Prototype Grant for Game Development in Australia

Deadline: 16-Mar-2026

The Northern Territory Prototype Grant provides up to $10,000 to support game developers in bringing innovative concepts closer to market readiness. It focuses on premium and free-to-play games, live-ops, and entertainment games, emphasizing competitive differentiation and gameplay innovation. Applications close according to Screen Territory timelines and require detailed project plans and supporting documentation.

Program Overview

The Prototype Grant is designed to assist game developers in the Northern Territory in creating early-stage prototypes that showcase core gameplay mechanics, unique features, and competitive differentiators.

Key Objectives

• Support innovative and competitive game concepts

• Enable early-stage development to reach market readiness

• Foster growth of the Northern Territory game development industry

Funding Details

• Grant amount: Up to $10,000 per application

• Eligible purposes: Development work that illustrates gameplay, mechanics, and differentiators from market competitors

• Supports premium and free-to-play games, live-ops development, and entertainment games targeting a mass audience

Eligibility Criteria

For Individuals:

• Must be Australian citizens

• Must be Northern Territory residents

• Must be 18 years or older

For Companies:

• Must be Northern Territory-based, except in approved co-production arrangements

• All key creative team members must meet the eligibility criteria above

General Restrictions:

• Applicants must not be in default or breach obligations with Screen Territory or other Northern Territory Government agencies

• Must act in good faith and demonstrate capacity, resources, and rights to execute the project

• Ineligible applicants: Broadcasters, employees of broadcasters, NT Government employees with conflicts of interest, tertiary students in film, TV, or interactive digital media courses

• Outstanding acquittals or contractual obligations must be resolved before applying

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

1. CVs and Bios – One-page summaries for the applicant and key creative team members

2. Chain of Title – Proof of project rights

3. Creative Pitch (10 pages) – Including:

   • Title and project introduction

   • Gameplay mechanics overview

   • Visual and audio overview

   • Game progression summary

   • Team summary

4. Project Plan – Including:

   • Intended platforms for release

   • Revenue generation or monetization strategy

   • Audience plan and market analysis

   • Competitor analysis

   • Evidence of distributor or publisher interest

   • Required licenses, approvals, and development kits

   • Company details, ABN, and legal structure

   • Development timeline with milestones

   • Budget breakdown including Northern Territory expenditure

   • Defined project deliverables

Who Should Apply?

• Early-stage game developers in the Northern Territory

• Teams or individuals with innovative gameplay concepts

• Developers seeking proof-of-concept funding to position their games competitively

Benefits of the Grant

• Provides critical early-stage funding to realize game concepts

• Helps developers demonstrate unique mechanics and market differentiation

• Strengthens the Northern Territory’s interactive entertainment ecosystem

• Increases opportunities for further investment or publishing deals

FAQs

1. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to $10,000 per project.

2. Who is eligible to apply?
Australian citizens and Northern Territory residents over 18, or NT-based companies. Co-productions with external partners may be eligible under specific conditions.

3. Are students eligible?
No. Students currently enrolled in film, television, or interactive digital media courses are ineligible.

4. What must be included in the Creative Pitch?
Title, introduction, gameplay mechanics, visual and audio overview, progression, and team summary.

5. Can I apply if I have outstanding obligations with Screen Territory?
No. All outstanding acquittals or contractual obligations must be resolved, or an alternative arrangement agreed with Screen Territory.

6. What types of games are supported?
Premium games, free-to-play games, live-ops development, and mass-market entertainment games.

7. Is evidence of publisher interest required?
Yes. Applications must include proof of distributor or publisher interest as part of the project plan.

Conclusion

The Northern Territory Prototype Grant provides a vital opportunity for developers to transform innovative game concepts into tangible prototypes, helping position their projects for market success. With comprehensive support for early-stage development, the grant strengthens the Territory’s gaming industry, fosters creativity, and encourages innovation in interactive entertainment.

For more information, visit Screen Territory.