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Screen Queensland’s Games Grants

Applications are open until: 21 July 2024
Grants: Up to $200,000 are accessible for projects at different stages, including prototype, early access, and full release. Consider maximising the potential by securing up to $300,000 throughout the project’s lifetime.

Screen Queensland's Games Grants program supports the growth of the local digital games industry by providing funding to Queensland developers and studios. With grants of up to $200,000 available for projects spanning prototype, early access, and full launch, the uplift in the Games Grants program enables projects to secure a maximum of $300,000 in funding throughout their lifecycle.

Key Requirements

Funding caps for the Games Grants program vary based on the project’s production target.

For prototypes, the funding is capped at $20,000, emphasising the need to showcase core gameplay and the game’s key differentiator.
The vertical slice/early access stage has a funding cap of $100,000, requiring polished core gameplay that provides players with a representative experience of the full release.
Full game release funding is capped at $200,000 for a fully launched 1.0 version, with requested amounts aligning with team experience, project scope, target market/audience, and overall project contributions.

Projects can apply for funding at multiple rounds, targeting different production stages, with a total cap of $300,000 per project.

The grant is disbursed over milestones, providing financial support throughout development, and requires no repayment to Screen Queensland.

To strengthen applications, ensure the grant amount requested is matched by the applicant through cash, in-kind contributions, or other funding sources, all detailed in the application.

It’s crucial to utilise the grant solely for eligible costs, adhering to program guidelines and optimising project success.

What is eligible for funding?

Eligible costs include various aspects of the game development process, such as staffing costs, expenses related to the game’s development and release, licensing costs, and legal fees. This includes support for distribution, licensing, publishing agreements, and intellectual property protection. Additionally, the funding covers costs associated with project marketing, assisting with strategy, public relations, press kits, and localisation. Furthermore, the engagement of a highly experienced mentor is supported to assist key project personnel in creative, technical, or business elements of the project.

What companies are eligible for funding?

The Games Grants accept applications from emerging and established games developers, with a requirement that at least 75% of the development team be based in Queensland, unless an exemption is granted. This funding initiative specifically backs projects where Queensland-based games developers retain ownership of the subsequent intellectual property.

Eligibility criteria include:

being a Bona Fide Queensland game development company or individual
demonstrating ownership of the game’s intellectual property
not being a full-time undergraduate, honours, or masters student
proposed projects for education, training, advertising, marketing, tourism, or the media sector are not eligible
applicants cannot submit projects that have been previously declined funding by Screen Queensland unless significant reworking has occurred

The Grants accommodate various formats, including premium and free-to-play games, live-ops development, and entertainment games for a mass audience.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

Industry analysis presentation
Competitor Analysis Presentation
Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

This grant has expired

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