Mad Crusader, a Cyprus-based pioneering Game IP incubator, announced that it accepts enrollment applications for the Second Batch of its Game IP Incubation Program, set to begin on October 21, 2024.
This 8-month remote online program is designed for aspiring entertainment franchise directors, taking them from initial concept to a comprehensive business documentation package for a game with franchise potential.
The program’s first batch, which ran from October 2023 to May 2024, successfully graduated 10 participants. These graduates developed original IP concepts spanning genres Stealth, Action RPG, FPS in Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Cyberpunk settings.
Mad Crusader is backed by $200,000 of the founders’ own investments and will invest $30M in 4 rounds within 2 years. This funding will further develop graduates concepts into commercial products with franchise potential. The program’s residents and investors will have an equity stake in the product (AA, Premium Model, PC) and an equity share in Mad Crusader’s game development holding.
“We founded Mad Crusader because we believe we have a solution to the biggest paradox in today’s global entertainment industry: everyone wants new IPs, but no one wants to invest, because it is a risk.
Our program democratizes IP creation, tapping into the vast creative potential of talents worldwide who may not have access to traditional educational or industry pathways.”
Yarr Rash, Founder and CEO of Mad Crusader
The World Builders program offers participants highly personalized training equivalent to a Master’s program in IP and entertainment product management.
Mad Crusader’s unique approach divides the traditionally risky process of IP development into three manageable components: a trained Game Director, an IP Bible & Design Document, and collaboration with a production company experienced in the chosen genre and technology.
Key features of the Mad Crusader World Builders program:
- A comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of entertainment franchise development
- Mentorship from industry veterans with an average of 20+ years of experience
- Focus on creating Transferable IPs suitable for multimedia adaptation
- Post-program support including fundraising and production vetting
Mad Crusader’s innovative model aims to accelerate the time-to-market for new entertainment franchises, allowing for a more diverse and rapid influx of fresh IPs into the global market.
The company was founded by industry veterans including:
- Yarr Rash (CEO) – Ex-publishing director in Wargaming. 20 years of experience in strategic product management and marketing, working with entertainment franchises such as EverQuest, PlanetSide, Battlefield, FIFA, World of Tanks, Max Payne, and Civilization;
- Al King (VP Brand & Marketing) – Ex-brand director EA and Wargaming. International Marketing professional with extensive experience in games, virtual world, online and home entertainment marketplaces gained in market leading organizations like Electronic Arts, 20th Century Fox and Wargaming;
- Jacob Beucler (VP Game Development) – Ex-producer Midway Games, LEGO and Wargaming. 20 years experience in building teams, developing and shipping games within world class franchises like Thief, Deus Ex, Mortal Kombat, Blitz, LEGO Universe, Master of Orion and Ashes of Creation.
The board of directors of Mad Crusader consists of 15 industry professionals with extensive experience to guide the next generation of entertainment creators.
The need for new IPs is evident across the entertainment industry. According to Box Office Mojo data, while the global box office revenue for 2023 showed stable growth, compared to previous period, 8 out of the top 10 highest-grossing movies worldwide were part of established franchises or adaptations of existing properties. This highlights the industry’s reliance on established franchises and need for new IPs.
About Mad Crusader
Mad Crusader is Cyprus-based Game IP incubator and production company dedicated to revolutionizing IP creation in the global entertainment industry. Through its World Builders program, the company aims to democratize access to high-quality training and support for aspiring entertainment franchise directors worldwide.
