Proper Games wins Abertay student grant

Dundee studio Proper Games has received a £25,000 grant as part of a wider £5 million government initiative to stimulate games businesses in the UK.

Proper Games, which built the XBLA title Flock for Capcom, is one of nine studios that have each received an equal share of a £225,000 funding round.

The other eight studio recipients have not yet been named. The funding round, controlled by Abertay University, is also aimed at helping students cut their teeth with studio experience.

As part of the deal, a team of six students will head to Proper Games and work on one of the studio’s upcoming projects for around two months.

Proper Games’ funding was announced by Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts, who said the UK’s “rapidly expanding digital economy is vital for boosting economic growth”.

“Dundee has some of the best computing facilities and talent that the UK has to offer,” he added.

“This investment will further boost the sector, giving students the opportunity to gain invaluable experience of working in industry and encouraging the creation of new high-tech jobs and companies."

Earlier in the year, Abertay issued an initial £125,000 to five UK studios, with the latest round bringing its expenditure up to £375,000.

The University was given a £5 million grant, endorsed by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, to support the sector.

The £25,000 funds are targeted for small or young creative businesses, giving them the capital to create a prototype computer games or digital media product.

The intention is the money will allow studios to attract private investment and create more jobs.

“It was a genuine pleasure meeting David Willetts,” said Proper Games CEO Paddy Sinclair.

“I feel very proud of how our company has grown over the last few years and I relish such opportunities to tell our story and showcase the quality of work that our talented team are producing.

“Receiving confirmation of the Prototype Fund investment from Abertay University is really great news and we look forward to getting this project underway.”

According to Abertay, the fund will create 30 new companies and up to 400 new jobs.

“The Abertay University Prototype Fund is a very exciting project,” said Abertay business director Paul Durrant.

“Proper Games is a very worthy recipient of this UK-wide funding, and they are a great example of the talent in Dundee’s games development cluster – and the huge economic potential this sector has for the whole of Britain.”