Irish Game Fund Expands With Development, Prototype, and Release Strands for 2026

The Irish Games Fund has expanded for 2026, introducing three distinct funding strands designed to support game developers at different stages of production. The initiative is a collaboration between the Irish Game Makers Association (IMIRT) and Screen Ireland Digital Games Portfolio.

The Development Fund, the first strand to launch, offers €50,000 to four teams working on established projects that have moved beyond concept validation. Eligible studios must be registered in Ireland, have operated for at least one year, have filed accounts previously, or have released a commercial project.

Applicants should have original intellectual property or a defined concept with a clear understanding of their intended audience. The application process begins with an Expression of Interest, designed to guide developers toward the fund most suited to their needs.

A notable requirement involves disclosure of machine learning and generative AI use. IMIRT stated: "Due to unresolved copyright, intellectual property, ownership and commercialisation risks, the Development Fund will not support projects that intend to commercially release with art, audio, writing or other creative assets that have been substantially generated through ML or generative AI systems."

While developers won't be penalized for using generative AI tools before application, the fund will not support teams planning to rely on the technology for their final release. Failure to disclose material use of these systems may result in application removal from consideration.

Expressions of Interest for the Development Fund close on October 8, 2026, with full applications due by October 22, 2026. IMIRT plans to release further details on the Prototype Fund and Release Fund in the coming months.