Apply Now: Digital Games Seed Development Program (Australia)

Deadline: 23-Mar-2026

The Digital Games Seed Development Program in New South Wales provides grants of up to $30,000 to support early-stage digital game development. The program helps emerging and small-medium enterprise (SME) game creators advance original concepts, prepare for full-scale production, and build a sustainable, diverse NSW games sector.

Program Overview

This program is designed to assist NSW-based game creators in advancing early concept digital games to the next stage of development. Funding helps creators prepare projects for additional investment, develop prototypes, protect intellectual property, and grow talent pipelines within the NSW games sector.

Objectives

• Support early-stage development of original digital game IP

• Enable preparation for full-scale game development and funding opportunities

• Foster sustainable growth in the NSW game development industry

• Build a diverse pipeline of game development talent in New South Wales

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: Up to $30,000 per project

• Applicant Contribution: Additional funding required via personal resources, in-kind support, or third-party contributions

• Expenditure Requirements:

  • At least 90% of grant funds must go toward development costs

  • All expenses must occur within NSW and pay NSW-based recipients, contractors, or suppliers

Eligible Activities

Funding can support activities directly linked to digital game development, including:

• Staffing costs for game development

• Hardware and software purchases essential for project execution

• Licensing fees, legal costs for IP protection, and publishing agreements

• Business development, including mentoring and consultancy

• Technical scoping, market research, creative assessments

• Prototype development, micro-scale game creation, and pitch materials

Eligible Projects

• Fully digital games intended for public release

• Concept or early-stage development phase

• Platforms include console, desktop, tablet, mobile, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR)

• Both single-player and multiplayer games

Ineligible Projects

• Games involving gambling or unlawful gaming activities

• Advertising, research, corporate marketing, or B2B-focused games

• Educational or training games, curriculum-based games

• Games likely to be refused classification under Australian law

• Non-digital games or hybrid digital-physical games

Applicant Eligibility

Individuals

• Residents of NSW for at least six months prior to application

• Not full-time secondary or tertiary students

• Part-time students considered case-by-case

Companies

• Incorporated in Australia and registered in NSW

• Maintain central management and control within Australia

• Conduct business within Australia

• Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN)

Additional Restrictions

• Employees of federal, state, or territory government screen agencies are ineligible

• Applicants cannot be licensees under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 or related corporate bodies under the Corporations Act 2001

• Cannot employ full-time students studying game development or related fields

How to Apply

1. Confirm applicant eligibility based on residency, incorporation, and ABN requirements

2. Prepare a detailed development plan including budget, project milestones, and deliverables

3. Ensure project aligns with program objectives and eligible activities

4. Submit the application through the official NSW Digital Games Seed Development portal

Why This Program Matters

• Supports early-stage digital game creators in NSW

• Encourages innovation and creative risk-taking in gaming

• Prepares projects for future funding, publication, and market launch

• Builds a diverse talent pipeline and strengthens the NSW game industry

FAQs

1. Who can apply? Individual NSW residents or NSW-registered companies developing digital games.

2. What funding is available? Up to $30,000 per project, with additional applicant contribution.

3. Which types of games are eligible? Concept or early-stage digital games for public release, including console, mobile, desktop, VR, and AR.

4. Can educational games apply? No, curriculum-based or training games are ineligible.

5. Are students eligible? Full-time students cannot apply; part-time students may be considered.

6. Can international companies apply? No, companies must be incorporated in Australia and registered in NSW.

7. What can the funds cover? Development costs, staffing, hardware/software, IP protection, mentoring, prototypes, and pitch materials.

Conclusion

The Digital Games Seed Development Program empowers NSW-based game creators to develop original digital game concepts, prepare for full-scale production, and contribute to a sustainable, diverse local games sector. By funding early-stage development, the program fosters innovation, professional growth, and a competitive creative industry in New South Wales.

For more information, visit Screen NSW.