Tranzfuser is a programme focussed on supporting graduates in turning their game into a fully realised business by setting up a studio
University Studies at West Suffolk College has just launched a hub to help support a new generation of games designers set up a business.
Thanks to a link up with the UK Games Fund, the new creative nerve centre is called a Tranzfuser Hub.
Tranzfuser offers people who have graduated between 2023 and 2025 (and who are not currently in full time work) the chance to apply for a cash boost and mentorship from industry professionals.
The criteria states that teams of three to six people can put in an application for the programme, which in the first instance will be reviewed by the Hub, with one team being put forward to9 gain a chance to participate in the programme.
One successful team will then be chosen from the Hub where they will receive an initial £7.5k cash injection that will enable them to turn their idea into a successful business.
As well as receiving the money, the team will also be given the chance to attend events, network with business big hitters and learn from people who are currently working in industry.
At the end of the 12-week scheme, candidates get to pitch their final idea to UK Games Fund and Tranzfuser representatives and if successful at this stage, they will receive a further £25k boost to enable them to set up their own studio.
Ollie Brock from University Studies at West Suffolk College is leading on the project. The course director for digital creative said: “This is an opportunity for graduates to go through a business mentorship programme.
“You can sign up to get involved via the Tranzfuser website: Home – Tranzfuser.”
“Multiple teams can apply – they will go through a selection process and then one team will then be chosen.
“You have to be teams of three and six and 6 – you will have to have graduated between 2023 and 2025 and you can’t have worked in the industry for more than six months. You must have a UK postcode. (You can work part time not full time, and you have to demonstrate that you are committed to setting up a games studio).
“If you are serious about setting up your own studio then this is a fantastic opportunity that you can get for free that you wouldn’t get anywhere else (in this region).”
Iz Head, 23, Norwich works for Moss Monkey Games got onto the scheme last year.
Iz said: “We saw it as an opportunity to have a jumping point to make this our job – and this is something that we have been able to do. It was a fantastic opportunity to help us get there – we wouldn’t be in the same position without the opportunities, mentorship and networking that Tranzfuser has given us.”
“We initially got 7.5k that helped us get some equipment. It helped pay us a little bit of wages and enabled us to attend some events. At the end of it – we got £25k. It’s a good scheme to get your games polished. You also get so many connections – and you meet some really cool people.”
Zack Vernum, 22, from Bury St Edmunds also works for Moss Monkey Games. Zack said: “It (Tranzfuser) is an excellent launch pad for building up your studio and the networking opportunities are invaluable.”
Sam Haynes, 38, from Culford is on a video games course with University Studies at West Suffolk College. Sam is currently a barber and is in the process of retraining. In terms of retraining, Sam said: “I have a passion for making games – it brings me a lot of joy and there are opportunities now that weren’t available ten years ago.
In terms of attending the launch, Sam added: “I came along to learn more – and I aim to apply next year – it would be great to get the support.”
Sam Read-Graves from Hartest is a double Bafta nominated independent games developer who also came along to the launch. Sam said: “Tranzfuser is the first step to take people from education into industry – to have it in West Suffolk means it has a great reach – it’s a great resource for the whole of East Anglia.”
