Pilot Program Serious Games / Gamification of the Film and Media Foundation NRW

The Film and Media Foundation NRW supports innovative digital games and gamification projects developed in North Rhine-Westphalia that offer more than mere entertainment. The focus is on applications for knowledge transfer, health promotion, climate protection, or social innovation, whose quality, level of innovation, and cultural added value are evaluated by an independent awarding committee. Eligible to apply are primarily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as commercial providers with headquarters, business premises, or branches in NRW. A consultation meeting is required prior to application submission; only thereafter will access to the online portal be granted. A project must not have started at the time of application and must be submitted complete and on time for one of the two annual submission deadlines.

Up to 80% of development costs for vertical slice phases or production expenses are funded, usually covering 50% of the expenditures; grants can amount to up to €200,000. Eligible costs include development and production expenses, with a minimum own contribution of 10% required. In addition to professional excellence, evaluation criteria include technology transfer from the computer game industry to other economic and social sectors as well as the contribution to sustainable education and cultural diversity. Interested companies receive all necessary guidelines and submission deadlines via the Foundation’s service center. The transparent awarding process follows the current funding guidelines “Digital Games and Immersive Content,” which apply from September 1, 2025, and remain effective until the end of 2029.