Introduction

Securing funding is one of the most significant challenges facing mobile game developers in Australia. While the country has produced numerous successful mobile games, the reality is that game development requires substantial investment—from initial concept through to release and marketing.

Fortunately, Australia offers a variety of funding options specifically for game developers, ranging from government grants to private investment opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the funding landscape for Australian mobile game developers in 2025, highlighting key opportunities, application strategies, and tips for maximizing your chances of success.

Federal Government Funding

The Australian federal government provides several funding programs relevant to game developers, reflecting the growing recognition of the games industry's cultural and economic importance.

Screen Australia - Games: Expansion Pack

Games: Expansion Pack

Amount: Up to $150,000

Type: Grant (non-recoupable)

Overview

Screen Australia's Games: Expansion Pack provides funding for Australian game development studios to develop and release new games or expand existing games with additional content. The program specifically targets original IP projects with commercial potential.

Eligibility
  • Australian company or individual with an ABN
  • Demonstrated track record or relevant experience
  • Original IP (not work-for-hire)
  • Commercial release plan
Application Process

Applications typically open multiple times per year and require a detailed proposal including game design document, budget, schedule, marketing plan, and playable prototype or demo if available.

Success Stories

Several successful mobile games have received Screen Australia funding, including Mountains' Florence, Mighty Kingdom's Ava's Manor, and SMG Studio's Moving Out.

Official Website

Australia Council for the Arts - Digital Games

Digital Games Funding

Amount: $10,000 - $50,000

Type: Grant (non-recoupable)

Overview

The Australia Council for the Arts occasionally provides funding for games with significant artistic or cultural merit. While not exclusively focused on games, their funding programs can support innovative, narrative-driven, or experimental game projects.

Eligibility
  • Australian artists, organizations, or collectives
  • Projects with artistic or cultural significance
  • Focus on innovation or artistic expression
Application Process

Applications are accepted through various programs including Career Development Grants and Arts Projects. The process typically includes a detailed project proposal, artistic statement, budget, and supporting materials.

Success Stories

Notable funded projects include Witch Beam's Unpacking and Ghost Pattern's Wayward Strand, both of which have mobile versions.

Official Website

Export Market Development Grant (EMDG)

Export Market Development Grant

Amount: Up to $150,000 per year

Type: Reimbursement grant

Overview

The EMDG program, administered by Austrade, supports Australian businesses in their export marketing activities. For game developers, this can include funding for international marketing, conference attendance, and localization efforts.

Eligibility
  • Australian business with turnover under $20 million
  • Exporting or planning to export Australian products/services
  • Minimum $15,000 in eligible export promotion expenses
Application Process

Applications open annually, with a two-tier system. Tier 1 is for first-time exporters, while Tier 2 is for established exporters. The program operates on a reimbursement basis for eligible expenses.

Success Stories

Many Australian game studios have utilized EMDG to attend international game conferences like GDC, Gamescom, and PAX, or to market their games globally. Halfbrick Studios and Playside Studios have both benefited from this program.

Official Website

State Government Funding

Each Australian state offers specific funding programs for game developers, often with a focus on supporting local companies and fostering regional game development hubs.

Film Victoria - Games Release

Games Release

Amount: Up to $150,000

Type: Grant (recoupable)

Overview

Film Victoria's Games Release program provides funding for Victorian game developers to complete and release their games. The funding can cover final development, testing, localization, and initial marketing costs.

Eligibility
  • Victorian-based game development company
  • Project at an advanced stage of development (typically with playable demo)
  • Commercial release plan and distribution strategy
  • Primarily focused on original IP
Application Process

Applications are accepted year-round through Film Victoria's online portal. The process includes submitting a detailed business case, playable build, marketing plan, and budget. Assessment typically takes 8-10 weeks.

Success Stories

Victoria has produced numerous successful mobile games with Film Victoria support, including Hipster Whale's Crossy Road, House House's Untitled Goose Game (which has a mobile port), and League of Geeks' Armello.

Official Website

Film Victoria - Assigned Production Investment - Games

API - Games

Amount: Up to $300,000

Type: Investment (recoupable)

Overview

This program provides production funding for Victorian game developers creating projects with strong commercial potential. Unlike the Games Release program, API-Games targets projects at an earlier stage in development.

