The Irish Games Fund has just gotten a major boost, expanding its support for local game developers with three new funding pathways designed to help teams at different stages of production get their projects off the ground. The Development Fund, Prototype Fund, and Release Fund are all part of the revamped initiative, which promises to provide much-needed financial backing to Irish studios working on innovative and ambitious games.
The Development Fund is the first of these new strands to be announced, offering a generous €50,000 to four selected teams that have already validated their concepts and prototypes. This fund is specifically geared towards established projects that are moving beyond the concept stage and into full-fledged production. To qualify for this support, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest, which will guide them through the application process.
To ensure that these funds reach the right developers, IMIRT has implemented a few key requirements. For one, studios must be registered in Ireland, with at least one year of experience and a track record of commercial releases. Additionally, projects must have a clear understanding of their intended audience and utilize original IP or defined concepts. Notably, applicants will also need to declare any use of machine learning or generative AI within their project or application – and explicitly explain how the Development Fund support will be used to replace these assets.
While IMIRT won’t penalize developers for leveraging generative AI tools prior to submission, they do have a strict policy against supporting projects that intend to release commercial games with substantial creative assets generated through machine learning or generative AI systems. This stance is likely aimed at mitigating risks related to copyright and intellectual property ownership.
The success of the Development Fund will undoubtedly pave the way for the Prototype Fund and Release Fund, which are set to be announced in the near future. With these new funding pathways, Irish game developers will have more opportunities than ever before to bring their innovative ideas to life – and compete on a global stage. Expressions of Interest for the Development Fund must be submitted by October 8, with full applications due by October 22.
This expansion of the Irish Games Fund is excellent news for VR enthusiasts in particular, as it supports the growth of local game development talent that may eventually contribute to the creation of immersive experiences. By providing financial backing and resources to studios at various stages of production, IMIRT is helping to foster a thriving ecosystem of creators who can push the boundaries of what’s possible in virtual reality.
As the VR industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to have a strong network of developers working on innovative projects – and the Irish Games Fund is an excellent example of how governments and organizations can support this growth. With its new funding pathways, IMIRT is setting itself up as a key player in the development of immersive technologies, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for VR and XR game development in Ireland.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-09-24