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Creative England has launched a new £1 million initiative offering support for developers based in the South West.
The dedicated support scheme, called GamesLab, includes funding, workshops and business expertise for game companies in the region to help aid and sustain industry growth.
Developers in the South West can apply for grants from £10,000 to £50,000 for console, desktop or mobile games. Investments must however be matched by a minimum of 50 per cent per beneficiary firm.
The closing date for applications is September 16th, 2013 at noon. Games submitted must be completed by October 15th, 2014.
“The UK video game industry is already at the forefront of both technical and creative excellence with British studios creating some of the most popular video games titles in the world,” said Creative England head of games and digital media Jaspal Sohal.
“Creative England GamesLab will help the next generation of games developers take advantage of this growing market and support them in reaching their commercial and creative potential.”
Tiga CEO Richard Wilson added: “Tiga welcomes Creative England GamesLab as an imaginative initiative which will provide a valuable boost for the UK’s South West games developers. Access to funding is an issue for many small businesses, but is particularly keenly felt in Britain’s high-tech industries.
“What is especially encouraging about this investment programme are the workshops and business expertise that come as part of the supporting package, this is essential for creating sustainable growth. We look forward to working further with Creative England for the benefit of our members and the whole industry.”
As well as offering investment, funded by the European Regional Develop Fund and supported by the Government’s Region Growth Fund, GamesLab aims to implement new initiatives designer to create new jobs and improve employee retention.
Creative England said it planned to open launch further initiatives across the country later this year.
For more information on GamesLab, visit the official website.
