Funding Program Digital Games / Immersive Content

The Digital Games / Immersive Content Funding Program of the Film and Media Foundation NRW supports companies and start-ups in North Rhine-Westphalia in the development and production of computer and video games as well as immersive applications in the fields of VR/AR, web, and mobile. A mandatory consultation with a specialist is required before submitting an application, after which access to the online portal is granted. Eligible expenses include development costs, production, and presentation expenses. The funding rate ranges between 50% and 80% depending on the project phase. In the early phase, concepts and prototypes can be subsidized with up to €50,000; for vertical slices, the maximum funding amount is €200,000. Production funding as a grant covers up to €300,000, complemented by an interest-free loan of up to €200,000. Presentation measures at national and international markets are supported with up to €5,000.

The program aims to strengthen the regional media and cultural economy as well as to realize culturally and educationally valuable projects in North Rhine-Westphalia. Selection takes place in two to three committee meetings per year based on a criteria catalog that considers cultural content, degree of innovation, and regional value creation. Applicants must prove a business location or branch in NRW and submit their applications completely and on time. Through cumulative funding, various financing sources can be combined, while observing the legal maximum limits of state aid. The program thus provides an attractive incentive for creative, technologically sophisticated, and economically sustainable projects in the digital games and immersive industry.