The EU Commission announced it has set aside €1.5 million for game development grants as part of Media 2007, the EU’s media support program.
Developers will be able to apply for grants to make games for consoles (handhelds included), PCs, and mobile phones. The financial support comes in the form of “direct aid” — it’s not a loan, and doesn’t need to be repaid.
Now for the fine print.
The minimum amount that can be applied for is 10,000 Euro per project, the maximum is about 60.000 Euro. But prototypes for PC, handheld and consoles can receive up to 100,000 Euro, and the grant can cover up to the half of the budget - with up to 60% for games concepts that focus on the cultural heritage and diversity of Europe. To qualify for these grants projects must be presented by companies which have at least successfully developed one product since January 1, 2005, and whose head offices are located in Europe, or other states that participate in Media 2007.
The program is strongly reminiscent of other cultural support initiatives around the world. It also represents one more step toward recognizing games as “art” around the world. That alone is worth the price of admission.
