Call for applications: SwissGames Showcase Mentorship Programme 2023

Initiated in 2020 by Pro Helvetia to address event cancellations due to the pandemic, the SwissGames Showcase is an annual mentorship programme that offers Swiss independent studios a tailor-made opportunity to be individually coached and connected with the industry.

The selection to the SwissGames Showcase is made through the present call: interested studios are invited to apply with a video pitch which will be evaluated by an international jury. Each member of the jury will handpick 1 to 3 studios, coach them during individual online meetings and make targeted introductions with potential business partners.

Up to 15 studios will join the SwissGames Showcase and benefit from the following services:

• Online lectures providing the studios with basic business knowledge. (January – March)
• Online coaching phase with a dedicated mentor focusing on the studios’ individual challenges. (January – October)
• Financial support to improve playable demo with the help of the mentors’ feedback (5000CHF)
• Participation to various industry events during 2023 (Reboot, Stunfest, Gamescom, Game Connection Europe & VR Days Europe).
• Curated matchmaking and targeted introductions by the mentors. (April-December)
• Promotional coverage of the SwissGames Showcase.

Eligibility criteria:

• The SwissGames showcase is aimed at interactive content designed for computers, mobile phones, tablets, game consoles, virtual reality headsets or similar devices, and any other type of digital content requiring a high degree of interaction from the user.
• The projects possess formal and design quality, a high degree of innovation and potential marketability.
• Project execution must meet professional standards.
• The principal project owner must be of Swiss nationality or resident in Switzerland.
• The applicant owns copyright and rights of use of the project.
• Applicants may submit projects up to seven years after their graduation or within the first seven years of establishing a company (latest year of establishment: 2016).
• You need to have a playable prototype

How to apply:

1. Fill in this online form 
2. One of the answers of the form will allow you to insert the link to your video pitch. Your pitch should be a maximum of 3′, in English and include:

• What are you looking for (including funding amount needed, services and support functions desired)
• Description of the project (including gameplay overview and USPs) and information about your team
• Current status of the project (stage of production, anticipated release timing)
• Business strategy (including info on target audience, how you plan to reach them, market research/competition, etc)

Deadline for applications: 4 December 2022

How to pitch?
Do you want to maximise your chance? 
Check this 1-hour «Pitch Perfect Pitching» lecture by Jason Della Rocca.

 

We are looking forward to receiving your application!