Silicon Knights & Digital Extremes receive CAD 500,000 each @ Gaming Target

Written by Patrick Mulhern on February 15, 2008

News: Canadian developers chosen for Video Game Prototype Initiative.

Silicon Knights, maker of Too Human and Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, has announced that they have received CAD 500,000 to help fund their new psychological action thriller. The untitled third-person action title is scheduled for release sometime in 2010 on Уall next generation systems.Ф

But that's not all. The Ontario Media Development Corporation which sponsors the Video Game Prototype Initiative has also granted CAD 500,000 to fellow Canadian developer Digital Extremes. The Dark Sector creators will be putting the money towards a third-person action title as well, only their title will have an "old-school horror theme". DE's currently untitled project will ship for PC, PS3 and 360.

"Digital Extremes is honoured to have been chosen to participate in the Video Game Prototype Initiative," said Michael Schmalz, Chief Financial Officer, Digital Extremes. "We feel that programs such as the VGPI will enable Ontario game developers to take more financial and creative control over major game development projects and help ensure the benefits of these projects stay in Ontario. We look forward to collaborating with the OMDC on this and hopefully other projects in the future."

"We believe that Ontario, and Niagara in particular, is an excellent place for a company to thrive, and, with the OMDC's funding through the Video Game Prototype Initiative, it clearly shows that the Ontario government is on the same page," said Denis Dyack, President and founder of Silicon Knights.

"Ontario's best natural resource is our people, and with all the great universities and colleges in Ontario, there's an abundance of bright and creative talent. Most of Silicon Knights' team are graduates of Ontario colleges and universities, and our team members are the best and brightest in their fields. This grant will encourage this great talent to stay within Ontario."

Oddly enough both of the company's leaders are thankful for the free money.