The Games Grants are open to applications from both emerging and established games developers. At least 75% of the development team must be based in Queensland unless an exemption is granted.  

This fund supports projects where Queensland-based games developers retain ownership of the subsequent intellectual property.  

To be eligible, applicants must:  

• be a Bona Fide Queensland game development company or individual (as defined in Screen Queensland’s Terms of Trade);  
• be able to demonstrate that they are the IP creator and owner of the game. Commissioned projects are not eligible;  
• not be full-time undergraduate, honours or masters students;  
• not propose a project designed for the education, training, advertising, marketing, tourism or media sector;  
• not submit an application for a project that has been declined funding by Screen Queensland previously, except where it can be demonstrated the application has been significantly reworked prior to submitting. Projects that have been declined twice are not eligible;  
• not submit an application for a project that has not acquitted previous Screen Queensland funding; and  
• only submit one application per round.  

The following formats are eligible for the Grants:  

• premium and free-to-play games;  
• live-ops development; and  
• entertainment games for a mass audience.  

The following are ineligible for the Grants:  

• games that are not completely digital (boardgames or hybrid digital/physical games);   
• games that feature gambling or exploitative pay to win mechanics; 
• serious games, or games which are made for purposes other than pure entertainment;   
• games that are, in Screen Queensland’s opinion, likely to be refused classification under the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (Cth);  
• games designed to, in Screen Queensland’s opinion, predominantly or substantially market, promote or advertise a product or service; and  
• games designed primarily for educational or training purposes.    

Applications with team members in default with Screen Queensland are not eligible to apply until all previous funding has been acquitted. If you are not sure whether you are in default, contact Screen Queensland on (07) 3248 0500 or content@screenqld.com.au.   

In addition to meeting the requirements of this funding program, all applicants must adhere to the Screen Queensland Terms of Trade.   

The program aims to deliver benefits to people from all backgrounds with a focus on diversity and inclusion to provide opportunities to all. Screen Queensland encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from all under-represented backgrounds.   

Funding caps vary depending on the project production target.  

Prototype  

• Funding capped at $20,000.  
• Prototypes should illustrate core gameplay and the key differentiator of your game. A good prototype has ‘found the fun’.  

Vertical slice/Early access  

• Funding capped at $100,000.  
• This target should see polished core gameplay, where players can experience a good representation of full release gameplay.  
• Early Access may include targeting a Kickstarter campaign or releasing an incomplete, but playable, version of the game in Steam’s early access.  

Full game release   

• Funding capped at $200,000.  
• This is a fully launched 1.0 version of the game. The amount requested should be commensurate with the experience of the team, the scope of the work proposed, the market/audience for the project, and the contribution provided by the applicant and any other funding sources.  

A project may apply for funding at multiple rounds for different targets with a total funding cap of $300,000 per project. 

This program is grant-based, with no repayment to Screen Queensland required. The grant is paid over milestones, in the form of drawdowns, throughout development.  

The grant amount requested of Screen Queensland must be at least matched by the applicant. This can be through cash, in-kind (unpaid development of the project) and/or other funding sources. These matched amounts and other funding sources must be included in an application for the grant.  

The grant is only to be used as funding for eligible costs.   

Eligible costs include:  

• staffing costs and other costs associated with the game’s development and release;  
• licensing costs and legal fees. This includes assistance with distribution, licensing and publishing agreements, and intellectual property protection;  
• costs associated with marketing the project. This includes assistance with strategy, public relations, press kits and localisation; and 
• engagement of a highly experienced mentor to support key project personnel with creative, technical or business elements of the project.   

Screen Queensland will consider requests for support to port already released projects to new platforms, and to develop new downloadable content (DLC). Released projects requesting marketing and localisation costs must demonstrate, in Screen Queensland’s opinion, new and significant market opportunities to be considered. 

Required information 

Screen Queensland requires the following documents to assess an application. Incomplete applications will not be assessed:  

1. A creative pitch document   

This document focuses on key aspects of the game such as a core gameplay loop, differentiating features, artwork and other relevant details to describe a compelling game.   

As a general guide, this document should be approximately 10 pages. Applicants should research video game publisher pitch templates.  

It is suggested that you include the following:  

2. Title and introduction  

• Title Art/Logo/Concept Art.  
• One-line elevator pitch.  

3. Gameplay mechanics overview  

• Bullet points that summarise unique mechanics and features. Compare to existing games and how you differentiate.  
• Describe your core gameplay loop. Ideally with a diagram.  

4. Visual overview  

• An in-game art image or gif is ideal.  
• Mock-ups of in-game art from different parts of the game.   
• Overworld, level, characters.  
• Dot points about innovative or distinguishing visuals.  

5. Progression overview  

• Outline in dot points about how the game moves forward, keeping the player’s attention. Examples include: 

• • How are levels or story linked?  
  • How does the player evolve in-game? 

6. Audio/Sound  

• Explain how audio and SFX works with your game. Include any innovative features.  

7. Development team summary  

• Who are your team and what experience/skills do they have?  
• Experienced teams with a history of releasing commercial games create a much stronger application.   
• Outline any skill gaps you have and how you plan to address them.  
• Speak to upskilling opportunities where senior and junior developers are working together on the game.

