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If you're an indie developer keeping an eye out for equity-free funding opportunities, here’s some important news:Dangen Entertainment has officially transitioned their previous grant competition into a new platform called Pitches. This update matters because Dangen has been one of the few private publishers offering non-recoupable, no-strings-attached monetary grants to help indie teams push prototypes, polish vertical slices, or get ready for publishers. Their previous grant rounds were famous for awarding $25,000 / $15,000 / $10,000 to selected indie titles — with no obligation to sign a publishing deal. Now, with Pitches, they’re taking a more streamlined and developer-friendly approach. 💡 Why This Is Good News for Indie Developers 1. No More Grant Deadlines — Submit Anytime The old system ran specific annual submission periods. Pitches allows ongoing submissions, which means you can pitch when your prototype or vertical slice is actually in a good state. 2. Still Developer-Friendly, Still Indie-Focused Dangen has built a reputation for supporting small teams and experimental projects.That ethos continues with Pitches — focusing on: - High-quality indie games - Unique visual direction - Strong mechanics or narratives - Market potential without needing AAA budgets 📝 What You Need to Submit The new portal asks for a few essentials: - Your game description - Visual materials / screenshots - Trailer or prototype footage - Playable build if available - Team background - Scope + timeline 🎯 Should You Submit? You should consider applying to Dangen’s Pitches if: - You have a polished prototype or strong vertical slice - You need financial support to push the project forward - You want a chance at publishing but don’t want commitment upfront - You’re building a game that fits well within the indie space (2D, pixel art, narrative-driven, action titles, etc.) - You want visibility from an established indie-focused publisher If your project is still early or purely conceptual, it may be better to refine your slice before submitting

If you’re a European game developer, studio, or XR creator... this one’s worth your attention. 📰 What’s going on The European funding scheme CREA‑MEDIA 2026 Video Games & Immersive Content Development is now open for applications. It’s designed to support video games and immersive content (narrative games, interactive VR/AR/immersive experiences) — in the development/pre-production phase only (concepts, prototypes, vertical slices, first-playable builds). - 💶 Grant Amount: up to €200,000 per project - 🗓️ Deadline: 11 February 2026, 17:00 (CET) - 🎯 Eligible Projects: original & innovative video games or immersive interactive content with strong storytelling or gameplay, aimed at commercial exploitation on PC, consoles, mobile, VR/AR, etc. - ✔️ Key Priorities: high creative value; cross-border/international potential; retention of rights; sustainable, inclusive & diverse production approach (gender balance, inclusion, diversity) ✅ Why It Matters for Indie Devs & Small Studios • Reduce Financial Risk Early Game development — especially in pre-production — requires time, experimentation, and iteration. This grant reduces the financial burden upfront. • Validate Your Concept & Build Prototype Without Pressure Instead of budgeting long sprints or external funding, you get a buffer to build a vertical slice or proof-of-concept that can attract publishers or investors later. • Retain Creative Control & IP Ownership The scheme encourages European developers to keep their intellectual property, which remains with your studio. This means you maintain long-term upside rather than surrendering IP rights to external publishers. • Boost Credibility for Partnerships or Funding A funded, grant-backed prototype carries extra weight when pitching to publishers, collaborators, or investors — the grant is like a “stamp of confidence.” • Perfect Fit for Experimental, Narrative, or Immersive Projects If you’re building a VR experience, an innovative mechanic, or a title targeting niche audiences — this support is aimed at those kinds of high-ambition, high-creativity projects.

One of the most common pain points I hear from indie developers, whether solo or in small studios, is the constant struggle between ambition and resources. You can have the clearest vision and the strongest work ethic, but without funding, some projects simply never get the momentum they deserve. So here’s a valuable opportunity worth sharing with everyone in the community: Screen Australia Funding for Games If you’re an Australian-based developer or studio, Screen Australia has several funding programs designed specifically to support game development at different stages. The portal is here:👉 https://screenaustraliafunding.smartygrants.com.au/ 💰 What Types of Support Are Available? Depending on the program cycle, Screen Australia offers funding for: - Game development (prototypes, vertical slices, production) - Documentary Development - Documentary Production January 2026 - Dynamic Television Scripted Initiative February 2026 - Narrative Content Development Funding - Narrative Content Production Funding February 2026 - Narrative Content Short Film Production Funding February 2026 Many devs don’t know these grants exist or assume they’re too small to apply but Screen Australia actively supports indie teams, and past recipients range from solo devs to small studios working on their first Steam launch. How to Get Started You can explore all open opportunities through the SmartyGrants portal. Even if a particular grant isn’t open today, it’s smart to: 1. Read the requirements 2. Prepare your materials early 3. Register your details so you can apply immediately when the next round opens