Call for Mentors: Game Development Start-ups
Date Posted: March 28, 2025
Northern Ireland Screen is seeking experienced mentors to support start-up companies participating in our Indie Dev, Mini Game, and Platform schemes as well as companies in the wider interactive sector in Northern Ireland. We are looking for individuals with proven expertise in bringing games to market, who can share their knowledge and help guide these emerging companies to success.
Purpose of the Call for Mentors
The goal of this initiative is to provide start-up companies with the guidance and support they need to navigate the challenges of the games development industry.
We are looking for Mentors with at least 3 years industry experience in a senior role who can provide insights into one or more of these topics:
- Narrative Design
- Marketing
- Environment Art
- Game Design
- Pitching / Networking
- Business Development
By providing this support we intend to ensure that our start-ups are well-prepared to succeed. Mentors will also address any issues the companies encounter and share the lessons they’ve learned from their own experiences.
Mentor Commitment
Mentors are required to commit to providing training and guidance for up to 8 hours per week, between 7th April to 31st October 2025 depending on which programme the mentor is allocated to. This will enable start-up companies to benefit from consistent and dedicated support throughout the program.
How to Apply
The application requirements are listed below. Please send the required information to [email protected] by midday on 18th April 2025.
Guidelines for applications can be found here.
Please note: the deadline has been extended from 4th April.
1. A brief overview of your experience in the games development industry in a senior role including:
- Evidence of at least 3 years’ experience in a senior role.
- The areas you wish to provide mentoring in.
- Your experience to date (roles, responsibilities etc) and how that relates to the areas you wish to provide mentoring in.
- Games you have worked on that have been released.
- Your approach to mentoring and supporting new entrants to the industry.
2. Confirmation of the programme you are interested in providing training and mentoring for:
Indie Dev
The IndieDev prototype fund is a programme being delivered by Ardán / IMIRT in collaboration with Northern Ireland Screen (NIS) and Screen Ireland (SI) aimed at supporting Indie video game talent based in or from the border counties or from outside of the Belfast Metropolitan Area. The main objective of this initiative is to provide impactful career progression for game development talent in the border region, both North and South, to benefit the games sector across the island of Ireland.
Mini Game
The focus of MiniGame is creating mini/short games that can be published within 6 months. These can be narrative games that can be completed in a couple of hours, an endless runner with unique mechanics, a turn based strategy with interesting rules. Concise games that people can pick-up and enjoy in a day. MiniGame is open to video game studios based in Northern Ireland that are working towards developing their first game. Northern Ireland Screen is seeking new teams to video game development that are motivated to develop and release their first title. MiniGame will be hosted in the Pixel Mill based at the Ormeau Labs in Belfast, or remotely if teams are not based in Belfast, where companies will have access to facilities and mentors.
Platform
Platform is the accelerator programme for video game companies in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Screen is seeking teams that are passionate about video games and are motivated to establish/grow their company. We want teams that can bring fresh ideas to video game development with the goal of self-publishing a game based on an original IP within 12 months. Companies have access to The Pixel Mill facilities, mentors, training and funding as well as the opportunity to attend markets to build their business network and meet consumers.
3. A demonstration of your understanding of the aims and objectives of the Northern Ireland Screen Indie Dev, Mini Game, and Platform schemes.
4. Confirmation of your availability for up 8 hours per week from Monday 7th April to 31st October 2025.
5. Please confirm your available time slots during the working week for mentoring and training:
- Monday AM (9:30-12:30) / PM (13:00-17:00)
- Tuesday AM (9:30-12:30) / PM (13:00-17:00)
- Wednesday AM (9:30-12:30) / PM (13:00-17:00)
- Thursday AM (9:30-12:30) / PM (13:00-17:00)
- Friday AM (9:30-12:30) / PM (13:00-17:00)
6. Which of the following areas can you provide mentoring in:
- Narrative Design
- Marketing
- Environment Art
- Game Design
- Pitching / Networking
- Business Development
Please detail your experience in these areas and your approach to mentoring.
Please attach your CV and any creative materials you wish to support your expression of interest.
7. Mentoring Rate
- £250 per 8 hours to include travel and subsistence for NI residents for in IRL mentoring.
- £300 per 8 hours to include travel and subsistence for RoI residents for IRL mentoring.
- £350 per 8 hours to include travel and subsistence for GB residents for IRL mentoring.
- £200 per 8 hours mentoring by video call for NI, RoI, GB residents.
1 hour of mentoring is 40mins conversation on a specific question or questions plus 20 minutes writing up mentoring paperwork.
Important Dates:
- Expression of Interest opens: 28th March 2025.
- Deadline: Midday on Friday 4th April 2025.
- Successful mentors will be notified by Wednesday 9th April 2025.