8. A project plan document including:  

• Which platform/s will the game be released on? How will it generate income? 
• A development timeline of key milestones including the completion of the work. 
• Audience plan – who is your audience and how will you reach them? What is your release plan? 
• Competitor and market analysis – are there similar games in the market? What demand is there for your game? 
• Evidence of interested distributors/publishers (if relevant) – attach confirmation of attachment and deal terms. 
• Evidence of licenses, approvals and development kits (if relevant). 
• Game developer company details and ABN. 
• CVs and bios of key team members. 
• Applications for prototype funding should include a project advancement strategy, detailing immediate next steps after the prototype is completed.

9. Budget (using provided template) with Queensland expenditure included:  

Where team members or suppliers are reinvesting their fee, a list of budget line items and their associated position/service will be required, as well as a letter of commitment from each person that is reinvesting their fee (signed by the team member). The payment of reinvested fees should also be represented in the recoupment schedule.  

For Early access and Full production applications asking for more than $20,000:  

• Provide a video or trailer demonstrating the gameplay and features of your game (maximum of three minutes); and  
• A playable build of the game and a guide for our assessors to access relevant prototypes safely.   

How to apply 

1. Read the guidelines in conjunction with Screen Queensland’s Terms of Trade, paying special attention to the eligibility and assessment criteria for the Grant Program. Your team must pass all eligibility and strongly satisfy all assessment criteria to have a competitive application. Incomplete and ineligible applications will not be assessed.
2. Contact Screen Queensland’s team to discuss your application, email games@screenqld.com.au or phone (07) 3248 0500. Screen Queensland is unable to discuss your application while it is undergoing assessment. We advise applicants to reach out to screen Queensland with any questions prior to submission. 
3. Complete the application form through Screen Queensland’s SmartyGrants form. 
4. Submit by round closing date. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances. An automated email will be sent to you within 30 minutes of your submission to indicate Screen Queensland has received your submission. It is your responsibility as applicant to contact Screen Queensland if you do not receive an application receipt email. 
5. Applicants may be asked to provide additional documentation or discuss the application in more detail if assessors require further information. Screen Queensland aims to notify applicants of decisions as soon as possible. 

How applications are assessed 

Your application will be assessed by a committee of Screen Queensland executives and external peer assessors. Screen Queensland aims to make a decision within 8-10 weeks.  

The following assessment criteria applies to all applications for Games Grants:  

• the track record of the team and their ability to deliver the project. Applications from teams of less experienced developers should spend extra time and effort on their pitch documents;  
• the overall quality of the project, considering artistry, gameplay, originality, technology and any commercial potential;  
• the strength and appropriateness of the marketing strategy and the project’s ability to reach its target audience;  
• the viability and appropriateness of the budget and schedule, and the strength of the finance plan, including contributions from the applicant and other funding sources; and  
• diversity and inclusivity in the themes and characters of the game, key creatives working on the project, and/or considerations of accessible gameplay funcionality. 
• Screen Queensland reserves the right to consider any other relevant information, and amend application criteria, in its absolute discretion.   

What happens if my application is successful? 

Applicants will be notified as soon as possible following a decision. Successful applicants will receive a conditional letter of offer with the Grant amount.   

Applicants who accept the Grant, will then enter into a formal agreement with Screen Queensland that outlines delivery, reporting and acquittal requirements, as well as other important legal terms and conditions including minimum Queensland expenditure, marketing and other delivery materials required to be provided and Screen Queensland credit requirements. You should seek legal and commercial advice on this document.     

The Grant will be paid over the course of the project according to drawdown milestones agreed in the contract. Payments cannot be made without a fully executed contract, Screen Queensland’s acceptance of executed transaction documents for each drawdown, and receipt of a valid tax invoice.   

Applicants will be given 60 days from approval to satisfy any approval conditions and commence contracting with Screen Queensland.   

This 60-day period may only be extended with the agreement of Screen Queensland. Funding can be revoked in the event that contracting does not begin within this period, or the contracting period extends longer than three months.

Submission of an application constitutes acceptance of these Guidelines and the application terms and conditions.   

Applicants must notify Screen Queensland in writing if they have an actual, perceived or potential conflict of interest in applying for the Grants and, if so, the manner in which they propose to deal with the conflict.  

The applicant retains all intellectual property rights in its submission. The applicant grants an irrevocable, non-exclusive, royalty and fee-free licence to  Screen Queensland to use, adapt and modify its intellectual property rights in its submission for the purposes of Screen Queensland analysing and evaluating the applicant’s submission.  

Screen Queensland’s liability in relation to the application process is limited to $1.  

Screen Queensland reserves the right to change any element of the grant, these Guidelines or the application process at any time and in its absolute discretion.  

CONFIDENTIALITY
The Grant application, contract and any Grant funding approved by Screen Queensland are commercial-in-confidence, and the applicant must maintain strict confidentiality of the information and only use the information for the purposes of complying with its obligations under the Grant terms and conditions and contract. 

Successful applicants are required to provide Screen Queensland with marketing materials on request. Details of credit placement and other marketing requirements will be negotiated during contracting. Note that information you provide in your application will form part of your contract with Screen Queensland if you are successful. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Content 

Games involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content will be eligible for Screen Queensland support where some or all of the game’s intellectual property is owned by members of these communities. Please ensure that consultation with ICIP Rights holders and appropriate licences for ICIP Rights have been obtained and that you have read and abide by Screen Australia’s Pathways and Protocols document.