Eligibility
  • Victorian-based game development company
  • Demonstrated track record or relevant experience
  • Project at concept or early prototype stage
  • Commercial potential and viable business case
Application Process

Applications open several times per year, with a two-stage process involving an initial application followed by a detailed proposal for shortlisted projects. The assessment focuses on creative content, commercial potential, and team capability.

Success Stories

Successful API-Games recipients include Summerfall Studios' Chorus, Paper House's Paperbark, and Mighty Games' Shooty Skies.

Official Website

Create NSW - Interactive and Immersive Grant

Interactive and Immersive Grant

Amount: Up to $250,000

Type: Grant/Investment (varies)

Overview

Create NSW provides funding for NSW-based developers working on innovative interactive and immersive projects, including games. The program supports original IP development with a focus on commercial potential and cultural significance.

Eligibility
  • NSW-based individual, company, or organization
  • Professional experience in interactive media or games
  • Original IP with commercial or cultural significance
  • NSW expenditure requirements
Application Process

Applications typically open annually with specific deadlines. The application requires a detailed project proposal, budget, schedule, team information, and demonstration of the concept (prototype, design document, etc.).

Success Stories

NSW studios that have received funding include Flat Earth Games for Objects in Space, Nnooo for Blast 'Em Bunnies, and Featherweight Games for Rodeo Stampede.

Official Website

Other State Funding Programs

Queensland - Screen Queensland

Screen Queensland offers the Digital Games Incentive, providing up to $100,000 for Queensland-based game developers. The program focuses on original IP with commercial potential or significant cultural value.

Official Website
South Australia - South Australian Film Corporation

The SAFC offers the Games Innovation Fund, providing up to $25,000 for concept development and up to $100,000 for production of games by South Australian developers.

Official Website
Western Australia - Screenwest

Screenwest occasionally offers funding for interactive projects, including games, through their Interactive Fund. Grants range from $15,000 to $100,000 for WA-based developers.

Official Website
Tasmania - Screen Tasmania

Screen Tasmania provides project development funding that can include games and interactive content, with grants up to $30,000 for Tasmanian creators.

Official Website
Map of Australian game funding by state

Overview of game development funding opportunities across Australian states

Tax Incentives

Australia offers several tax incentives that can significantly benefit game developers and reduce overall development costs.

Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO)

Digital Games Tax Offset

Amount: 30% tax offset

Type: Tax incentive

Overview

Introduced in the 2021-22 federal budget and set to begin in July 2025, the DGTO provides a 30% tax offset for eligible Australian game development expenditure. This represents a major commitment to the Australian games industry.

Eligibility
  • Minimum spend of AUD $500,000 on qualifying Australian development expenditure
  • Game cannot primarily be for gambling purposes
  • Company must be either Australian resident or foreign company with Australian permanent establishment
Application Process

The application process is still being finalized as the program is in implementation, but will likely involve registration with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, followed by claims through the tax system.

Potential Impact

The DGTO is expected to significantly boost the Australian game development industry, making it more competitive internationally and attracting both local and foreign investment in game projects.

Official Website

Research and Development Tax Incentive

R&D Tax Incentive

Amount: 38.5% - 43.5% tax offset

Type: Tax incentive

Overview

The R&D Tax Incentive provides a tax offset for eligible R&D activities, which can include certain aspects of game development that involve solving technical challenges through experimental activities.

Eligibility
  • Core R&D activities that are experimental in nature
  • Activities that involve developing new knowledge or creating new or improved materials, products, devices, processes, or services
  • Outcomes that cannot be known in advance based on current knowledge
Application Process

Companies must register R&D activities with AusIndustry within 10 months of the end of the financial year, then claim the offset through their tax return. Detailed documentation of R&D activities is essential.

Success Stories

Many Australian game studios leverage the R&D Tax Incentive for developing new technologies, gameplay mechanics, or technical solutions. Companies like Playside Studios, Mighty Kingdom, and Team Bondi have all utilized this program.

Official Website

Private Investment

While government funding is valuable, private investment is also crucial for the games industry. Here are the main private funding options available to Australian game developers:

Venture Capital and Angel Investment

Overview

Australia's venture capital and angel investor ecosystem has grown significantly in recent years, with several investors now specializing in or open to game investments. These investors typically look for high-growth potential and scalable business models.

