Prototype Fund: UK Games

The Prototype Fund is now open for applications, offering grants of up to £100,000 to established UK game development companies with early‑stage projects. The deadline for this round is Tuesday 5 May at 12:00 noon, and late submissions will not be accepted. Successful projects must be ready to begin funded work from 1 July 2026.

Applications must be submitted through the fund’s grant platform, which requires prior registration and consistent use of the same, regularly monitored email address. Applicants must also opt in to receive all communications. Due to potential high demand, the fund may cap the number of applications assessed in this round, though future rounds will be available later in the year.

Eligible applicants must submit both a written application and a 2‑minute pitch video (maximum 100MB). Videos should clearly showcase the project using game assets or pre‑production material; trailers and basic talking‑head videos are not accepted. Applicants are expected to demonstrate completed concept work, such as a proof‑of‑concept demo or visual pre‑production.

The fund is aimed at studios with active employees, professional game development experience, and clear plans for sustainability and growth. Strong applications will show a clear market USP, evidence of audience building, a commercial case, and a roadmap beyond the grant, including future funding or publishing plans.

For grants over £50,000, applicants must demonstrate a strong founder team with creative, technical and business expertise, access to industry knowledge, and a clear plan to grow their PAYE employee base.

Only one UK Games Fund programme application may be active per open round.

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