NRW Launches Funding for Games Tackling Fake News, Hate, and Extremism

The Film- und Medienstiftung NRW has issued an additional call for funding for games and interactive media that, among other things, focus on the prevention of extremism, particularly Islamism. The funding comes from a special budget, with potential grants exceeding those available for standard game prototypes.

In November, North Rhine-Westphalian Minister for Media Nathanael Liminski announced additional funding for games with specific thematic focuses. Now, the initiative is being put into action. The Film- und Medienstiftung NRW has published a new call for funding, inviting projects that address topics such as disinformation, hate speech, and agitation, or that take a preventative approach to extremist efforts, particularly Islamist extremism.

Funding applications can be submitted by companies—especially SMEs—as well as by individuals from North Rhine-Westphalia or those with a branch in the region. Projects developed in collaboration with associations and educational institutions are also welcome. Ideally, the projects should be suitable for both school and non-school contexts.

Applications must be submitted by 31 March, but a consultation is required at least one week before the deadline. This funding programme, financed from an additional budget (separate from NRW’s standard games funding), offers particularly favourable conditions due to the special requirements. Instead of the usual 50% funding, up to 80% of production costs can be covered—although funding is capped at €100,000 per project.