Game Design Emerging Talents: Production Grant (Switzerland)

The Game Design Emerging Talents: Production Grant supports emerging game designers in Switzerland with matching-fund grants of up to CHF 50,000 to produce original digital games based on an advanced prototype or vertical slice. The program helps developers move their projects toward commercial release while providing funding and, where appropriate, individual coaching.

Game Design Emerging Talents: Production Grant Overview

The Game Design Emerging Talents: Production Grant is designed to help emerging game developers in Switzerland transform advanced game prototypes into commercially viable digital games.

The program supports the production phase of game development, enabling designers to complete and prepare their projects for market launch. Funding is awarded on a matching-fund basis, meaning applicants must secure funding equal to the amount requested from the grant provider.

In addition to financial support, selected teams may receive individual coaching to strengthen both the creative and business aspects of their projects.

Funding Available

Successful applicants may receive:

• Maximum grant: Up to CHF 50,000

Funding Model

The grant operates on a matching-fund basis, meaning:

• Applicants must contribute their own funding or secure third-party investment.
• The amount of matching funds must equal the amount requested from the grant.
• Projects must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to complete production.

Additional coaching opportunities may also be offered alongside the grant.

Purpose of the Grant

The program aims to:

• Support emerging Swiss game designers.
• Help transform advanced prototypes into finished games.
• Prepare projects for commercial release.
• Strengthen Switzerland’s independent game development sector.
• Encourage original and innovative digital games.
• Support sustainable game production businesses.

Eligible Projects

The grant supports the production of original digital games developed from an advanced prototype or vertical slice.

Eligible platforms include:

• Computer (PC) games.
• Console games.
• Mobile games.
• Mixed reality (MR) experiences.
• Other interactive digital gaming platforms.

Projects should feature:

• Original game concepts.
• High levels of player interaction.
• Strong narrative, artistic, or aesthetic value.
• Clear commercial development potential.

Applicants may also continue developing and refining their own previously completed game concepts.

What Is an Advanced Prototype or Vertical Slice?

An advanced prototype is a functional version of a game that demonstrates the core gameplay mechanics, user experience, and technical feasibility.

A vertical slice is a polished section of the game that showcases the final quality of gameplay, graphics, audio, storytelling, and overall player experience. It serves as proof that the full game can be successfully completed.

The grant specifically supports projects that have already reached this stage and are ready to enter full production.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to emerging game designers based in Switzerland.

Eligible applicants include:

• Independent game studios.
• Small game development companies.
• Emerging game production teams.
• Legal business entities involved in game development.

Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be emerging game designers.
• Have completed relevant game design education less than seven years ago, or
• Have founded their game development company as a legal entity within the last seven years.
• Submit applications through a legal entity, such as:
  • Limited companies.
  • Public limited companies.
• If applying as a sole proprietor, be willing to convert the business into a legal entity when required.
• Ensure that at least 50% of project participants are:
  • Swiss citizens, or
  • Permanent residents of Switzerland.
• Ensure that eligible participants have their primary place of work in Switzerland.

Projects Not Eligible

The programme does not support:

• Commissioned game development work.
• Advertising or promotional projects.
• Marketing campaign projects.
• Gallery or exhibition projects.
• Purely technological developments without narrative or artistic content.
• Projects lacking meaningful creative or aesthetic elements.

Applicants may submit only one project per funding category.

Why This Grant Matters

The Game Design Emerging Talents: Production Grant helps developers by:

• Supporting independent game creation.
• Bridging the gap between prototype and commercial launch.
• Encouraging innovation in Swiss game development.
• Helping studios secure additional investment.
• Increasing international competitiveness.
• Strengthening the creative industries in Switzerland.

The matching-fund model also encourages financial sustainability by attracting additional investment into promising game projects.

How the Matching-Fund Model Works

The grant uses a matching-fund system.

For example:

• If you request CHF 30,000, you must provide or secure an additional CHF 30,000 from your own resources or external funding.
• If you request the maximum CHF 50,000, you must demonstrate matching funding of CHF 50,000.

This ensures that projects have sufficient financial backing to complete production successfully.

How to Apply

Follow these general steps:

1. Develop an advanced prototype or vertical slice of your game.
2. Confirm that your team meets the emerging designer eligibility criteria.
3. Register or operate through an eligible legal entity.
4. Secure matching funding equal to the requested grant amount.
5. Prepare a production plan outlining development milestones.
6. Create a detailed project budget.
7. Demonstrate the game’s originality, commercial potential, and creative value.
8. Complete and submit the application before the programme deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

Increase your chances of success by:

• Demonstrating a polished prototype or vertical slice.
• Presenting a clear production schedule.
• Showing realistic financial planning.
• Securing matching funds before applying.
• Explaining your commercial release strategy.
• Highlighting innovative gameplay and artistic quality.
• Demonstrating the experience and capabilities of your development team.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

• Applying without an advanced prototype.
• Failing to secure matching funding.
• Submitting commissioned or promotional projects.
• Applying as an ineligible legal structure.
• Missing proof of Swiss participation requirements.
• Submitting multiple projects in the same funding category.
• Providing incomplete production or financial plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding is available?

Applicants may receive grants of up to CHF 50,000.

2. What is a matching-fund grant?

A matching-fund grant requires applicants to secure funding equal to the amount requested from the programme through personal investment or third-party funding.

3. What types of games are eligible?

Original digital games for computers, consoles, mobile devices, and mixed reality platforms are eligible, provided they are based on an advanced prototype or vertical slice.

4. Who can apply?

Emerging Swiss game designers whose relevant education or company formation dates back less than seven years can apply through an eligible legal entity.

5. Can sole proprietors apply?

Yes. Applicants operating as sole proprietors may apply if they are willing to convert their business into a legal entity when required.

6. Are commissioned or promotional games eligible?

No. Commissioned work, advertising projects, promotional campaigns, exhibition projects, and purely technological projects without narrative or artistic content are not eligible.

7. What are the Swiss participation requirements?

At least 50% of the project participants must be Swiss citizens or permanent residents whose primary place of work is in Switzerland.

Conclusion

The Game Design Emerging Talents: Production Grant provides emerging Swiss game developers with up to CHF 50,000 in matching-fund support to transform advanced prototypes into commercially ready digital games. By funding original, interactive, and creatively ambitious projects while encouraging financial sustainability and professional development, the programme helps strengthen Switzerland’s independent game development ecosystem and supports the next generation of innovative game creators.