Games
Northern Ireland Screen is developing the interactive sector through the support of indigenous talent working in video games, immersive and web. We provide prototype funding for projects, advise on skills development opportunities and help find complementary partners. We also aim to establish Northern Ireland as an attractive place for international developers and publishers to come for large scale digital content productions.
Northern Ireland Screen offers funding in the following areas.
Project Prototype Funding
Project prototype funding is available to companies working in the interactive content sector for the development of video games, immersive and web projects for international markets and distribution.
How much is it?
- 90% of project budget for projects with a budget up to £34,000 (Maximum of £30,000)
- 75% of project budget for projects with a budget of over £34,000 and less than £80,000 (Maximum of £60,000)
- 50% of project budget for projects with a budget of over £80,000 up to a maximum of £200,000 (Maximum of £100,000)
All prototype funding awards are recoupable.
Who can apply?
Project prototype funding is available to independent production companies based in Northern Ireland and European production companies which have an office and staff based in Northern Ireland.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in applying to the Northern Ireland Screen Fund, we ask that you start by contacting the Funding Department to discuss the project.
Project Production Funding
Northern Ireland Screen offers production funding in the form of a recoupable award. The fund is intended to assist in completing budgets on productions which are almost fully financed. Northern Ireland Screen will not consider a production with less than 65% of its funding already in place.
Northern Ireland Screen is looking for productions which contribute to building a sustainable interactive content industry in Northern Ireland and which can show a direct economic benefit to the region.
Projects must be commercially viable and able to demonstrate clear possibilities for commercial exploitation. In the case of games, the attachment of an experienced publisher will be an asset, as will platform/console distribution.
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and therefore the UK video games film tax breaks apply.
How much is it?
The Northern Ireland Screen Fund for digital content production funding can invest a maximum of £500,000 up to a ceiling of 25% of the overall project budget. The level of funding that can be applied for should be discussed with Northern Ireland Screen before an application is submitted.
Who can apply?
The Northern Ireland Screen Fund is open to all legally incorporated companies who can fulfil the British Cultural Criteria and the project criteria outlined above.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in applying to the Northern Ireland Screen Fund, we ask that you start by contacting the Funding Department, to discuss the project. If we decide the project could be eligible to receive support, you will be requested to submit further details through an expression of interest form when you have spoken to us.
Game Development Mentors
Northern Ireland Screen is seeking experienced mentors to support start-up companies participating in our Indie Dev, Mini Game, and Platform schemes as well as companies in the wider interactive sector in Northern Ireland. We are looking for individuals with proven expertise in bringing games to market, who can share their knowledge and help guide these emerging companies to success.
Purpose of the Call for Mentors
The goal of this initiative is to provide start-up companies with the guidance and support they need to navigate the challenges of the games development industry.
We are looking for Mentors with at least 3 years industry experience in a senior role who can provide insights into one or more of these topics:
- Narrative Design
- Marketing
- Environment Art
- Game Design
- Pitching / Networking
- Business Development
By providing this support we intend to ensure that our start-ups are well-prepared to succeed. Mentors will also address any issues the companies encounter and share the lessons they’ve learned from their own experiences.
Mentor Commitment
Mentors are required to commit to providing training and guidance for up to 8 hours per week, between 7th April to 31st October 2025 depending on which programme the mentor is allocated to. This will enable start-up companies to benefit from consistent and dedicated support throughout the programme.
How to Apply
Find the information required for your application in the Call for Mentors Guidelines. Send the required information to rebekah.farmer@northernirelandscreen.co.uk by 18th April 2025.
Guidelines for applications can be found here.
Interactive Development Scheme
This call for applications for Northern Ireland based companies to develop interactive projects. The priority will be video games however applications for immersive, AR and XR projects can also be considered. Applications should be for single projects rather than slates.
Development is expected to take place over a three-month period between May-July 2025 with the intention that companies will have the final deliverables ready with an intention of attending a trade showcase event such as Gamescom, EGX, Develop: Brighton or another market opportunity that the company has identified.
Northern Ireland Screen will have an indie booth at Gamescom 2025 and our annual London Showcase will be in April 2026; both are opportunities that companies can apply to receive delegation support to attend. The opportunity to showcase a prototype is highly competitive, companies will be selected on the strength of their pitch materials and game concept as well as their business plan including route to market.
The scheme is open to Northern Ireland based interactive development companies which were registered before January 2025 with Companies House. Companies should have a substantive base in Northern Ireland which includes long term premises, Northern Ireland resident staff and equipment in Northern Ireland to develop the project.
The scheme is currently open for applications with a deadline of Friday 18th April 2025.
For criteria, requirements and application information click here.
Or download the application guidelines here.
Platform
Platform is the accelerator programme for video game companies in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Screen is seeking teams that are passionate about video games and are motivated to establish/grow their company. We want teams that can bring fresh ideas to video game development with the goal of self-publishing a game based on an original IP within 12 months.
Companies will have access to The Pixel Mill facilities, mentors, training and funding as well as the opportunity to attend markets to build their business network and meet consumers.
Northern Ireland Screen is inviting applications from companies to take part with support for up to 4 successful companies to develop their business and build their teams. As part of Platform companies will receive:
- Up to £60,000 in development funding per company across 3 stages.
- Up to 12 Months office space and access to meeting space.
- Market Attendance – Gamescom and EGX.
- Access to mentors covering game design, marketing and production.
Interested companies will initially be invited to complete an online assessment. From there, shortlisted companies will be invited to attend an interview and pitch presentation.
Download the application guidelines.
For more information, including criteria and FAQS, click here.
Deadline: Applications Closed.
Tranzfuser
Organised by UK Games Talent and Finance CIC (UKGTF) and funded by the UK Government, Tranzfuser is aimed at graduates looking to break into the games development industry, with a strong focus on getting their game to market.
Northern Ireland Screen acts as a regional hub for Tranzfuser in Northern Ireland, offering an inspirational central space and focal point for Tranzfuser teams to locate in or meet periodically whilst working elsewhere; providing a dynamic learning environment that cultivates this diverse community, acting as a hot house for innovative games IP development and resulting in high level of achievement over a short period of time.
Teams of talented graduates are invited to apply to take part in the summer-long competition to work collaboratively on turning their game ideas into actual working projects.
At the end of development, teams will showcase their prototype games at a prestigious consumer games show where they will pitch for a grant of up to £20,000 from the UK Games Fund.
Successful applicants will be awarded a £5,000 budget to allocate as they choose throughout the competition.
Further information can be found here.
Applications are closed.
MiniGame
MiniGame is open to video game studios based in Northern Ireland that are working towards developing their first game. Northern Ireland Screen is seeking new teams to video game development that are motivated to develop and release their first title.
The focus of MiniGame is creating mini/short games that can be published within 6 months. These can be narrative games that can be completed in a couple of hours, an endless runner with unique mechanics, a turn based strategy with interesting rules. Concise games that people can pick-up and enjoy in a day.
MiniGame will be hosted in the Pixel Mill based at the Ormeau Labs in Belfast, or remotely if teams are not based in Belfast, where companies will have access to facilities and mentors.
Northern Ireland Screen will support up to 3 companies to develop their business and build their teams. As part of MiniGame companies will receive:
- Up to £25,000 in development funding per company across 2 stages
- Access to facilities and mentors at The Pixel Mill
Interested companies will initially be invited to complete an online expression of interest. From there, shortlisted companies will be invited to attend an interview and pitch presentation.
See the full details, including eligibility and criteria, here.
Apply here.
Deadline 22nd November.
