Make & Publish
At MAGIC, we believe that we learn by making. We offer paid programs for RIT students and local indie developers to bring their ideas to life, while receiving industry mentorship and access to state-of-the-art tools. Explore our programs below!
Maker Program
The goal of the MAGIC Maker program is to provide students with the funding and support to manage their own digital media (games, film, digital media, interactive experiences, digital design and more) projects and prepare them for publication and investment-readiness.
Key dates, fall 2022:
• Applications open: (week 6 or 7) June 13
• Deadline for applications: July 10
• Application review: July 11
• Finalist interviews: July 12-15
• Participant notification: July 15
• Fall semester begins: TBD
• Fall semester concludes: TBD (Final exams)
Community Incubator Program
The goal of the Incubator program is to assist indie developers in Rochester who are developing IP for commercial release. Utilizing a spectrum of resources, MAGIC helps developers in all forms of developing and publishing their game.
- Deadline for applications: May 15
- Participant notification: May 20
- Incubator program begins: May 30
Maker Program
The goal of the MAGIC Maker program is to provide students with the funding and support to manage their own digital media (games, film, digital media, interactive experiences, digital design and more) projects and prepare them for publication and investment-readiness.
What do I need to apply? (this link remains live even when applications are closed to serve as a reference)
Summer 2025 Process Dates:
- Applications open: Friday, March 7
- Deadline for applications: Friday, March 28 (11:59PM)
- Application review: Friday, April 4
- Finalist interviews: April 7-11
- Participant notification: April 18
- Spring term ends: May 7
- Summer term begins: Wednesday, May 14
- Summer term concludes: August 12 (last day of finals)
Community Incubator Program
The goal of our Community Incubator Program is to assist indie developers in the Greater Rochester area (including the Finger Lakes and Western New York) who are developing games. We are excited to extend our reach and support beyond the RIT campus: this unique opportunity is for individuals who are not currently RIT students, staff, or faculty.
Application Timeline
- Applications due: May 19th
Program Highlights
- Access to funding up to $10,000
- Mentorship and publishing support from our Digital Game Hub Coordinator
- Access to a broad network of game industry professionals
- Opportunity for residency at RIT MAGIC Spell Studios where you will have access to hardware/software as well as the opportunity to work alongside students and faculty
Traver Creative Technologist Founders Program
Year 3 of the Traver Program is underway! This year we are excited to collaborate with the RIT student organization, Brick Hack for their 11th annual event taking place February 22-23. As a sponsor of this year's event, we are offering the winning RIT dev or team of RIT students access to our program which includes:
- Up to 15K stipend funding during a two-semester residency with MAGIC to bring the project to market
- Mentorship + Coaching
- Your residency in MAGIC can qualify for summer and/or fall '25 Co-op for your team
Note: awarded projects must emphasize technology development for creative industries.
What kinds of projects can I make?
We support a wide variety of digital media projects. Want to see what previous program participants have created with us? Check out our portfolio!