Deadline: 26-May-2026
The PAX Market Support Program provides funding assistance to NSW-based independent game developers to showcase their digital games at PAX Australia 2026 in Melbourne. The initiative aims to strengthen the digital games sector by supporting industry visibility, investment opportunities, career growth, and long-term sustainability for independent game creators.
Program Overview
The PAX Market Support Program is designed to support independent digital game developers based in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The initiative is delivered by Screen NSW in partnership with PAX Australia and aims to create opportunities for game developers to exhibit their projects at one of the major gaming events in the region.
The program focuses on increasing visibility for independent developers and creating pathways for networking, industry recognition, and market engagement. It also seeks to strengthen the digital games ecosystem by supporting the growth and sustainability of emerging game businesses.
Focus Areas and Program Objectives
The program supports several strategic objectives related to the growth of the digital games sector.
Key objectives include:
• Accelerating the growth of the NSW digital games industry
• Supporting independent game development companies
• Increasing industry recognition and visibility
• Creating investment opportunities for game projects
• Supporting career development for game developers
• Improving sustainability within the digital games sector
• Encouraging participation in gaming exhibitions and market events
• Strengthening industry engagement and networking opportunities
Key Concepts Explained
Independent game developers are individuals or small companies that create digital games outside large commercial gaming studios. These developers often focus on original projects and innovative gaming experiences.
Game exhibitions are events where developers present playable versions of games to audiences, publishers, investors, media representatives, and industry professionals.
Industry sustainability refers to creating long-term growth opportunities for developers through market exposure, business support, networking, and investment opportunities.
Playable game projects are games that have reached a development stage where users can interact with and experience gameplay features during exhibitions or demonstrations.
How the Program Works
Selected applicants will receive exhibition support to showcase their projects at PAX Australia 2026.
The process includes:
- Applicants submit an application under the PAX Market Support Program
- Applications are reviewed according to eligibility and programme requirements
- Up to 10 eligible applicants are selected
- Successful applicants receive a subsidised exhibition pod package
- Developers exhibit their playable games at PAX Australia in Melbourne
- Participants engage with visitors, industry professionals, and potential investors during the event
The exhibition will take place at PAX Australia in Melbourne from 9–11 October 2026.
Funding Information
The programme provides exhibition funding support for selected applicants.
Funding details include:
• Total funding pool: $21,500 excluding GST
• Individual exhibition pod value: $2,150 excluding GST
• Number of supported participants: Up to 10 independent game developers
• Funding type: Fully subsidised PAX Rising exhibition pod package
Successful participants will receive exhibition space within a dedicated Screen NSW exhibition section.
Who is Eligible?
The programme is open to eligible NSW-based independent developers and companies.
Eligible applicants include:
• NSW-based companies incorporated and registered in Australia
• Companies with no more than five full-time equivalent employees
• Individual applicants aged over 18 years
• Applicants residing in NSW for at least six months before application
• Applicants with an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Applicants who own or control rights to the game project
• Applicants with a playable game ready for exhibition
Who is Not Eligible?
The following applicants are not eligible:
• Full-time students
• Educational institutions
• Government screen agency employees
• Applicants breaching existing NSW Government funding agreements
Why This Opportunity Matters
Independent game developers often face challenges in obtaining visibility and accessing investment opportunities. Industry events provide important opportunities to present projects directly to audiences and professionals.
Potential benefits include:
• Increased public exposure for games
• Stronger networking opportunities
• Greater industry recognition
• Potential investment discussions
• Career development opportunities
• Increased market visibility for independent developers
What Applicants Need to Do
Applicants selected for the programme are expected to actively participate during the exhibition.
Requirements include:
• Attend the event in Melbourne
• Manage and operate the assigned exhibition pod
• Present the game during the event
• Engage with visitors and industry stakeholders
• Cover travel and accommodation expenses independently
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid common issues that may affect eligibility or participation.
Common mistakes include:
• Applying without a playable game version
• Not holding an active ABN
• Failing to demonstrate ownership or control of game rights
• Assuming travel and accommodation costs are covered
• Submitting applications despite not meeting residency requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the PAX Market Support Program?
The programme supports NSW-based independent game developers by providing opportunities to exhibit games and strengthen industry growth.
How many developers will receive support?
Up to 10 eligible independent game developers will be selected.
What does selected funding cover?
Selected participants receive a fully subsidised PAX Rising exhibition pod package.
When will PAX Australia 2026 take place?
The event is scheduled for 9–11 October 2026 in Melbourne.
Do applicants need a completed game?
Applicants must have a playable game ready for exhibition.
Are travel expenses covered under the programme?
No. Participants must independently cover travel, accommodation, and related attendance costs.
Can students apply?
No. Full-time students are not eligible under this programme.
Conclusion
The PAX Market Support Program provides an opportunity for NSW-based independent game developers to increase visibility and participate in a major gaming exhibition. Through exhibition support and industry engagement opportunities, the initiative seeks to strengthen the digital games sector and create pathways for long-term growth and recognition.
For more information, visit Screen NSW.