Game Development Funding
Ongoing coverage on Game Development Funding.
Latest coverage
More Industry Concerns as Indie Dev Forced to Close Over Lack of Funding
Indie developer Ivy Road, known for its game Wanderstop, will close its doors on March 31, 2026, due to a failure to secure funding for its next project, Engine Angel. The studio cited the current industry climate as a difficult environment for raising game funds. Wanderstop will remain available on all platforms, with publisher Annapurna Interactive expected to share further news.
Wanderstop developer Ivy Road is shutting down
Indie studio Ivy Road, developer of Wanderstop, is shutting down due to difficulties securing funding for its next project, Engine Angel. The studio, which includes notable figures like Davey Wreden and Karla Zimonja, will close on March 31, 2026, with its game Wanderstop remaining available. Ivy Road is working with publisher Annapurna Interactive to ensure the game's continued availability.
Wanderstop studio Ivy Road to close after funding for second game "didn't come to fruition"
Indie studio Ivy Road, known for its game Wanderstop, is closing down due to a lack of funding for its next project, Engine Angel. Despite efforts to find a new publisher, the team was unsuccessful, highlighting the current challenges in securing game development funds. Annapurna Interactive plans to release a surprise update for Wanderstop to reach more players.
Screen Australia announces recipients for Games Production and Emerging Gamemakers funds
Screen Australia has announced recipients for its Games Production and Emerging Gamemakers funds, distributing $1.4 million across 26 projects. The initiative also supports eight creators attending Japan's BitSummit 2026. Head of games Joey Egger emphasized the importance of this funding for fostering a resilient and innovative Australian game development sector.
Jest Games Fund wants to support studios building games "for the RCS messaging ecosystem"
Jest, a marketplace for messaging apps using SMS and RCS protocols, has launched the Jest Games Fund to support studios developing games for the RCS messaging ecosystem. The fund offers up to $1 million in investment across three tiers, with successful applicants retaining 90% of revenue and Jest subsidizing text delivery costs. Existing games can be published on Jest if they integrate with the Jest SDK, with the inaugural cohort closing on April 15.
An indie asking for $250,000 is 'a drop in the bucket' says Tunic's publisher, but indies are in a 'survival' era because companies think that 'isn't profitable enough' to fund
Finji CEO Rebekah Saltsman describes the current era for indie games as 'survival,' stating that companies are hesitant to fund projects that aren't highly profitable. She argues that this focus on massive returns overlooks mid-tier games that could significantly impact the industry and change developers' lives. Saltsman emphasizes the publisher's goal of ensuring developers can make enough profit to create future games.
Palworld publishing lead is "more determined than ever" to make things "a little less sh*t" for cool devs struggling to find funding: "The West continues to stumble"
John Buckley, publishing lead for Palworld developer Pocketpair, expressed a strong commitment to supporting indie developers struggling to secure funding. He highlighted the challenges faced by smaller studios in the Western market, noting that many promising games may never be released due to a lack of financial backing.
Business and Finance
Indie studio Heart Machine has voluntarily recognized a union, while Outersloth has revealed its game funding agreement with developers. These developments highlight ongoing discussions around labor relations and financial structures within the game development industry.
A look at Fatal Frame 2 and Yakuza Loses Funding
This gaming news roundup covers the disappointing remake of Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly, which is set to release on March 12, 2026, for multiple platforms. It also reports that Toshihiro Nagoshi's studio has lost funding from NetEase for its debut project, Gang of Dragon, highlighting the financial challenges in game development.
Outersloth reveals its game funding agreement with developers
Outersloth, the funding arm of Among Us developer Innersloth, has published its standard contract with indie studios to promote developer-friendly terms. The agreement details a revenue share model and platform considerations. Outersloth has invested over $19 million in 24 projects since 2022 and aims to encourage transparency in the industry.
Yakuza Creator's Nagoshi Studio Becomes Latest to Lose NetEase Funding
Toshihiro Nagoshi's Nagoshi Studio has lost funding from NetEase, effective May. The studio is now seeking new investors for its debut title, Gang of Dragon, and is in negotiations with NetEase over existing assets. Several other studios previously funded by NetEase have also lost their backing without releasing games.
Gang Of Dragon Studio Reportedly Has Funding Pulled By NetEase
NetEase has reportedly pulled its funding from Nagoshi Studio, jeopardizing the development of its first game, Gang of Dragon. The decision, made in May, cited the estimated $44.4 million needed for completion. Nagoshi Studio is currently seeking a new publishing partner, but NetEase is only open to negotiations if the studio can cover the costs of existing assets.
NetEase is reportedly pulling funding for Yakuza creator's studio
NetEase is reportedly ceasing funding for Nagoshi Studio, the development house founded by Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi. The studio, which is working on the debut title Gang of Dragon, requires significant investment, and NetEase has decided to cut its financial support starting in May. Nagoshi Studio is seeking new sponsors to continue development.
NetEase Games Will Stop Funding Gang of Dragon Developer Nagoshi Studio in May – Rumor
NetEase Games is reportedly ceasing funding for Nagoshi Studio, the developer of Gang of Dragon, by May. Sources indicate the studio needs approximately $44.4 million to complete the game, and NetEase is allowing the studio to seek new sponsors. If funding is not secured, the game may be canceled.
NetEase pulls funding of Yakuza creator's Nagoshi Studio, putting development of Gang of Dragon at risk
NetEase has reportedly ceased funding for Nagoshi Studio, founded by Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, with funding to end in May. This decision puts the development of the studio's inaugural game, Gang of Dragon, at risk. Nagoshi Studio has been seeking new sponsorship without success and is in discussions with NetEase regarding the acquisition of its intellectual property.
NetEase has reportedly pulled funding from Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi's studio and next game Gang of Dragon
NetEase has reportedly decided to cease funding for Gang of Dragon, the debut game from Toshihiro Nagoshi's Nagoshi Studio, effective May. The studio was informed that the game requires an additional ¥7 billion (approximately £33 million) to complete. Nagoshi is currently seeking alternative funding sources, but the studio's future remains uncertain.
Nagoshi's Gang of Dragon May Never Come Out After NetEase Cut Funding When It Realized an Extra $44M Was Needed to Finish the Game - IGN
NetEase has reportedly cut funding for Toshihiro Nagoshi's new game, Gang of Dragon, due to an estimated $44 million shortfall needed for its completion. This decision puts the debut title from Nagoshi Studio in doubt and may lead to the studio's closure. Nagoshi is reportedly seeking new investors to salvage the project.
