Screen Tasmania’s Games Development Program (Australia)

Deadline: 05-Jul-2026

Screen Tasmania’s Games Development Program supports the development and production of interactive screen projects, including video games and apps for digital platforms. The program helps Tasmanian developers create finished products or attract further marketplace investment for development and production.

Funding is available through two streams: Conceptual Design, offering up to AUD 20,000 as a non-recoupable grant, and Production and Release, offering up to AUD 50,000 as a recoupable grant. Eligible projects must be substantially developed in Tasmania and include experienced team members with relevant published interactive screen credits.

What is the Screen Tasmania Games Development Program?

The Screen Tasmania Games Development Program is a funding opportunity for interactive screen projects.

The program supports the creation of video games, apps, and other interactive screen content for digital platforms.

It aims to help applicants develop, produce, and release market-ready interactive projects or secure further investment from the marketplace.

Main Purpose of the Program

The main purpose of the program is to support Tasmanian interactive screen creators and strengthen the local games and digital content sector.

The program supports projects that:

• Develop interactive screen content
• Create video games and digital apps
• Support narrative and non-narrative projects
• Retain Tasmanian intellectual property
• Explore new business models
• Develop compelling screen content
• Identify revenue streams
• Build market opportunities
• Attract further production or development investment

Supported Project Types

The program supports interactive screen projects across digital platforms.

Eligible project types may include:

• Video games
• Apps
• Interactive narrative projects
• Interactive non-narrative projects
• Digital platform-based screen content
• Projects with commercial or audience potential

Funding Streams

The Games Development Program offers funding through two streams.

1. Conceptual Design Stream

The Conceptual Design stream supports early-stage development work.

It provides a maximum non-recoupable grant of AUD 20,000 per project.

This stream may support activities such as:

• Project scoping
• Character design
• Level design
• Proof of concept
• Games Design Documents
• Prototypes
• Vertical slices
• Beta content

2. Production and Release Stream

The Production and Release stream supports production-ready projects.

It provides a maximum recoupable grant of AUD 50,000 per project.

Funding under this stream cannot exceed 50% of total development costs.

The value of in-kind services may be included in the project’s finance plan.

Applicants seeking more than AUD 50,000 must apply through the Production Support program.

Funding Amount

Funding depends on the stream.

• Conceptual Design: up to AUD 20,000 per project
• Production and Release: up to AUD 50,000 per project

The Conceptual Design stream is non-recoupable.

The Production and Release stream is recoupable.

Key Concepts Explained

Interactive Screen Project

An interactive screen project is digital content that allows users to engage with, control, or influence the experience. This may include games, apps, and other interactive media formats.

Games Design Document

A Games Design Document is a structured document that explains a game’s concept, mechanics, story, design, characters, levels, technical requirements, and production plan.

Prototype

A prototype is an early working version of a game or app used to test mechanics, design, user experience, and feasibility.

Vertical Slice

A vertical slice is a polished sample section of a game that shows the intended quality, gameplay, art, sound, and production approach.

Recoupable Grant

A recoupable grant is funding that may be recovered by the funder from future project revenues under agreed terms.

Non-Recoupable Grant

A non-recoupable grant does not need to be repaid or recovered from project income, provided the recipient meets the funding conditions.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet Screen Tasmania’s eligibility requirements.

Eligible applicants may include:

• Tasmanian resident development companies
• Tasmanian resident production companies
• Tasmanian companies co-developing with non-Tasmanian partners
• Tasmanian practitioners working as part of a Tasmanian-based team, for Conceptual Design only

Projects must be substantially developed in Tasmania and/or co-developed by a Tasmanian-based studio.

Team Experience Requirement

Each project must include at least one team member with relevant experience.

The team must include at least one person who has received a lead credit on a previously published interactive screen project relevant to the application.

This requirement helps ensure that funded projects have the experience needed to move from development to production or release.

What Costs or Projects Are Not Supported?

Screen Tasmania does not fund all types of costs or interactive projects.

The program does not support:

• Equipment purchases
• Software purchases
• Retrospective funding
• Projects that only reformat traditional media content
• Interactive projects that only provide utilities
• Interactive projects that only provide services
• Interactive projects that are only educational or informational

Developer Kits may be funded as an exception to the equipment and software restriction.

Funding Restrictions

Funding is not available retrospectively.

This means applicants should not apply for costs that have already been incurred before funding approval.

