The gaming industry is a complex space that requires an understanding of both game development and business or commercialization to achieve success. Many game development companies looking for talent, review the portfolio of the applicant along with their relevant experience. For most recent graduates, it puts them at a disadvantage, as they have the ability to execute in their field of interest but are unable to provide a substantive portfolio project in their job applications.

Edmonton Screen recognized an opportunity to bolster the current Certificate in Computer Game Development program at the University of Alberta to provide students with the chance to get hands-on industry experience, mentorship and get a project portfolio under their belt, to prepare them for jobs within the games industry.

Up to four project teams will be selected to take part in the program. Project teams will be made up of students or recent graduates of a video game development program or related design program at the University of Alberta and would receive the support to continue developing their projects into a fully commercialized game.

Program Highlights

$5,000 to support the development of current or future studio
Educational opportunities for team members to learn more about commercialization, pitching, showcasing and more
Mentorship from established local companies
Booth space at Game Con Canada (June 2025) to showcase the game

Eligibility

At least half of the applicant team must be composed of students from the INT D 450 team that built the submitted prototype, and the majority of the applicant team must be composed of individuals who completed INT D 450 in Winter 2023 or later.
If the applicant team does not include the entirety of the INT D 450 that built the submitted prototype for credit, then participating teams will be asked to complete an agreement with non-participating teammates to allow for further derivative development and distribution. (Template agreement to be provided by Edmonton Screen)
All teams must have a playable demo that can be shown at Game Con Canada (teams may continue to develop their game prior to the event or show it as-is if it is in a presentable state).
At least two members of the team must commit to being present at any given time during Game Con Canada 2025 (June 13-15) to exhibit their game.
All team members are expected to attend educational sessions provided to prepare for a showcase at Game Con Canada.

Application Information

Applicants may only submit one project.

Application Requirements

Applications should be submitted by email and include the following:

Cover Letter: to include your intended outcomes from participating in the programs and future goals, either of your project or team/studio. If you intend to further develop your current project to prepare for Game Con Canada, please include a brief development plan.
Team Composition: name, email address, INT D 450 term and team/game name (if applicable) for each member, and identifying a main contact.
Prototype in a form playable to the adjudication committee. Multiple builds (Windows, Mac, etc.) are appreciated for ease of play for all committee members

An Adjudication Committee will be made up of members of UofA faculty and Edmonton Screen staff. Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

Implementation of good development practices in prototype creation: demonstration that the team can operate using good development practices, facilitating a healthy team environment.
Quality of the existing prototype: demonstration of the team’s ability to complete a project on time using their available expertise. Quality is the focus, not the prototype’s size or scope. Smaller, higher-quality prototypes will be preferred over larger, less-polished prototypes.
Clarity and feasibility of the team’s plans: the team’s development plan to expand and polish their prototype, which can be exhibited at GameCon, is realistic. The plans have the potential for future scalability and eventual commercial viability.
Impact on the Edmonton ecosystem: benefit such funding would provide to advance applicants’ career goals and/or leading to further game development in Edmonton, e.g., application to CMF, etc.

Process

All applications will first be reviewed for eligibility.
Eligible applications will then be assessed based on the criteria above.
Adjusticators will reviewing scoring and select the teams to participate in the program.
All applicants will be informed of decisions.

Applications Open: April 2
Applications Close: April 18
Notification by: April 29

Programming begins: May 1
Game Con Canada: June 13-15
Reporting due by: July 15

Detailed recognition and reporting requirements can be found in the participant toolkit.
Fianl reporting will be due 30 days after the completion of Game Con Canada and will be indicated in the funding agreement provided.

Applicants with overdue final reporting for this program will not be eligible for future Edmonton Screen funding until the reporting is submitted.