IndieDev 2024: Cross-Border Games Prototype Fund – A Successful Pilot Scheme
Date Posted: February 21, 2025
IndieDev 2024 was a pilot prototype scheme aimed at providing upcoming game developers with support that would allow them to build a prototype of their game concept.
The initiative was an all-island project funded by Fís Éireann/ Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen and was run by Ardán with support of IMIRT. 70+ teams applied for funding of €15,000/£15,000, and after a rigorous selection process 7 teams were awarded funding.
The pilot fund was run alongside a programme of workshops and mentorship opportunities in the second half of 2024, which gave the developers many of the necessary tools to thrive as game developers. Each team presented their work to the attendees of the IMIRT AGM in January 2025 in the Black Shamrock Offices in Dublin. Their work was very well received.
A reminder of the team names and their projects:
1. Saorspell – ‘Project Raindrop’
2. Dott Studios – ‘The Silver Cord’
3. fogcore – ‘Wayside’
4. Digital Dullahan – ‘Night Strike’
5. Banbha Productions – ‘Wings of Balance’
6. Comedy Séance – ‘Paranormal Platoon’
7. Margarita Games – ‘Ravel the Frays’
You can read more about the teams on a previous blog post here.
Hear from the participant teams about their IndieDev 2024 experience below:
“Thanks to IndieDev, I experienced a dramatic improvement in my game development skillset. The dedicated time and resources provided allowed me to create a full game demo that I can be proud of!” – Sara Buckley (Fogcore)
“IndieDev was a huge accelerator for us. It let the team take our rough seed of an idea and refine it into a polished prototype. The mentorship and workshops from experts were invaluable to guide our iteration and prepare us for developing towards a full release.” – Gary Chadwick and Marija Petrova (Margarita Games)
“Taking part in IndieDev was an incredible experience that has helped springboard Banbha Productions, allowing us to not only develop a demo but also gain invaluable feedback and guidance through the mentorship programme.” – Kieran Murphy (Banbha Productions)
“IndieDev changed my life, being able to experience what it’s like to work full time on a game from such a young age is something I will never forget. The advice and guidance we received from so many incredible game devs was also incredible.” – Megan Fox (Saorspell)
“IndieDev has given me incredible hands-on experience running a company and really opened my eyes as to what’s possible. Getting to work on your own IP, let alone start a studio, is a huge privilege; I’ve built a network of amazing people I can reach out to and I’m beyond grateful for everything this experience has given me.” – Oisín Corr (Dott Studios)
“IndieDev was a brilliant opportunity to allow us to take risks and develop our skills as a team.” – Najib Magee (Digital Dullhalan)
We can’t wait to watch the teams’ journeys as they take their prototypes to the next stage!
Find out more here.
