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Funding Opportunity for Vertical Slice and Early Access Game Development (Australia)

Deadline: 16-Mar-2026

Screen Territory is offering funding of up to AUD $30,000 to support game developers in building a polished core gameplay experience that reflects the full release vision. The program supports premium, free-to-play, and live-ops entertainment games aimed at mass audiences. Eligible applicants must be Australian citizens and Northern Territory (NT) residents, or NT-registered companies, and must meet strict eligibility and documentation requirements.

Screen Territory is providing funding of up to AUD $30,000 to help game developers create a polished core gameplay experience. The funding is designed to support projects that clearly demonstrate how the final game will function, engage players, and represent the intended full release product.

The initiative supports the growth of the Northern Territory’s interactive entertainment industry by enabling developers to refine gameplay mechanics and strengthen market readiness.

Funding Focus Areas

The program supports:

  • Premium games

  • Free-to-play games

  • Live-ops development

  • Entertainment games targeting a mass audience

The objective is to help developers present a strong, playable experience that reflects the core gameplay of the final product.

Funding Amount

  • Up to AUD $30,000 per project

Funding is intended to support the development of a polished and representative gameplay build.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Individual Applicants

  • Must be an Australian citizen

  • Must be a Northern Territory resident

  • Must be over 18 years of age

Business Applicants

  • Must be a Northern Territory-registered company

  • May apply on behalf of genuine co-productions with non-NT companies

General Eligibility Conditions

All applicants must:

  • Not be in default on previous grants or obligations with Screen Territory or Northern Territory Government agencies

  • Demonstrate the legal right and capacity to carry out the project

  • Hold or secure necessary copyright and clearances

  • Act in good faith

  • Not be associated with a broadcaster

  • Not have conflicts of interest with the Northern Territory Government

  • Not be current students enrolled in film or digital media courses

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. CVs and Biographies

  • One-page CV and bio for the applicant

  • One-page CV and bio for each key creative team member

2. Chain of Title Documentation

Proof of ownership or legal rights to develop the project.

3. Creative Pitch (Maximum 10 Pages)

The pitch must include:

  • Game title

  • Project introduction

  • Gameplay mechanics

  • Visual style

  • Player progression systems

  • Audio direction

  • Development team overview

4. Project Plan

The project plan must outline:

  • Target platforms

  • Income generation strategy

  • Audience strategy

  • Competitor and market analysis

  • Evidence of interested distributors or publishers (if applicable)

  • Required licenses and development kits

  • Company details and ABN (if applying as a business)

  • Development timeline with key milestones

  • Budget, including Northern Territory expenditure

  • Stipulated deliverables

What the Funding Supports

This funding enables developers to:

  • Strengthen core gameplay mechanics

  • Demonstrate market viability

  • Improve investor or publisher readiness

  • Advance projects toward full-scale production

  • Contribute to the growth of the Northern Territory’s digital games sector

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding is available?

Up to AUD $30,000 per project.

2. Who can apply?

Australian citizens who are NT residents, or NT-registered companies.

3. Can companies partner with non-NT developers?

Yes, if it is a genuine co-production.

4. Are students eligible?

No. Current students in film or digital media courses are not eligible.

5. What types of games are supported?

Premium, free-to-play, live-ops, and mass-market entertainment games.

6. Is proof of copyright required?

Yes. Applicants must demonstrate legal rights to develop the project.

7. What must be included in the creative pitch?

A 10-page pitch covering gameplay, visuals, progression, audio, team details, and overall concept.

Conclusion

Screen Territory’s game development funding provides up to AUD $30,000 to help Northern Territory developers create a polished and representative core gameplay experience. By supporting premium, free-to-play, and live-ops games, the program strengthens project viability and contributes to the growth of the NT interactive entertainment industry. Applicants must meet strict residency, eligibility, and documentation requirements to qualify.

For more information, visit Screen Territory.