SwissGames Showcase Mentorship Programme (Switzerland)

Deadline: 01-Oct-2026

The SwissGames Showcase Mentorship Programme supports emerging Swiss game developers and studios by providing one year of expert mentorship, international networking opportunities, and CHF 6,000 to help refine a playable game prototype. The programme focuses on innovative, market-ready interactive digital games while strengthening participants’ access to publishers, investors, and the global games industry.

SwissGames Showcase Mentorship Programme for Emerging Game Developers

What is the SwissGames Showcase Mentorship Programme?

The SwissGames Showcase Mentorship Programme is a professional development initiative designed to help emerging game developers and studios in Switzerland advance their interactive digital game projects and expand their international presence.

The programme combines expert mentorship, financial support, business development training, and international networking opportunities to help participants complete a high-quality playable prototype and prepare their projects for publishers, investors, and global markets.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Support the professional growth of emerging Swiss game developers.
• Help participants develop a polished playable game prototype.
• Increase international visibility for Swiss game projects.
• Connect developers with publishers, investors, and industry professionals.
• Strengthen business, marketing, and pitching skills.
• Promote innovative and commercially viable game development.
• Enhance Switzerland’s presence in the global gaming industry.

Priority Areas

The programme supports interactive digital games with strong creative and commercial potential.

Interactive Digital Game Development

Eligible projects may be developed for:

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

Innovation and Originality

Projects should demonstrate:

• Original concepts
• Creative storytelling
• Innovative gameplay
• Unique artistic vision

Prototype Development

The mentorship focuses on helping participants:

• Improve gameplay mechanics
• Refine game design
• Complete a playable prototype
• Prepare projects for publication or investment

Market Readiness

Projects should show:

• Commercial potential
• Market feasibility
• Clear target audience
• Scalable business opportunities

International Industry Exposure

Participants gain opportunities to connect with:

• International publishers
• Investors
• Game industry experts
• Trade fairs
• Professional networking platforms

Funding and Programme Benefits

Selected participants receive comprehensive support throughout the programme.

Financial Contribution

Participants receive:

• CHF 6,000 to support prototype development.

One-Year Mentorship

The programme provides:

• One year of online coaching from an international game development expert.

Professional Development

Participants also receive:

• Business strategy guidance
• Finance mentoring
• Marketing support
• Public relations (PR) advice
• Pitch preparation coaching
• Project development workshops

International Networking

The programme offers:

• Curated matchmaking with publishers and investors
• Access to international trade fairs
• Industry networking opportunities

Childcare Support

Where applicable, participants attending international events may receive:

• Financial assistance for childcare expenses.

Who is Eligible?

The programme is intended for emerging game developers and studios based in Switzerland.

Eligible applicants include:

• Independent game developers
• Small game studios
• Creative development teams

Applicants should have:

• Completed relevant professional training within the last seven years, or
• Established their game development company within the last seven years.

Project Eligibility Requirements

Eligible projects must:

• Demonstrate a clear connection to Switzerland.
• Be of nationwide cultural or creative importance.
• Receive co-financing from public or private funding sources where applicable.
• Ensure fair working conditions.
• Focus on interactive digital game development.
• Include a playable prototype.

Intellectual property rights and copyright remain with the project owners.

Ineligible Projects

The programme does not support:

• Commissioned projects
• Advertising-based games
• Purely technological projects without narrative or artistic content

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Game description
• Genre and gameplay overview
• Platform information
• Current development stage
• Target audience
• Participation goals and expectations
• Playable prototype
• Screenshots and visual materials
• CVs of all team members
• Proof of emerging developer status (such as diplomas or company registration)
• Press kit

Application materials should be submitted in:

• English (preferred)

Alternatively, submissions may be provided in:

• German
• French
• Italian

Why This Programme Matters

Developing a successful video game requires more than technical skills.

This programme helps developers:

• Receive expert industry guidance.
• Build commercially viable projects.
• Improve pitching and business development skills.
• Gain exposure to international markets.
• Connect with publishers and investors.
• Strengthen Switzerland’s independent game development ecosystem.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you:

• Qualify as an emerging developer or studio.
• Meet the Switzerland connection requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Your Project

Develop:

• A playable prototype
• Game concept
• Visual materials
• Project documentation

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents

Prepare:

• Team CVs
• Company registration or diploma
• Press kit
• Funding information (if applicable)

Step 4: Define Participation Goals

Explain:

• Why you want to join the programme
• Your development objectives
• Expected outcomes
• International ambitions

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Submit all required documents before the application deadline in the required language.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of selection:

• Demonstrate originality and innovation.
• Present a polished playable prototype.
• Clearly define your target audience.
• Show commercial and international potential.
• Explain how mentorship will benefit your project.
• Include high-quality visual assets.
• Present a realistic development roadmap.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Submitting an incomplete prototype.
• Providing unclear gameplay descriptions.
• Omitting required supporting documents.
• Failing to explain market potential.
• Applying with commissioned or advertising projects.
• Submitting materials in an unsupported format or language.
• Ignoring participation goals and expected outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the SwissGames Showcase Mentorship Programme?

It is a one-year professional development programme that helps emerging Swiss game developers refine their playable prototypes through mentorship, financial support, and international networking.

2. How much funding is available?

Selected participants receive CHF 6,000 in financial support.

3. Who can apply?

Emerging Swiss game developers or studios whose relevant training or company formation is less than seven years old.

4. What types of games are eligible?

Interactive digital games for computers, consoles, mobile devices, mixed reality platforms, and similar gaming systems.

5. What additional support does the programme provide?

Participants receive expert coaching, business development training, marketing guidance, pitch preparation, matchmaking with publishers and investors, and access to international trade fairs.

6. Do applicants keep their intellectual property rights?

Yes. All intellectual property rights and copyrights remain with the project owners.

7. Which projects are not eligible?

Commissioned work, advertising-based projects, and purely technological projects without significant narrative or artistic content are not eligible.

Conclusion

The SwissGames Showcase Mentorship Programme offers emerging Swiss game developers a unique opportunity to transform promising game concepts into market-ready prototypes through expert mentorship, CHF 6,000 in funding, and valuable international exposure. By combining coaching, business development support, networking opportunities, and access to publishers and investors, the programme helps strengthen Switzerland’s independent game development ecosystem while preparing participants for long-term success in the global gaming industry.

For more information, visit Pro Helvetia.