Digital Game Development Grant - Assessment Criteria

The Digital Game Development Grant supports eligible Saskatchewan applicants in the production of innovative and original digital games and eLearning properties.

The Assessment Criteria approved on April 1, 2023 for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year. Any amendments made after the fact will be posted here:

• June 14, 2023: Section 6
  • The definition of a “Key Team Member” was added: “A Saskatchewan resident who has significant influence over the creative, production, marketing plan, and/or business plan and is compensated in the project budget at $500 or more.”

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1. Design and Technical Elements / 20

Describe the design elements and programming, the user experience and interactivity. Remember to upload visual design, concept design, storyboards, etc.

This criterion is assessed by external reviewers.

2. Marketing Strategy /10

Provide a marketing and promotional strategy. Make sure to include the distribution modes (diversity and relevance of each model), the relevance of promotional activities, the level of interest by market channel partners, and/or the quality of the self-distribution plan.

This criterion is assessed by external reviewers.

3. The Team /10

• Personnel /6
  • Describe the experience and achievements of Project producers and management staff; creative and technical staff/contractors; and the marketing, promotion, and sales staff/contractors.
  • This criterion is assessed by external reviewers.
• Studio /4
  • Describe the experience and achievements of the studio and the commercial success of previous Projects.
  • This criterion is assessed by external reviewers.

4. Level of Saskatchewan Spend /2

50-75% Saskatchewan Spend = 1 point

75% Saskatchewan Spend = 2 points

This criterion is internally assessed.

5. Financial Viability of Project /3

Describe the financial stability in relation to the size of the project. How will the applicant finance the project and cash flow at each phase? Assessors will analyze the proposed budget, financial structure risk, and the project’s completion risk.

This criterion is assessed by external reviewers.

Total / 40

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5. BONUS – Budget and Financing /5

Projects with third-party investment will automatically receive the following points. Agreements need to be uploaded to your application in order to receive points.

10% to 14% = 1 point

15% to 19% = 2 points

20% to 24% = 3 points

25% to 29% = 4 points

30% or more = 5 points

This criterion is assessed internally by Creative Saskatchewan.

6. BONUS – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Parity /2

Please note if any key project team member self-identifies as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis), a visible minority, or disabled.

• A key team member is defined as a Saskatchewan resident who has significant influence over the creative, production, marketing plan, and/or business plan and is compensated in the project budget at $500 or more.

This criterion is assessed internally by Creative Saskatchewan.