UK's gaming industry has received support from its government through a £4 million pledge that aims to encourage game developers to produce unique ideas that will gain worldwide success. The Video Games Prototype Fund, which continues the work started by Abertay University's Prototype Fund, is designed to support independent game developers based in the UK, according to Game Spot.
The fund will offer grants of up to £25,000 to developers who are still in their early stages and with ideas in prototype phases. Another £50,000 can be offered to selected developers with projects that have the potential to move beyond the idea-development stage.
The fund is part of the government's package of measures for the sector, which includes tax relief.
"Britain's video games punch well above their weight internationally and we need to build on this and invest in the strength of our creativity... This fund will give small businesses, start-ups and individuals the support they need to better attract private investment and go on to create the blockbusters of tomorrow ," said Ed Vaizey, minister for culture and digital economy, according to Independent.
"Funding for both prototype development and talent support can really make a difference in the early stages of creative and business development. This fund is a great boost for the sector and will help projects better attract significant private investment," added Paul Durrant, managing director of UK Games Talent and Finance CIC, according to The Guardian.
The gaming industry in the UK employs 19,000 people and generates more than £4.5 million a day for the UK economy.