Image via Frame1Games/CAA
A new door has opened for independent game developers seeking funding, mentorship, and release support for their titles. That door comes in the form of a new funding accelerator program from Hollywood talent firm Creative Artists Agency (CAA) called Frame1Games.
The goal of the initiative, per an announcement from CAA’s LinkedIn page, is to “help independent game developers turn great ideas into lasting businesses” by providing selected developers with “multi-million-dollar capital investment, hands-on mentorship from industry leaders, and direct access to strategic partners across games and entertainment.”
Frame1Games’ plans—as shared with Variety—also include an unusual pitch for developers concerned about releasing games into highly competitive platforms like Steam: a promise of being showcased in a “curated marketplace,” a feature not usually seen in these sorts of funding announcements.
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Frame1Games will be led by indie game funding veteran Jared Yeager, a longtime investment partner with Indie Fund with a long track record of advocating for indie game development at Fox, Indiecade, and other ventures. The initiative was “spearheaded” by CAA head of games Derek Douglas, and counts developer Xalavier Nelson Jr. among its ranks of developer mentors.
In an interview with Variety, Yaeger said that Frame1Games hopes to “leverage all of the creative and innovative resources within CAA’s network to put a spotlight on the teams we collaborate with so they connect with the players who will truly enjoy the experiences they are building.”
Douglas added that the venture hopes to support “emerging, often under-resourced teams that don’t necessarily have the financing, relationships or marketing resources that other titles do.”
“The goal isn’t just to find the next hit game, it’s to give genuinely talented developers the runway and support system to have a real shot, rather than leaving their success solely to chance.”
About the Author
Senior Editor, GameDeveloper.com
Bryant Francis is a writer, journalist, and narrative designer based in Boston, MA. He currently writes for Game Developer, a leading B2B publication for the video game industry. His credits include Proxy Studios’ 4X strategy game Zephon, Iron Anchor Studios’ Down With The Ship, and Amplitude Studio’s 2017 game Endless Space 2.