Applicants should plan their project timelines carefully and apply before undertaking funded activities.

How the Program Works

Applicants must choose the stream that matches their project stage.

Early-stage projects should apply under the Conceptual Design stream.

Production-ready projects should apply under the Production and Release stream.

The application should explain the project concept, team experience, Tasmanian connection, development plan, market opportunity, budget, and expected outcomes.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare a clear proposal that demonstrates eligibility, project readiness, and market potential.

Suggested Application Steps

1. Confirm that the applicant meets Screen Tasmania’s eligibility rules.
2. Identify whether the project fits the Conceptual Design or Production and Release stream.
3. Confirm that the project is an interactive screen project for a digital platform.
4. Show that the project is substantially developed in Tasmania or co-developed by a Tasmanian-based studio.
5. Confirm that at least one team member has a relevant lead credit on a previously published interactive screen project.
6. Prepare a clear project description and creative vision.
7. Develop a budget that matches the selected funding stream.
8. For Production and Release, ensure the request does not exceed 50% of total development costs.
9. Include in-kind services in the finance plan where relevant.
10. Explain market opportunities, revenue potential, or future investment potential.
11. Submit the application according to Screen Tasmania’s official requirements.

Expected Outcomes

Supported projects should help strengthen Tasmania’s interactive screen industry.

Expected outcomes may include:

• Completed game concepts
• Stronger prototypes
• Developed Games Design Documents
• Production-ready interactive projects
• Finished or release-ready games and apps
• Increased Tasmanian intellectual property
• Greater marketplace investment potential
• New revenue opportunities
• Stronger local development teams

Why It Matters

The Games Development Program helps Tasmanian creators build competitive interactive screen projects.

Games and interactive apps can generate cultural, creative, and commercial value.

By supporting early-stage development and production-ready projects, the program helps developers test ideas, build prototypes, improve market readiness, and release finished products.

It also helps retain Tasmanian intellectual property and grow the state’s creative digital economy.

Tips for Strong Applications

A strong application should clearly show the project’s creative strength, production readiness, and market potential.

Applicants should focus on:

• A clear interactive concept
• Strong creative design
• Relevant team experience
• A realistic development plan
• Strong Tasmanian involvement
• Clear intellectual property ownership
• Market and revenue potential
• A practical budget
• Evidence of audience or platform opportunity
• Clear next steps after funding

For Production and Release applications, applicants should show that the project is genuinely production-ready and has a credible pathway to release.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid submitting projects that do not fit the program’s interactive screen focus.

Common mistakes include:

• Applying for equipment or software purchases
• Applying for retrospective costs
• Submitting a project that only reformats traditional media
• Submitting a project that only provides a utility, service, education, or information
• Applying without a team member who has a relevant published lead credit
• Failing to show substantial Tasmanian development
• Requesting more than AUD 50,000 under this program
• Exceeding the 50% funding limit under Production and Release
• Providing a weak market or revenue plan
• Choosing the wrong funding stream

FAQ

What is the Screen Tasmania Games Development Program?

It is a funding program that supports interactive screen projects, including video games and apps for digital platforms.

What funding streams are available?

The program has two streams: Conceptual Design and Production and Release.

How much funding is available under Conceptual Design?

The Conceptual Design stream provides up to AUD 20,000 per project as a non-recoupable grant.

How much funding is available under Production and Release?

The Production and Release stream provides up to AUD 50,000 per project as a recoupable grant.

Can Production and Release funding cover the full project cost?

No. Production and Release funding cannot exceed 50% of total development costs.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include Tasmanian resident development or production companies, including those co-developing with non-Tasmanian partners. For Conceptual Design only, Tasmanian practitioners working as part of a Tasmanian-based team may also apply.

Are equipment and software purchases eligible?

No. Screen Tasmania does not fund equipment or software purchases, except for Developer Kits.

Conclusion

Screen Tasmania’s Games Development Program supports Tasmanian interactive screen creators working on video games, apps, and digital platform projects. With funding available for early conceptual design and production-ready projects, the program helps applicants create stronger prototypes, finished products, and market-ready interactive content.

Applicants should ensure their project is substantially developed in Tasmania, includes experienced team members, and fits the correct funding stream. Strong proposals will demonstrate creative vision, technical feasibility, Tasmanian intellectual property value, and a clear path toward release or further investment.

For more information, visit Tasmanian Government.