Key Australian Game Investors
  • Carthona Capital - Sydney-based VC firm that has invested in game studios
  • Tenacious Ventures - Early-stage investor with interest in digital entertainment
  • Blackbird Ventures - Major Australian VC that has invested in interactive entertainment
  • Scale Investors - Angel investor network with interest in tech companies including games
  • Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA) - Industry association that can facilitate connections with potential investors
Expectations and Requirements

Private investors typically expect:

  • Strong team with relevant experience
  • Demonstrable market opportunity
  • Scalable business model
  • Clear differentiation from competitors
  • Path to profitability
  • Potential for strong return on investment
Success Stories

Successful VC-backed Australian game companies include Playside Studios (now publicly listed), Mighty Kingdom, and Prettygreat.

Publisher Funding

Overview

Working with publishers remains a common funding route for mobile game developers. Publishers provide development funding in exchange for a share of revenue and typically offer marketing, user acquisition, and operational support.

Key Publishers Working with Australian Developers
  • Electronic Arts - Global publisher with a history of working with Australian developers
  • Annapurna Interactive - Published Mountains' "Florence" and other Australian titles
  • Devolver Digital - Indie-focused publisher that has worked with Australian studios
  • Playstack - Publisher with increasing presence in Australia
  • Versus Evil - Has published games from Australian developers
Expectations and Requirements

Publishers typically look for:

  • Strong concept with clear target audience
  • Playable prototype demonstrating core gameplay
  • Unique selling proposition
  • Team with track record or demonstrable skills
  • Realistic development timeline and budget
Success Stories

Successful publisher partnerships include Mountains and Annapurna Interactive for Florence, SMG Studio and Devolver Digital for Moving Out, and Mighty Kingdom and East Side Games for several licensed mobile titles.

Crowdfunding

Overview

Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Fig provide alternative funding options for game developers. While less common for mobile-only games, crowdfunding can be effective for games targeting multiple platforms including mobile.

Key Platforms
  • Kickstarter - The most established crowdfunding platform for games
  • Fig - Gaming-focused platform offering both rewards and investment opportunities
  • Indiegogo - Alternative platform used by some game developers
  • Australian Cultural Fund - Local platform for creative projects, including games with cultural significance
Success Factors

Successful crowdfunding campaigns typically feature:

  • Compelling concept with visual appeal
  • Playable demo or strong visual materials
  • Established community or marketing plan
  • Realistic funding goal
  • Attractive reward tiers
  • Strong communication plan
Success Stories

Australian games with successful crowdfunding campaigns include Defiant Development's Hand of Fate (which later came to mobile), Dinosaur Polo Club's Mini Metro, and Flat Earth Games' Objects in Space.

Strategies for Funding Success

Based on our work with successful Australian studios, here are strategies to maximize your chances of securing funding:

1. Develop a Strong Pitch

Your pitch is crucial for any funding application. It should clearly communicate:

  • Your Game Concept: What makes it unique and compelling
  • Market Opportunity: Who will play it and why
  • Team Capabilities: Why you're qualified to deliver
  • Business Model: How it will generate revenue
  • Development Plan: Timeline, milestones, and budget

Tailor your pitch for different funding sources—government grants may emphasize cultural or innovation aspects, while private investors focus more on commercial potential.

2. Create a Compelling Prototype

A playable prototype dramatically increases funding chances by demonstrating:

  • Core gameplay mechanics work and are engaging
  • Your team can execute technically
  • The concept translates effectively to actual gameplay
  • You've moved beyond the idea stage to implementation

Even a simple prototype focusing on your game's unique aspects can significantly strengthen your application.

3. Build the Right Team

Funders invest in people as much as ideas. Your team should demonstrate:

  • Relevant Experience: Previous games or related work
  • Complementary Skills: Coverage of all necessary disciplines
  • Business Acumen: Understanding of market and business fundamentals
  • Stability: Commitment to seeing the project through

If your team lacks certain experience, consider bringing on advisors or mentors to strengthen your application.

4. Research and Target the Right Funding Sources

Not all funding sources are appropriate for every project. Consider:

  • Project Stage: Some funding suits early development, others completion or marketing
  • Game Type: Commercial, artistic, educational, or experimental games qualify for different funding
  • Team Location: State funding requires local presence or expenditure
  • Amount Needed: Match your request to appropriate funding tiers

Research past recipients to understand what types of projects typically receive funding from each source.

