Good news for games developers in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia: The state media sponsor MDM has more leeway.
What the federal government is still waiting for is already clear in Leipzig: the EU Commission has approved the Games Funding Directive Central German media funding (MDM) notified. This means that the new package can come into force on January 1, 2025.
The MDM, which is responsible for Thuringia, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, can thereby promote the development of computer games in a greater variety: Concepts and 'Storyworld developments' are supported with grants of up to €30,000. Anyone who builds prototypes or plans to produce a market-ready game can apply for a grant of up to €100,000 and a loan of up to €200,000. The upper limit for production funding is €600,000 – so that's definitely workable.
MDM managing director André Naumann: “Games are one of the most important growth markets in the entertainment industry. Business, culture and science can benefit equally from their innovative strength. There are also many exciting companies active in the games sector in Central Germany, which we can support even better than before with our guidelines. In this way, we make it easier to develop games and thus sustainably strengthen regional studios and young creatives.”
The policy along with terms and conditions is stored on the MDM website; Consultations in advance of the application can be arranged from January 2025. The next submission deadline ends on March 17, 2025 – the award committee meets for the first time on May 28, 2025.
MDM has been supporting TV and film productions for many years 'New Media'i.e. games. In the current year there were, among other things, commitments for the Radeberg studio Bippinbits (Dome keeper, PVKK: Planetary Defense Cannon Commander), the Leipzig PandaBee Studios (Tilt Frog) and FourExo Entertainment (Highrise City) in Dresden.
The Game industry association also welcomes the development – Managing Director Felix Falk: “With Central Germany’s own games guidelines, developers receive even better and more targeted support. The expansion of concept and prototype funding as well as the funding of games productions with up to €600,000 are also important steps to strengthen the games locations in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.”
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