pro Helvetia Game Design Emerging Talents Post-Production Program provides financial grants of up to CHF 20,000 to Swiss game developers for the final stages of game development and market entry. Eligible applicants include legal entities or sole proprietorships led by professionals with less than seven years of experience. The program prioritizes innovative, highly interactive digital games with strong market potential and nationwide relevance.

The Game Design Emerging Talents Post-Production Program is a strategic funding initiative by Pro Helvetia (the Swiss Arts Council). It is specifically designed to support the “last mile” of game development, helping emerging Swiss studios transition from a polished prototype to a successful commercial launch.

Why It Matters: Scaling Swiss Game Development

This grant addresses the critical gap between development and commercialization in the interactive media sector:

• Market Entry Support: Provides the capital needed for final polishing, localization, and dissemination.

• Professionalization: Offers individual coaching to help new studios navigate the global gaming market.

• National Identity: Strengthens Switzerland’s reputation as a hub for digital innovation and creative technology.

• Cultural Exchange: Encourages projects that resonate across linguistic regions and international borders.

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Post-Production: The final stage of development, including bug fixing, optimization, marketing preparation, and platform porting.

• Emerging Talent: Professionals whose relevant degree or company foundation (as a legal entity) occurred less than seven years ago.

• Highly Interactive Digital Games: Projects where player interaction is the primary driver of narrative and aesthetic content, spanning PC, console, mobile, and Mixed Reality (MR).

• Nationwide Relevance: Projects that demonstrate transregional appeal or involve collaboration across Swiss linguistic borders.

Who is Eligible?

Pro Helvetia targets specific organizational structures and professional profiles to ensure the sustainable growth of the Swiss games industry.

Eligible Applicants:

• Legal Entities: Companies registered as an Ltd. (GmbH) or PLC (AG).

• Sole Proprietorships: Eligible if the founder meets the “less than seven years” criteria and is willing to convert to a legal entity.

• Residency Requirement: At least 50% of the project team must be Swiss citizens or permanent residents based in Switzerland.

Project Criteria:

• Independence: The concept must be original and independent (no commissioned or promotional work).

• Status: Must be in the post-production phase with a playable prototype already available.

• Platform: Compatible with PC, Consoles, Mobile, or Mixed Reality.

Financial Support and Benefits

• Grant Amount: Up to CHF 20,000.

• Coaching: Access to tailored mentorship and individual coaching measures.

• Milestone Tracking: Supported projects receive a customized document to track progress and time planning.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Media: Record a trailer (maximum 2 minutes) and ensure your playable prototype is stable.

2. Draft the Dissemination Strategy: Create a document (up to 15 pages) outlining sales targets, download figures, price points, and reviews.

3. Compile Proof of Status: Gather diplomas or company registration extracts to prove “Emerging Talent” status (under 7 years).

4. Detail the Finances: Provide a comprehensive budget and financial plan, including third-party funding or self-financing.

5. Language: Submit all documents in English (German, French, or Italian are accepted only if English is not possible).

6. Submit via Portal: Upload all materials by the March or September deadlines.

Deadlines and Decision Timeline

The program operates on a biannual cycle:

• Spring Cycle:

  • Deadline: 1 March (23:59 CET)

  • Decision: June

  • Earliest Start: 1 July

• Autumn Cycle:

  • Deadline: 1 September (23:59 CEST)

  • Decision: November

  • Earliest Start: 1 January

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Lacking Narrative/Aesthetic Depth: Purely technological projects or “tools” without a clear narrative or aesthetic experience are excluded.

• Missing the “Emerging” Window: If your company or degree is older than seven years, you are ineligible for this specific “Emerging Talents” category.

• Weak Dissemination Strategy: Pro Helvetia heavily weights market potential. Don’t just focus on the code; show a clear plan for how people will find and buy the game.

• Tip: Attend the online information sessions held in winter and summer to get direct feedback before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I apply if I am still a student? No. Projects that are part of an academic or school program are not eligible for funding.

2. Are VR and AR projects supported? Yes. The grant explicitly covers Mixed Reality (MR), provided the interaction significantly shapes the content.

3. Does Pro Helvetia take the rights to my game? No. All copyright and rights of use remain with the project sponsor/applicant.

4. Can I apply for more than one project? No. Only one project per category may be submitted by the same applicant in a single cycle.

5. What counts as “infrastructure costs”? Expenses like monthly office rent, utility bills, or general hardware upgrades are considered infrastructure and are not covered by the grant.

6. Is it mandatory to have a legal entity (Ltd/PLC)? While you can apply as a sole proprietor, you must demonstrate a willingness to convert into a legal entity (GmbH/AG) to receive the funding.

7. Can the grant be used for international travel? Funding cannot be used for travel to regions under official Swiss travel advisories at the time of application.

Conclusion

The Pro Helvetia Game Design Emerging Talents Post-Production Program is a vital catalyst for the Swiss gaming industry. By focusing on originality, market potential, and professional standards, it ensures that high-potential Swiss studios can compete on a global scale. Successful applicants are those who present a polished prototype alongside a sophisticated strategy for market dissemination.

For more information, visit Pro Helvetia.