It took "a year" for Epic MegaGrants to reject our project.

[ergin3d]

We have been developing a game called ‘Despot Zombie’ and applied to Epic MegaGrants in May of last year. After waiting almost a year, we finally received an email that our project was not chosen.

While we’re disappointed, we’re curious to understand the extended review process. Epic MegaGrants states: ‘We strive to get back to you within 90 days of your submission, and in periods of high application volume, it may take a bit longer.’

Taking four times the stated timeframe is significantly more than ‘a bit longer.’ This extended wait is difficult to understand. What do you think?

[BIGTIMEMASTER (Aljav)]

at 90 days should send a polite email asking status, and once a month after that.

they can just ignore the email if its bothersome, but chances are you just fell through cracks and a reminder email might solve the issue.

[ergin3d]

We definitely emailed them several times after six months.

They got back to us on the first few inquiries, telling us that our review was in its last stage.

I recommend they fix / implement clearer guidelines for their review process.

This delay contributed (slightly) to my departure from my eight-year job. I believed in pursuing the Megagrants for a larger project, which conflicted with the company’s focus on smaller games, creating a division and tension with my boss.

While I’m confident about finding a new job, this experience underscores the ripple effects that decisions can have. Companies should be mindful of how trivial things “can” impact the lives of those involved.

[Alizia]

Megagrant applications are not reviewed.

The EpicMegaGrant is nothing than a joke and here is the proof. In December 2023, I applied for a EpicMegaGrant for the Youtube channel of my company. I made a video application (and provided the transcript, in English, just in case). The video has been watched by me right after and let like this, with 1 view. As time was pretty long for an answer, I asked via email few days ago if my application was still here (in case they had a problem or anything). I just received a negative answer. The p…

[ergin3d]

It’s not exactly a “spit in the face,” but rather a “wake-up call.”

MegaGrants is definitely well-intentioned, aimed at supporting developers, but money can complicate even the best intentions.

After all, isn’t the road to hell paved with good intentions?

[Alizia]

“MegaGrants is definitely well-intentioned”

Fixed : MegaGrants SHOULD LOOK LIKE is definitely well-intentioned. I would love to see one project supported by a MegaGrants recently which don’t have ten or hundred of thousands potential viewers able to see how it is SO well-intentioned…

Good luck.

[ergin3d]

Many developers have received funding for mediocre projects and failed to complete them, yet they applied again and secured additional funds.

Epic recently laid off around 830 employees, which is a significant number. These individuals have families to support and bills to pay. Meanwhile, we find ourselves just a bit late to the opportunity for funding that we might have secured.

I extend my gratitude and respect to the team at Epic for their efforts in sharing resources they could have kept for themselves.

However, they kept my company (the one I was working for) waiting for a year. This is my only frustration with them. I wish they had rejected my project within the first four months, allowing me more time to present my pitch deck to other investors.

This experience has been a valuable lesson and a compelling story for me. I plan to incorporate this situation into the narrative of my upcoming games.

Thank you.