Screen Queensland has continued its run of big announcements, this time revealing the local games sector will receive a boost via its new Games Grants Program.
The Games Grants Program is designed to support the growth of Queensland’s digital games industry and provide financial support to Queensland-based games projects at various stages including prototype, early access and full launch.
Prototype payments are capped at $20,000. This increases to $50,000 for Vertical/ Early Access, and again to $90,000 for Full Game Release.
At least 75% of the production team must be based in Queensland.
Screen Queensland said the amount requested “should be commensurate with the experience of the team, the scope of the work proposed, the market/ audience for the project, the contribution provided by the applicant and any other funding sources.
The Games Grants can be used for costs including staffing, game development and release, and licensing and legal. Games Grants can also be used for costs associated with marketing the project and engaging a mentor to support with creative, technical or business elements of the project.
The new Games Grants Program from Screen Queensland replaces the existing games funding via the Screen Finance Program, which has supported the state’s indie games sector since 2015. It also comes off the back of Screen Queensland’s Digital Games Incentive, which offers a 15% rebate for eligible games that spend a minimum of $250,000 in the state.
Kylie Munnich, CEO of Screen Queensland, said the new Games Grants Program is the next step to expanding the local games sector and ensuring a deeper, more customised approach to supporting homegrown, diverse talent.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
The Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA) provided industry data and consultation during the development of the Games Grants Program.
Ron Curry, CEO of IGEA, applauded Screen Queensland for consulting, listening and taking action in the games industry.
“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,” Curry said.
Screen Queensland funding has recently supported Witch Beam’s game “Unpacking”, which won two BAFTA Awards in London earlier this month.
This round of funding is open for applications until Sunday, May 8.
This latest move from Screen Queensland comes after it revealed it had lured “The Bachelor” franchise to film on the Gold Coast and unveiled new funding for North and Far North Queensland screen businesses.
