Prototype Funding Available for Early-stage UK Games Projects

Grants of up to £100,000 for established companies

Grants are available to UK‑based games development companies through the UK Games Fund Prototype Fund to support the creation of playable prototypes. The programme is designed to help smaller studios progress early ideas toward production while strengthening the commercial potential of original UK‑developed intellectual property.

By focusing on the prototype stage, the fund aims to reduce financial risk at a critical point in development. It also seeks to encourage sustainable business growth and job creation across the UK games sector, helping studios build momentum before entering full production.

Grants of up to £100,000 are available and are intended to support the development of working prototypes. These prototypes should be capable of attracting further private investment, publisher interest or other forms of commercial backing. Funded projects are expected to be ready to begin development from July 2026.

Applications are open to UK‑registered small and medium‑sized enterprises with fewer than 50 employees and at least one member of staff on PAYE. Eligible companies must demonstrate clear plans for growth, recruitment and long‑term sustainability, as well as show how the grant will complement other sources of finance rather than act as a sole source of funding.