IP Fund – Interactive Content

Who can apply

This program is open to:

 existing companies* that develop Video Games and/or XR content experiences as

their primary activity; and

 new companies* that are owned and/or led by individuals with substantial experience

in Video Game and XR content development.

*An existing company is defined as one that has more than one year of operation and/or has released a Video Game and/or XR content experience. The company must meet the

following requirements at time of application:

 at least 50% of revenues and/or expenditures from the past two years are associated

with Video Game and/or XR content development activities; and

 have at least one owner or full-time, permanent employee 3 at a senior level with a

minimum of three years of professional experience working in a full-time capacity in the Video Game and/or XR content industry2.

*A new company is defined as one that has less than one year of operation and has not yet released a Video Game and/or XR content experience. The company must meet the

following requirements at time of application:

 have at least one owner or full-time, permanent employee 3 at a senior level with a

minimum of three years of professional experience working in a full-time capacity in the Video Game and/or XR content industry2; and

 be majority-owned (51% minimum) by individuals that are Ontario residents.

In addition, companies must be:

 a Canadian-owned and controlled organization3;

Work that is completed while enrolled in a post-secondary education program is not considered professional experience.

 incorporated in Ontario or federally and registered in Ontario and if not incorporated

at time of application, prepared to incorporate immediately if application is successful;

 Ontario-based3;

 able to demonstrate a principal place of business in Ontario (Ontario-based) if the

company has more than 365 days of operation for at least one year prior to the deadline;

 private sector/for profit;

 in sound financial position (including all associated companies); and

 in good standing with Ontario Creates.

If the applicant is a successful funding recipient, they must continue to have a principal place of business in Ontario for the funding duration.

Applications should be submitted by the primary corporate entity and not a single purpose production company.

This program is intended for established studios and individuals with substantial Video Game/XR content development experience.

The Video Game/XR experience that is the subject of the application must:

 be proprietary5;

 be primarily intended for a consumer audience (as measured by source of revenue);

 be intended to entertain6;

 be intended for commercial exploitation;

 consist primarily of unique, creative and professional content developed by individuals

or groups of individuals; and

 consist primarily of digital content.

Projects that have commenced prior to submission of an application may be eligible provided substantial Pre-Production or Production activities remain (no more than 20% of the project has been completed) and the Ontario Creates contribution will have a meaningful impact on the success of the project.

Other Considerations:

Video Games and XR experiences that will be augmented or enhanced with additional content and components at a later date and/or require ongoing content creation are eligible provided the applicant company can demonstrate that the portion of the project supported through this program can be considered complete and market-ready.

The applicant company must:

1. own at least 51% of the copyright of the project that is being submitted and/or have

obtained permission to adapt any material for the project.

1. be able to demonstrate that their revenue share is in appropriate proportion to the

ownership of the project and reflects industry standard practices.

Projects that are equally owned (50/50 share) by two companies that meet the eligibility criteria will also be considered eligible.

Projects with a dual focus on educating and entertaining a consumer audience are eligible.

 International partnerships and coproductions are permitted. Preference may be given

to projects that are substantially owned by Ontario-based organizations. Official treaty coproductions where the Ontario company is a minority partner may be considered.

 Eligibility for the IP Fund – Interactive Content stream does not confer eligibility for the

Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit.