The Queensland Government through Screen Queensland has announced the local games sector will receive another major boost with the launch of its new Game Grants Program.
Up to $90,000 in funding is available to support the growth of Queensland’s digital games industry. The new grants will provide financial support to Queensland-based games projects at various stages – prototype, early access and full launch.
This follows the recent launch of Screen Queensland’s Digital Games Incentive, which is the most competitive in Australia, offering a 15 per cent rebate for eligible games that spend a minimum of $250,000 in the state.
Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said the new Game Grants Program replaces the existing games funding via the Screen Finance Program, which has supported the state’s indie game sector since 2015.
“Our new Game Grants Program is the next step to expanding the local games sector, with a deeper, more customised approach to supporting homegrown, diverse talent,” said Ms Munnich.
“The seed funding adopts a tiered financial model to support Queensland practitioners at varying stages of their career – from emerging to established – as well as game projects at different phases of development.
“We are proud to support Queensland’s growing games sector with this new funding stream, and continue our commitment to talent by providing access to funding, major markets and conferences, and skills development opportunities.”
Screen Queensland’s Game Grants Program provides non-recoupable funding for Prototype, Vertical Slice/Early Access and Full Games Release, offering capped support of $20,000, $50,000 and $90,000 for each phase, respectively.
Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA) – Australia and New Zealand’s peak industry association for the digital games industry – provided valuable industry data and consultation during development of the grant guidelines.
IGEA CEO Ron Curry said the association applauds Screen Queensland for their increased commitment to the Queensland games development industry.
“Screen Queensland have consulted, listened and actioned impressive funding levers for the games industry,” said Mr Curry.
“We are confident that Queensland will see continued growth and employment in this sector, and expand on the excellent results and reputation achieved across the world from games that have been created locally.”
Recently supported games projects include Witch Beam’s BAFTA-award winning Unpacking, Team WIBY’s Phantom Abyss and Screwtape Studio’s Damsel.
The Screen Queensland Game Grants Program is now open to applications from both emerging and established game developers, with at least 75 per cent of the development team based in Queensland.
For more information about the grant and how to apply, please visit www.screenqueensland.com.au.
Top image: Witch Beam’s Tim Dawson and Wren Brier accepting BAFTA Games Award for Unpacking