Australia’s growing video game development industry has received another funding boost, with Screen Australia announcing more than $2.1 million for 41 games projects spread across every state and territory.
The funding was announced on 16 September through Screen Australia’s Games Production and Emerging Gamemakers programs, supporting projects ranging from early-stage independent games to more established Australian development teams.
41 Australian Games Receive Funding
Screen Australia said the latest funding round reflects the increasing depth of Australia’s games development sector, with projects selected from developers around the country.
The agency’s Games Production program supports Australian studios and developers working towards commercial releases, while the Emerging Gamemakers program is designed to help newer developers build experience and create original work.
The latest recipients cover a wide range of genres, styles and development teams, continuing an effort to build a more sustainable domestic games industry rather than concentrating support in only the country’s largest studios.
Australian Games Industry Continues to Grow
The announcement came alongside Screen Australia’s Screen Currency 2026 research, which found games were growing faster than Australia’s other screen sectors in measures including gross value added, employment and exports.
Screen Australia Head of Games Joey Egger said the funded projects reflected the growth and increasing maturity of the local industry, with Australian developers producing games aimed at audiences both at home and internationally.
Australia has long produced internationally successful games and development talent, but the local industry has expanded considerably as independent distribution, digital storefronts and government support have made it more practical to develop games for a global audience from Australia.
Funding Reaches Every State and Territory
A notable feature of the latest round is its geographic spread.
Projects from every Australian state and territory received support, giving developers outside the traditional Melbourne and Sydney development hubs access to federal games funding.
For an industry where small teams can build and distribute games internationally without requiring the infrastructure of traditional film or television production, that national spread could be increasingly important.
The $2.1 million investment also arrives ahead of Melbourne International Games Week and PAX Aus, when Australia’s local development industry will again be showcased alongside some of the world’s biggest gaming companies.