Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does a business have to be incorporated prior to applying?
A: No. Part of the process of the program is learning more about the incorporation process and assessing your readiness.
Incorporated teams are still eligible. We have accepted applicants in the past who have very recently incorporated or have incorporated but haven’t moved far beyond that step. If you are unsure if you qualify based on this criteria, reach out to us and we can discuss it in more detail.
Q: Can there be more than 2 co-founders participating in the program?
A: The cap for participating co-founders is 2 based on available resources. This includes collectives or non-hierarchical groups without a single founder - up to two members may participate.
Q: Can there be co-founders who are not Canadian?
A: Yes, as long as you plan to start a Canadian studio and one co-founder is Canadian. (see eligibility criteria below)
Q: Can/should I apply if I’m currently employed at another studio?
A: Yes. You are still eligible to apply. The program is part-time (~15 hours a week) and remote to support you participating at your own pace. You know your schedule and capacities best!
Q: Is any in-person participation expected?
A: No. Damage Labs is fully a remote program. While successful applicants will be offered the use our Toronto office, there is no in-person participation required.
Q: I have received some kind of funding/support for my product or studio. Am I still eligible?
A: Yes. Damage Labs is not an exclusive program.
Q: The eligibility section says I must “intend to start a studio within one year”. I don’t have a detailed plan. Can I still apply?
A: Yes. The program will walk you through the skills and resources to get a studio started. In your application we are looking for your mandate and what you hope the studio will achieve rather than a traditional business plan.
Q:Does the social and cultural impact have to come from the products the studio creates or can the studio itself be the source of change (e.g. fair/inclusive workplace)?
A: There is no requirement for the social/cultural benefit to come from a product. We have left it up to you to decide where the impact will originate.
The “impact” definition is deliberately vague and we’re excited to learn about what kinds of impacts you are hoping to achieve with your studio.
Q: If I’m a solo-dev or part of a tiny team, is Damage Labs a good fit for me?
A: Yes. The goal is to create a sustainable business, and if that means working alone or in a small team, we want to hear about it!
Q:Do I need game experience to apply?
A: No. We actively encourage newcomers to the industry to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
- You live in, or are a permanent resident or citizen of Canada.
- Your team is led by a person who belongs to an underrepresented identity group
- You have recently started or intend to start an independent game or interactive media studio within one year
- Your goal is to commercialize your own original IP or technology
- You have under a year of experience as a founder or owner of a business that primarily designs and develops games
- You have not received commercial funding or repayable investment for a game project within the last 5 years
[this does not include grant funding] - You're able to devote 15 hours per week to the program
[This includes weekly workshops, one-on-one coaching, group work sessions, and other programming]
If you have any questions about eligibility, the program curriculum, or the application process, please reach out to us by clicking the Contact Us button below OR you can book time to chat with our Program Director at [email protected]
