South Australia Launches New Digital Games Fund Offering Up to $100,000 for Local Developers

Grants to Help Studios Progress from Prototype to Final Release

The South Australian Government announced the launch of the South Australian Digital Games Fund, designed to accelerate the growth and development of local game development teams through grants of up to AUD $100,000. This fund will primarily support game projects at critical development stages, helping them bridge the challenging gap from playable prototype to final product release.

This new initiative, led by the South Australian Government, will provide vital project funding for local game development studios. According to the program, eligible projects can receive grants of up to $100,000, specifically aimed at advancing games towards commercial release.

The South Australian Minister for Creative Industries stated: “We recognize that game development is one of the fastest-growing sectors within the creative economy. By establishing this fund, we are not just investing in individual projects; we are nurturing South Australia’s capacity for innovation in digital entertainment. Our goal is to help local studios cross the ‘valley of death’ between prototype and finished product, enabling more outstanding games from South Australia to reach the global market.”

The fund will prioritize high-potential projects demonstrating innovative gameplay, technical prowess, or cultural value. Funded studios will also gain access to industry mentorship and other professional development opportunities, forming a comprehensive support system.

SAFC Head of Production Leanne Saunders said: “We are delighted to be expanding our support for South Australia’s video game sector with the launch of this new pilot Digital Games Fund, fuelling the development of original, innovative South Australian video games. “This exciting new pilot program forms part of the SAFC’s expanded raft of support for the games sector, alongside the SA VGD Rebate and our annual SAGE: SA Game Exhibition, which we are thrilled to be bringing back for another exciting year in 2026. “We are also looking forward to engaging closely with the sector through our new Games Industry Advisory Group which will provide strategic guidance across a range of SAFC programs and initiatives.”

A local game developer welcomed the initiative: “For many small studios, the mid-stage of a project is often the most challenging. This funding can provide crucial momentum, allowing us to focus on content creation while ensuring the product meets the quality standards demanded by the market.”

South Australia has consistently increased its investment in the creative industries in recent years, with the emerging digital games sector becoming a key focus. The establishment of this fund signals the local government’s commitment to positioning South Australia as a significant hub within Australia’s game development landscape.

About the South Australian Digital Games Fund:
The South Australian Digital Games Fund is a key initiative by the South Australian Government to support the creative industries. It focuses on providing financial support to local game developers and studios, helping them complete critical stages of game development and driving innovative game projects towards commercial success.

The Digital Games Fund is now open for applications at safilm.com.au/games