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Open Call for Emerging Gamemakers Fund (Australia)

Deadline: 27-Aug-26

The Emerging Gamemakers Fund provides grants of up to AUD 30,000 to support Australian independent gamemakers and teams developing original digital game prototypes or completing micro-scale games. The program encourages creative innovation, artistic experimentation, and greater diversity in Australia’s games industry while supporting projects with strong creative merit and inclusive design.

Emerging Gamemakers Fund

The Emerging Gamemakers Fund supports Australian independent game developers in creating original digital games that showcase innovation, creativity, and artistic experimentation.

The program helps both emerging and established gamemakers develop prototypes or complete small-scale games while promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility across the Australian games industry.

Program Objectives

The Emerging Gamemakers Fund aims to:

  • Foster creative innovation in the Australian games sector.
  • Encourage artistic experimentation in digital game development.
  • Support the creation of original digital games.
  • Increase diversity of voices and experiences represented in games.
  • Promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA).
  • Expand opportunities for underrepresented creators and audiences.
  • Strengthen Australia’s independent game development community.

Grant Amount

Eligible applicants may request:

  • Up to AUD 30,000 per project.

Additional funding information includes:

  • Maximum total project budget: AUD 500,000.
  • At least 90% of the grant must be spent on development activities taking place in Australia.

Eligible Projects

Funding supports:

  • Development of original digital game prototypes.
  • Completion and public release of micro-scale digital games.

Eligible platforms include:

  • PC.
  • Mobile devices.
  • Game consoles.
  • Virtual Reality (VR).

Projects should demonstrate originality, creativity, and clear artistic or commercial potential.

Eligible Activities

Grant funding may be used for:

  • Game development.
  • Prototype creation.
  • Programming.
  • Art and animation.
  • Audio production.
  • Design and testing.
  • Staffing costs.
  • Other development-related expenses.
  • Marketing costs for projects intended for public release.

Eligibility Criteria

Individual Applicants

Applicants must:

  • Be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
  • Be registered for GST if legally required.
  • Control the intellectual property rights required to complete the project.

Company Applicants

Companies must:

  • Be incorporated in Australia.
  • Have central management and control located in Australia.
  • Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN).
  • Be registered for GST where legally required.
  • Control the rights necessary to undertake the project.

Project Requirements

Projects must:

  • Be under the key creative control of Australians.
  • Be predominantly developed in Australia.
  • Demonstrate originality and creative merit.
  • Be beyond the ideation stage.
  • Meet all eligibility requirements outlined by Screen Australia.

Ineligible Projects

The following projects are not eligible:

  • Projects still at the idea or concept stage.
  • Projects that have already received certain Screen Australia games funding.
  • Games not designed to be played on a digital device.
  • Business-to-business (B2B) software products.
  • Projects led by, or significantly dependent on, full-time students.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated by a panel of internal and external industry specialists.

Assessment is based on:

Creative Merit

The originality, artistic quality, innovation, and creative vision of the project.

Viability

The feasibility of delivering the project successfully within the proposed budget and timeline.

Impact

The potential contribution to the Australian games industry, audiences, and creators.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA)

The project’s commitment to inclusive practices, diverse representation, and accessibility.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

  • A pitch video.
  • A creative pitch deck.
  • A project plan.
  • Team CVs.

Projects involving First Nations content must also provide any additional documentation required by Screen Australia.

Assessment Process

Applications are assessed through a competitive review process by industry specialists.

Applicants can expect:

  • Notification of funding outcomes approximately 12 weeks after the application deadline.
  • Successful applicants to enter into a Project Grant Agreement with Screen Australia.

Program Benefits

The Emerging Gamemakers Fund helps developers to:

  • Build original digital game prototypes.
  • Complete independent game projects.
  • Experiment with new creative ideas.
  • Develop professional skills.
  • Reach new audiences.
  • Strengthen Australia’s independent games industry.
  • Increase diversity and inclusion within game development.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

  • Demonstrating a unique creative vision.
  • Presenting a realistic development plan and budget.
  • Clearly explaining the project’s artistic and industry impact.
  • Showing technical capability to complete the project.
  • Highlighting commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
  • Preparing a compelling pitch video and presentation materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Emerging Gamemakers Fund?

Australian citizens, permanent residents, and Australian-incorporated companies with an ABN may apply, provided they meet all eligibility requirements.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request up to AUD 30,000 per project.

What types of games are supported?

The fund supports original digital game prototypes and micro-scale digital games developed for platforms such as PC, mobile, consoles, and VR.

Can funding be used for marketing?

Yes. Marketing expenses are eligible for projects intended for public release.

What projects are not eligible?

Projects at the ideation stage, non-digital games, business-to-business products, projects that have already received certain Screen Australia games funding, and projects led by or heavily reliant on full-time students are not eligible.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are evaluated based on creative merit, project viability, potential impact, and alignment with equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility objectives.

Conclusion

The Emerging Gamemakers Fund provides up to AUD 30,000 to help Australian independent gamemakers develop innovative digital game prototypes and complete micro-scale games. By supporting creative experimentation, diverse storytelling, and inclusive game development, the program strengthens Australia’s independent games industry while creating opportunities for emerging and established developers to bring original ideas to life.

For more information, visit Screen Australia.