Irish Game Fund expands with additional funding pathways

The Irish Games Fund, relaunched by the Irish Game Makers Association and Screen Ireland Digital Games Portfolio, now offers three distinct funding pathways: the Development Fund, Prototype Fund, and Release Fund. The Development Fund, the first strand to open, provides €50,000 grants to four teams progressing beyond concept validation toward production and commercial release. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest before applying, with the process designed to guide studios toward the most suitable fund. The fund targets established Irish studios with at least one year of operation, filed accounts, or prior commercial releases, as well as those developing original IP with a defined prototype and audience.

The Development Fund requires applicants to disclose any use of machine learning or generative AI within their project, specifying how funding will replace AI-generated assets. While prior use of generative AI tools won’t disqualify applicants, continued reliance on such technology during the funded project is not supported. Failure to accurately disclose AI usage may result in the application being removed from consideration, according to IMIRT’s guidelines. The fund aims to ensure transparency and alignment with its support criteria.

The Prototype Fund and Release Fund, the remaining strands, will be detailed by IMIRT in the coming months, with further guidance expected soon. For now, the focus remains on the Development Fund, which requires Expressions of Interest to be submitted by October 8, 2026, followed by full applications due by October 22, 2026. The expanded fund reflects a structured approach to supporting Irish game developers at multiple stages of production.

IMIRT emphasizes the importance of selecting the right fund to avoid wasted effort, noting the complexity of the application process. The Development Fund’s criteria prioritize projects with clear commercial potential and a demonstrated need for financial support. Studios are encouraged to review the fund’s explainer and eligibility requirements before applying to ensure alignment with their development stage.