Applications are open for support for the development of narrative video games and interactive immersive experiences. The call is implemented under the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe programme with a maximum grant of €200,000 per project.
The call supports concept development and pre-production, from the initial concept to the creation of the first prototype. Production itself is not eligible for funding. The application deadline is 2 February 2027 at 17:00 CET.
What does the call support?
The call supports the development of concepts and prototypes for narrative video games and interactive narrative immersive experiences featuring original content and/or high-quality gameplay. Projects must be intended for future production and commercial distribution on the international market.
Content may be developed for computers, consoles, mobile devices, tablets, smartphones and other technologies.
The aim of the call is to strengthen the capacity of European video game developers, XR studios and audiovisual production companies to develop content capable of reaching global audiences. Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring that intellectual property rights remain with European development companies.
Supported projects should demonstrate:
– a high degree of originality and creative value;
– an innovative approach to technology, gameplay, interaction or immersion;
– a clearly developed narrative;
– significant commercial ambitions;
– potential for distribution in European and international markets.
Support covers development, not production
Eligible activities must fall within the concept development and pre-production phases, from the initial concept to the creation of the first prototype.
The prototype may take the form of:
– a first playable;
– a vertical slice;
– an Alpha version;
– a Trial or Demo version.
The production phase is not eligible for funding. Under the call’s rules, production begins with the testing and debugging of the first prototype and ends with the creation of the final version, known as the Gold Master or its equivalent.
The production phase of the submitted project must be scheduled to begin at least ten months after the application deadline.
To qualify as narrative, a video game or immersive experience must tell or present its story throughout the work, rather than only in the opening or closing segment. The project must be intended for commercial exploitation.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants:
– European video game production and development companies;
– XR studios;
– European audiovisual production companies.
Applicants must be established in countries fully participating in the MEDIA strand and must be directly or indirectly, wholly or majority-owned by nationals of those countries.
Publishing companies are not eligible applicants.
Applications may be submitted by a single applicant or by a consortium comprising at least two applicants.
Previous experience of the coordinator
The coordinator must demonstrate recent experience in producing works distributed internationally. Between 1 January 2024 and the application deadline, the coordinator must have produced or developed a video game or an interactive or non-interactive immersive experience that was commercially distributed and generated revenue.
The following cannot be used as evidence of previous experience:
– projects developed on behalf of another company, i.e. work-for-hire projects;
– works for which only an individual within the company holds a personal authorship or production credit;
– projects released in Early Access, as these are not considered completed works.
Commercial distribution of the previous work must be demonstrated through an appropriate sales report. Revenue may come from game sales, in-game content sales or advertising.
Project rights
The coordinator or, in the case of a consortium application, one of the eligible partners must hold the majority of the rights to the submitted project.
If the project is an adaptation of an existing work, the applicant must also secure the majority of adaptation rights. These rights must be demonstrated through an appropriate rights transfer agreement or an option agreement.
An applicant may submit only one application as coordinator under the European Co-development, European Slate Development, European Mini-Slate Development or Video Games and Immersive Content Development calls for 2027. At the same time, an applicant may participate as a partner in other applications under the video game and immersive content development or European co-development schemes.
Available Funding
The estimated total budget for the call is €13.5 million, subject to the final adoption of the European Union’s 2027 budget.
The maximum grant is €200,000 per project.
Funding is provided in the form of a lump-sum grant, calculated on the basis of the project’s estimated budget, with a 60% funding rate.
Costs may only relate to eligible activities during the concept development and pre-production phases. Projects may generally run for a maximum of 36 months.
Deadline and How to Apply
The deadline for submitting applications is 2 February 2027 at 17:00 CET.
Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the call page on the Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal.
Before preparing an application, applicants should carefully review the official call document which sets out the full eligibility requirements, required documentation, evaluation criteria and funding rules.
The evaluation process is scheduled to take place from February to June 2027. Results are expected to be announced in July, with grant agreements scheduled to be signed in October 2027.
