Zürcher Filmstiftung Digitale Kultur games funding: 1 March 2027 deadline
Zurich studios can get up to CHF 150,000 per project for games, XR and interactive work, at prototype or production stage. Next deadline 1 March 2027.
The Digitale Kultur programme of the Zürcher Filmstiftung is a three year pilot that funds computer games, XR and other interactive storytelling formats. The upper limit is CHF 150,000 per project.
Funding is offered at two stages, Prototyp and Herstellung & Go-to-Market. Separate panels judge projects with market potential and projects without it. A third instrument, Stärkung Ökosystem, supports needs based formats and takes applications at any time.
Studios and organisations based in the canton of Zurich for at least one year can apply. A revised regulation applies to every round from 1 September 2026. One third of the personnel costs must now go to people living in the canton, and a gameplay or concept video is enough for a prototype application.
Applicants first register on the foundation's online platform. Confirmation can take up to three days, and people with existing film profiles must register again. Budget and financing plan templates are available on request from the foundation.
The next deadline is 1 March 2027 at 23:59 CET, followed by 1 September 2027. In its first year, the programme received 98 applications and funded 21 of 92 eligible ones with CHF 1,411,326.
Quick answers
Do I need a playable prototype to apply for prototype funding?
No. Since 1 September 2026 a gameplay or concept video is enough.
Can a rejected project apply again?
A project may be submitted a second time at the same stage, but only if the panel invites it.
How is the Zurich connection checked?
One third of the personnel costs must go to people living in the canton of Zurich.