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INSPIRE+ Funding Initiative for Game Development

Background

In line with the Media Development Authority’s (MDA) vision to catalyse the creation of Singapore-produced blockbuster games, the INSPIRE+ initiative seeks to support large scale projects that will facilitate the goal of developing a bestselling, made-by-Singapore Intellectual Property (IP) that is franchisable globally on console and PC platforms. Under the MDA’s GAME+ Programme, INSPIRE+ games will aim to put Singapore on the world map.

Games developed under the INSPIRE+ initiative will:

  1. Aim to be a blockbuster games title
  2. Be an IP that has long-term potential for exploitation, and is recognised globally
  3. Groom local developers’ core competencies in developing and publishing a large-scale high-end game.

Funding Quantum

The MDA will fund up to 30% via co-investment of a project’s qualifying costs that are assessed and approved by an evaluation panel comprising of the MDA and selected industry experts.

Examples of major allowable costs are:

  • Manpower
  • Hardware & Software
  • Hosting and Maintenance
  • Professional Services

Eligibility Criteria

1. Only local companies may apply. The applicant must be registered as a legal entity and incorporated in Singapore with at least 30% local shareholding, central management and control in Singapore, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act (Cap.50).

2. The submission can be from a single entity, consortium or co-production between local and foreign companies, although at least 60% of the project’s development costs must be spent in Singapore. Only one application is to be submitted for each project by the local company.

3. The proposal must involve the creation of an innovative game that:

  1. Is designed primarily for platforms capable of supporting next-generation games
  2. Will experiment with innovative core mechanic implementation and have features supporting the creation of a large-scale community that is able to play simultaneously.
  3. Is original / proprietary to the applicant
  4. Will be of professional quality comparable to games made for next-generation platforms
  5. Has potential to be a hit internationally

4. Innovative concepts may include, but not limited to

  1. Games merging different genres
  2. Games utilising cutting edge technology (i.e. augmented reality devices) in an innovative manner
  3. Games with innovative core mechanic or control schemes
  4. Games with unique presentation (Avant-garde and stylized concepts)
  5. Games with community, multiplayer or online functions to support a large user base utilising said functions simultaneously.

5. Selected projects are required to have a Publisher on-board or proof of capability to publish the completed project. Proposals that have secured interest or agreement with a Publisher at the time of application will have an added advantage. Should a successful applicant not have a Publisher on-board at the time of submission, the applicant will be given a 6 month period upon approval of the project to identify a Publishing Partner in support of the project.

6. Submissions from a consortium of local game companies are encouraged.

7. Facebook or games meant only for mobile platforms will not be evaluated under this INSPIRE+.

8. The initiative does not fund the establishment of infrastructure, ongoing administrative costs of organisations, or the ongoing costs of an organisation’s or individual’s website.

Milestone and Deliverables

  1. The deliverable at the end of the project should be a polished, playable game for various digital platforms for publishing and distribution.
  2. Development to commence no later than 2 weeks after the signing of the Letter of Offer, or any at such time as mutually agreed with the MDA, where milestones and deliverables will be determined by the MDA and the Developer. Disbursement of funding will be administered by the MDA.
  3. Between milestone submissions, the MDA may organise demo/feedback sessions where team members will be required to showcase and demonstrate work-in-progress builds for play-testing and feedback gathering.
  4. All on-screen assets and copyrights and intellectual property rights in and to the completed projects will be vested with the MDA and the Developer as tenants-in-common in proportion to their financial investment in the project. The management and any transfer of the rights are hence the joint responsibilities of the MDA and the Developer. The MDA reserves the right to use the projects including the content therein for purely non-commercial and publicity purposes.
  5. The MDA will require due credits in the website and all promotional & publicity programmes / materials of the completed game product as acknowledgement for the support and assistance rendered by the MDA under the initiative.
  6. All revenue and proceeds from the commercialisation of the projects will be shared between the MDA and the Developer on a pari pasu basis.
  7. Developers are expected to undertake and complete the project upon official approval from the MDA.

Termination of Project

In the event that the applicant decides to terminate the project, or if the MDA terminates the project due to the applicant’s default, the applicant would have to compensate the MDA the entire sum of funds which has been disbursed to applicants at the time of termination.

Making an Application

1. Applications may be submitted using a designated application form. Application forms can be downloaded from http://mda.gov.sg (MDA Website->Industry->Video Games), and applications are to be submitted electronically to mda_img@mda.gov.sg.

2. If CDs or DVDs are required to accompany the submission, applicants are to deposit the application and accompanying materials at the MDA Reception on Level 16, Symbiosis at Fusionopolis, attention to Ms Farah Lyna Hashim. Submissions may be made at any date.

3. For INSPIRE+, applicants are required to submit detailed documentation, including a high level concept proposal, with the following information:

  1. An overview of the concept and key unique features of the concept.
  2. A description of core game play.
  3. A diagram of user-flows within the game.
  4. Concept art, mock in-game screens and/or showreel to demonstrate the game’s look, feel and core design
  5. Technical platform documents
  6. Production schedule
  7. Summary and detailed budgets outlining projected costs
  8. Market analysis outlining key market considerations when developing concept
  9. Business model and projected revenues
  10. 5-year plan for the IP
  11. Outline of anticipated projected risks
  12. A copy of the latest ACRA business profile
  13. Letter of intent from a Publisher (where applicable)
  14. Applicant’s curriculum vitae and profiles of key production personnel
  15. Website addresses and additional information relating to the Applicant’s practice and experience

4. Applicants will be assessed based on the evidence of their ability and commitment to successfully manage, deliver and maintain the game.

The proposal should therefore demonstrate:

  1. The Applicant’s objectives in producing the product
  2. The Applicant’s ability to produce a big budget game title for international markets
  3. The concept and how it relates to its target market
  4. Understanding of intended target audience and consumer behaviour
  5. Understanding of good user interface in deploying concept
  6. Scalability of the game to create an innovative and entertaining interactive experience for a large international player base
  7. How the concept differentiates itself from existing games within the market
  8. The commercial potential of the project and plans to bring it to the next level (projected version updates, IP exploitation)

5. Only short-listed applicants will be notified.

6. Short-listed applicants will be required to present to the Evaluation Panel after the application closing date at a time to be determined by the MDA. Selection will be made by a panel of representatives comprising the MDA and selected industry experts.

7. The MDA reserves the right to change the submission deadline and the scope with prior notice on the MDA’s website.

NO MODIFICATION ON ANY PART OF THE DOCUMENT IS PERMITTED WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT FROM THE MDA.

For enquiries, please contact:
Ms Leung Wai-Leng
Interactive Media & Games
Media Development Authority of Singapore
3 Fusionopolis Way, #16-22 Symbiosis, Singapore 138633
Tel: (65) 9726 3156
Email: leung_wai_leng@mda.gov.sg

Click here download the INSPIRE+ Application Guidelines.

Click here to download the INSPIRE+ Application Templates.