Gaming

WINGS really, really wants to fund your neat indie video game

Aug 18, 2026 | 5 min read

The indie investor, which is committed to empowering women and gender-marginalized devs, is introducing new funding pathways for PC projects of all shapes and sizes.

WINGS, the investor focused on supporting women and gender marginalized developers, has rebranded and announced new financing pathways in a bid to offer more flexibility to prospective partners.

It's notable news in a funding climate that has become increasingly fraught for video game developers of all shapes and sizes.

The organization is ideally soliciting pitches for projects with a budget of $500,000 or less, including marketing expenses. Developers looking to pitch a project with a budget exceeding that total will need a confirmed finance plan if they hope to move forward.

WINGS is currently offering three forms of investment: white label, self-publishing, and finishing funds.

As noted in an FAQ, white label publishing is geared towards teams who aren't ready to self-publish or simply don't want to. Instead, it will provide support in the form of go-to-market strategy, paid advertising, content creation, business development, and more.

Self-publishing patnerships will see WINGS cover development, marketing, and other costs while providing a complete go-to-market strategy. Those who select this option, however, must be prepared to take responsibility for the execution of marketing, QA, localization, and more.

Finishing funds will provide teams close to release with a cash injection to help them cross the finish line. During an email exchange, WINGS CEO Astrid Refstrup told Game Developer this is the option for those with a budget of $100,000 or less and the ability to launch within three to six months.

WINGS has confirmed that developers will retain "full creative and business control" of their project irrespective of which option they choose.

"Every game is different and requires different support, so we prioritize flexibility and the right deal for everyone above fitting perfectly into one of our models. We like to be creative to find the best plan for everyone involved," reads the FAQ. "No matter what, all teams get a full go-to-market plan covering production, business development, marketing, post-release strategies and more."

Refstrup stressed that developers can pitch WINGS whenever they please—no need to worry about application rounds opening or closing—and explained the organization is always on the lookout for games that have commercial potential.

"The easiest way [to pitch] is through our online pitch form. It's a common misunderstanding that we have application rounds, similar to grants. But it's important to us to make clear that WINGS makes investments for profit—we invest in the best games that we believe have commercial potential. Our mission is, as always, to invest in women and gender-marginalized developers," she added.

Weighing in on the current state of funding, Refstrup feels there are now more investors interested in supporting specific models, genres, or production timescales—which might be why some developers are hearing the word 'no' more than usual.

"That can feel frustrating and be tricky to navigate, even if there's more money in general floating around now than previously," she added. "We welcome all new initiatives and funds that strive for fairer, more transparent models. Having investors and publishers who are experts within certain genres or funding types can benefit developers in those spaces."

Refstrup said investors must be "thoughtful" about the projects they back in order to ensure their own long-term future. The hope for WINGS is that by deploying a variety of funding models, more developers can secure the support that's right for them. In turn, that should allow WINGS to support more developers.

"Making the right investments means we can continue investing in even more women and gender-marginalized developers," said Refstrup. "It's really about long term sustainability and success for present and future developers. At WINGS, we're lucky we can build a broad portfolio—everything from a cozy relaxing simulation like Book Nook to a nostalgic, gritty souls-like with Prison of Husks. We love looking for unique, wonderful, weird games—but they have to be high quality and have high potential, or we risk that sustainability."

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton.

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Source: Chris Kerr · https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/wings-really-really-wants-to-fund-your-neat-indie-video-game