Lansing-based studio receives incentive to develop team-based video game

Approved funds fulfill obligation of former film office program

LANSING, Mich. – “Tuebor,” a hybrid genre video game that draws on narrative role playing and team building, is eligible to receive a $202,571 incentive from the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office (MFDMO).  The incentive amount is based on an estimated total production, post production, publicity and advertising budget of $863,068. The studio currently employs 25 individuals in Michigan, equating to 13 full-time employees. 

“There are untapped opportunities for video-game developers who see the range of economic advantages of developing their products in Michigan, including access to talent in the digital industries,” said MFDMO Commissioner Jenell Leonard. 

Developed by newly established Lansing-based Strength in Numbers Studio, “Tuebor” is designed for broad consumer appeal and features a diverse range of video-game styles, including adventure, combat, fantasy, role-playing and strategy. 

“Strength in Numbers is among the leading wave of innovative gaming companies in Michigan that combine creativity and practical know-how with a keen understanding of how to compete in the expanding global gaming market,” said Leonard. 

The company joins game developers worldwide that generate a total of $99.6 billion in revenues in 2016, up 8.5 percent compared to 2015, according to Newzoo, a San Francisco-based company that compiles data on the international gaming industry. By 2019, the industry is expected to grow to $118.6 billion with the largest percentage increase among Smartphone users. 

In July of 2015, legislation was signed into law eliminating the program for film and digital media incentives. The incentive agreement for “Tuebor” was approved before the legislation took effect. 

Last year, MFDMO changed its name to reflect the broader emphasis on education, community outreach and development, and job creation in the digital media industries. Since then, several landmark projects have defined the new direction for the office, including forming a first-ever partnership with Google aimed at increasing awareness of the need to improve computer science proficiency among students; playing a key negotiating role in attracting Comedy Central series to Detroit; and, developing a mobile tour app based on “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” to attract tourists to movie location sites in Detroit. 

The revised office name, Michigan Film & Digital Media Office, represents a new chapter in the history of the Michigan Film Office, established in 1979 to assist in location scouting and creating a directory of the state’s film community. The office promotes the growth of Michigan’s film, television, digital media production and other creative industries. 

Beginning in 2008, tax credits were used to lure production companies to the state, and then in 2012, a cash-rebate incentive program was instituted. That incentive program was eliminated in July, 2015. 

For more information, please visit Michigan Film & Digital Media Office. 

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