Creative England is partnering with Ukie to launch its Creative Enterprise Games Programs.
The Games Scale Up program is a six-month program that supports experienced game companies. Plus, Ukie and Creative England also provide the Foundations for Game Studios program for less experienced game developers. Additionally, the Foundations for Creative Tech & Service program aids tech developers and service providers that work adjacent to the gaming industry. Both programs take three months to complete and offer resources, contacts and knowledge to help businesses grow successfully.
“Investing in the future of storytelling”
As far as participants go, the companies seek ten to fifteen businesses for each of the three programs. Those chosen must partake in remote workshops and potentially participate in in-person meet-ups depending on COVID-19 restrictions and developments.
Games Scale Up participants will receive advice on business planning and strategy, decision making and funding and finance. Additionally, participating businesses will learn directly from industry leaders and meet angel investors.
Participants of the Foundations for Game Studios program will have access to workshops on financing a game studio, marketing and public relations and creating a sustainable game studio, among other topics. The Foundations for Creative Tech & Services program will offer workshops on healthy financing, marketing and search engine optimization, and creating and maintaining a healthy deal flow. Those partaking in any of the three programs will receive various bespoke game studio templates, such as cash flow forecasting templates.
To be eligible for the programs, a business must be based in the English regions outside the M25, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. To apply, companies must complete an online application by 6 pm on July 29.
Funding The Game Industry
While Ukie and Creative England are helping game developers become more successful through their programs, others are helping out in a strictly financial nature. MakersFund raised $500 million to invest in game and tech startups. Similarly, a record number of games were funded via Kickstarter last year.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
