Independent video game studios can win $75,000 in funding, mentorship and marketing in the competition presented by National Bank.
Today, Ubisoft Toronto has launched its 2022 Indie Series in Ontario, presented by National Bank. Now in its sixth year, the Indie Series helps independent game studios in Ontario reach new heights by offering $75,000 cash prizes and mentorship, as well as creative, marketing and financial tools. Interested studios can apply here.
“We understand just how difficult it can be to break into the video game industry as an independent studio. Having access to vital funding and guidance from those working in the industry are critical in achieving success,” said Francis Baillet, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Ubisoft. “Through the Indie Series, we’re thrilled to connect with our colleagues, share knowledge and expertise, and ensure Canada’s video industry continues to grow and become a worldwide leader.”
Submissions will be evaluated by a jury comprised of Ubisoft and National Bank experts on overall concept, marketing and business plan, among other elements. Additional consideration will be given to studios committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in their games and/or teams. Ten finalists will be invited to pitch and demo their games in May 2022, where the Grand Prize winner will receive $50,000 and mentorship. The National Bank Special Prize winner will receive $25,000 and mentorship.
National Bank is proud to be the presenting partner of the Indie Series for several years. Our Technology and Innovation Banking Group offers personalized advice and tools to businesses so that they can power their ideas. It was only natural for us to go one step further to support video game entrepreneurs through this partnership.
— Tuyen Vo, Head, Technology and Innovation Banking at National Bank.
“Our specialized advice helps propel and actively support independent studios in the development of their business. We offer a tailor-made service that adapts to the realities of new technologies and creative industries sector, especially in a context of uncertainty. It is a great pleasure for the Bank to be back for this 2022 edition,” adds Brigitte Leblanc, Associate Vice-President, Canada and International, Creative Industries Group at National Bank.
Since 2017, the Ubisoft Indie Series has supported 22 studios in Canada and is part Ubisoft Entrepreneurs program, which supports the growth of local entrepreneurs in the technology and entertainment industries with mentorship, expertise, grants and funding.
“Our Ubisoft Indie Series Special Prize win was where things really took off for us,” said Dave Evans, founder of Falling Squirrel, a Niagara-based video game studio and Indie Series National Bank Special Prize recipient. “The prize money gave our very small company some essential breathing room for making a quality budget game and perhaps most importantly, our team received much appreciated mentorship that influenced the narrative, gameplay and sound design of the game in overwhelmingly positive ways.”
Falling Squirrel specializes in story-driven experiences with the specific goal of pioneering advances in narrative design and blind accessible audio game mechanics. The studio’s first audio-based game, “The Vale: Shadow of the Crown,” launched last year to critical acclaim and was nominated for a Game Award in the category of innovation in accessibility.
Past winners include Mermaid Heavy Industries, Killjoy Games, Vivid Foundry, Kitten Cup Studio, GLOAM, WashBear Studio, and Alientrap Games.
To register for the Ubisoft Indie Series presented by National Bank, visit the Indie Series website. Studios must be headquartered in Ontario and have 50 or fewer employees to register. Applications close on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at 11:59 PM ET.
For updates on the Indie Series, follow Ubisoft Toronto on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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