5. Prepare Comprehensive Documentation

Strong applications include thorough documentation:

  • Game Design Document (GDD): Detailed description of gameplay, features, art style, etc.
  • Technical Design Document: Technical approach, architecture, tools, etc.
  • Budget: Detailed breakdown of all costs, with justifications
  • Schedule: Realistic timeline with milestones and deliverables
  • Marketing Plan: Strategy for player acquisition and community building
  • Business Plan: Revenue projections, business model, market analysis

Quality documentation demonstrates professionalism and thorough planning.

Funding application process diagram

Typical game funding application process and timeline

6. Build Relationships Before You Need Funding

Networking is invaluable for funding success:

  • Attend industry events like PAX Australia, GCAP, and local meetups
  • Join organizations like IGEA and state-based developer groups
  • Participate in pitch competitions and showcases
  • Connect with funding bodies before applying
  • Build relationships with potential mentors and advisors

Many successful Australian studios secured their first funding through connections made at industry events.

7. Consider a Funding Mix

Most successful Australian studios utilize multiple funding sources:

  • Government grants for initial development
  • Tax incentives to extend runway
  • Publisher funding for marketing and distribution
  • Private investment for scaling

A diversified funding strategy reduces risk and can provide complementary benefits beyond just financial support.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Based on feedback from funding bodies and investors, here are common mistakes to avoid:

  • Unrealistic Budgets or Timelines: Overly optimistic projections damage credibility
  • Overemphasis on Ideas, Underemphasis on Execution: Funders invest in teams that can deliver, not just ideas
  • Insufficient Market Research: Failing to demonstrate market demand or differentiation from competitors
  • Poor Documentation: Sloppy, incomplete, or inconsistent application materials
  • Missing the Brief: Applying for funding that doesn't align with your project or stage
  • Waiting Until Desperate: Seeking funding when already in financial difficulty
  • Ignoring Feedback: Not learning from previous unsuccessful applications

Case Study: Successful Funding Journey

To illustrate how funding can work throughout a game's development, let's examine a hypothetical but realistic funding journey for an Australian mobile game:

Studio X: From Concept to Success

Phase 1: Initial Development (Months 0-6)

  • Self-funded prototype development using savings and contract work
  • $30,000 Film Victoria Games Development grant to create a vertical slice
  • R&D Tax Incentive to recoup portion of technical development costs

Phase 2: Production (Months 6-18)

  • $150,000 Screen Australia Games: Expansion Pack funding
  • $200,000 angel investment secured through local industry connections
  • Continued R&D Tax Incentive claims for eligible development activities

Phase 3: Launch and Marketing (Months 18-24)

  • Publisher deal providing $100,000 for final polishing and marketing
  • $50,000 EMDG grant to support international marketing efforts
  • 30% DGTO tax offset on qualifying Australian expenditure

Key Success Factors:

  • Started with a strong prototype before seeking external funding
  • Leveraged initial government grant to create a compelling vertical slice, which attracted further investment
  • Used each funding stage to reach clear milestones that de-risked the project for subsequent funders
  • Combined multiple funding sources with complementary benefits
  • Maintained consistent communication with all stakeholders throughout development

Conclusion

The funding landscape for Australian mobile game developers is more supportive than ever, with multiple government programs recognizing the cultural and economic significance of the games industry. From federal and state grants to tax incentives and private investment, developers have numerous options to finance their projects.

Success in securing funding requires careful preparation, strategic thinking, and persistence. The most successful studios approach funding as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event, building relationships and leveraging each funding source at the appropriate stage of development.

If you're an Australian mobile game developer considering applying for funding, we encourage you to:

  • Start preparing well before you need the funds
  • Research and target the most appropriate funding sources for your specific project
  • Develop a compelling pitch and prototype
  • Create comprehensive documentation
  • Build relationships within the industry
  • Consider a mix of funding sources

With the right approach, your mobile game project can secure the funding it needs to reach its full potential. If you need assistance with funding applications or strategy, contact our team for specialized support.

Tags: Funding Grants Investment Australian Game Development Screen Australia