A unique IP-building framework aims to revolutionise the entertainment industry

Mad Crusader, a Cyprus-based game intellectual property (IP) incubator, this week announced that it is accepting enrollment applications for the second batch of its game IP Incubation Programme, set to begin on October 21, 2024.

According to the announcement, this 8-month remote online programme is designed for aspiring entertainment franchise directors, taking them from their initial concept to a comprehensive business documentation package for a game with franchise potential.

The company noted that the programme’s first batch, which ran from October 2023 to May 2024, successfully graduated 10 participants.

It added that these graduates developed original IP concepts spanning several genres, including stealth, action RPG, FPS in fantasy, sci-fi, as well as cyberpunk.

Mad Crusader is backed by $200,000 of the founders’ own investments and will invest $30 million in 4 rounds within 2 years.

This funding, the company explained, will further develop graduates’ concepts into commercial products with franchise potential.

Moreover, the programme’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,” said Yarr Rash, Founder and CEO of Mad Crusader.

“Our programme democratises IP creation, tapping into the vast creative potential of talents worldwide who may not have access to traditional educational or industry pathways,” he added.

The announcement also mentioned that the World Builders programme offers participants highly personalised training “equivalent to a Master’s programme in IP and entertainment product management”.

It further stated that “Mad Crusader’s unique approach divides the traditionally risky process of IP development into three manageable components”.

These include a segment on how to become a trained game director, how to create an IP bible and design document, as well as facilitating collaboration with a production company that is experienced in the chosen genre and technology.

The announcement also made note of the Mad Crusader World Builders programme’ comprehensive curriculum, which encompasses all aspects of entertainment franchise development.

Participants receive mentorship from industry veterans, each boasting over 20 years of experience, ensuring that the guidance is both rich and deeply informed.

The programme also places a strong emphasis on the creation of transferable intellectual properties (IPs) that are suitable for adaptation across multiple forms of media.

Post-programme support is provided, including assistance with 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 announcement stated.

The announcement also highlighted the fact that Mad Crusader was founded by seasoned industry professionals.

CEO Yarr Rash, who previously served as publishing director at Wargaming, brings 20 years of experience in strategic product management and marketing, with a portfolio that includes working on major entertainment franchises such as EverQuest, PlanetSide, Battlefield, FIFA, World of Tanks, Max Payne, and Civilization.

Joining him is Al King, the VP of Brand and Marketing, who is an ex-brand director at EA and Wargaming.

King is an international marketing expert with extensive experience in the games, virtual world, online, and home entertainment sectors, having worked with market leaders like Electronic Arts, 20th Century Fox, and Wargaming.

Completing the leadership trio is Jacob Beucler, the VP of Game Development, who is an ex-producer with Midway Games, LEGO, and Wargaming. He has 20 years of experience building teams and developing games within renowned franchises such as Thief, Deus Ex, Mortal Kombat, Blitz, LEGO Universe, Master of Orion, and Ashes of Creation.

Additionally, the board of directors of Mad Crusader consists of “15 industry professionals with extensive experience”, allowing them “to guide the next generation of entertainment creators”.

“The need for new IPs is evident across the entertainment industry,” the company noted.

“According to Box Office Mojo data, while the global box office revenue for 2023 showed stable growth, compared to the previous period, 8 out of the top 10 highest-grossing movies worldwide were part of established franchises or adaptations of existing properties,” it added.

“This highlights the industry’s reliance on established franchises and the need for new IPs,” the announcement concluded.