The UK gaming sector is exciting, dynamic and constantly innovating. However, with specialised teams, game engines, software licenses and cloud service, it’s an expensive endeavour.  

Luckily, there’s a number of generous government support types available for the UK gaming sector specifically, one of which is the UK Games Fund. At the time of writing, UK Games Fund is accepting applications for the Content Fund, which gives higher value grants to semi-established games.

UK Games Industry Innovation

The UK has a long and respected history of developing world class video games. With the number of gamers growing year-on-year. The UK video game industry holds the largest market share in Europe and ranks sixth globally in terms of revenue. Its responsible for many games, from indie productions like World of Goo to global record-breakers like Grand Theft Auto V.

There’s no doubt that UK gaming is an essential part of the economy, so the government is keen to encourage its growth. Over time, it has offered a range of grants and tax reliefs, for both the video games industry and the wider business world as a whole.

What is the UK Games Fund?

Launched in 2015, the UK Games Fund is a pool of grants that studios can use in developing a specific game project. As long as all the criteria are met, non-repayable grants are awarded for early-stage video game development.

In January 2025, a record-breaking £5.5 million was allocated for the Prototype and Content funds, supported by the government.

The Content Fund supports further development of games with grants of £50,000 to £150,000 to prepare for market entry.

The Prototype Fund offers grants of up to £30,000 for playable prototypes, aimed at UK indie studios.

Companies are invited to offer Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for whichever fund is accepting applications. The UK Games Fund will reach out to successful candidates for full applications.

Who can apply to the Content Fund?

For the Content Fund, grants will only be awarded to registered, active UK gaming companies and developers.

There is a strong preference for established companies with directors as well as PAYE employees, ideally able to demonstrate business progress or previous funding and successful completion of a game.

You should also have a specific target audience and plans to access them, as well as a funding rationale.

The funding should be used to support a mix of existing and/or new employees, alongside some contracting, so long as there is a clear explanation of the development approach.

The game needs to:

• Have a prototype in place
• Have IP owned or licensed by the applicant company
• Be a primary focus of the development portfolio
• Have an entertainment focus, aiming to secure a commercial audience at scale

The UK Games Fund prefers to fund projects for which the IP was originated and developed by the applicant. Ideally, the funding will be used in the early-mid development and spent over 6-12 months.

Eligible costs are staff and contractor costs for hands-on development activity only.

What types of games won’t qualify?

Grants will not be awarded for projects:

• With gambling elements
• With content that is extreme or reputationally damaging
• That are non-digital (a card or board game for instance)
• Those that involve games that have already been launched
• That are non-commercial and non-entertainment based
• Produced for student or graduation projects
• Incapable of obtaining a PEGI rating

How does the Content Fund work?

Winners receive 70% of the grant before the project begins, usually within four weeks of contract completion. The rest is paid when leverage is secured and committed to the project.

Grantees will be required to submit monthly update reports on progress.

The final report will also include an impact survey and an accountant-certified financial report covering all project spend, both of which are compulsory.

Receiving a grant will sometimes impact your ability to claim government supports like Video Games Tax Relief; reach out to a specialist advisor to better plan for your tax bill.

Why Myriad?

Whether you’re looking to apply for Video Games Tax Relief, Video Games Expenditure Credit or a funding pot, we’re here to help you make an accurate, optimised application first time. We take the worry out of putting your claim together, and make it feel less like a lottery.

The Myriad team has almost two decades of experience in funding of all types, and our expert video games tax specialists and grant application writers will be pleased to guide you through the process.

To find out more about video games tax incentives or the UK Games Fund, please call the team on 0207 118 6045 or use our contact form.