Open Call for Emerging Gamemakers Fund (Australia)

The Emerging Gamemakers Fund was created to foster creative innovation and artistic experimentation within the Australian independent games sector. By supporting both emerging and established gamemakers, the program aims to encourage the development of original digital games that expand the diversity of voices and experiences represented in the industry. The fund is particularly focused on projects that demonstrate creative merit, experimentation, and a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, with an emphasis on reaching underserved audiences and supporting teams from underrepresented backgrounds.

Eligibility for the fund is open to both individuals and companies. Individual applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, while companies must be incorporated in Australia with central management and control in the country. All applicants are required to have an Australian Business Number (ABN), be registered for GST if legally required, and control the rights necessary to carry out the project. Projects must be under the key creative control of Australians and predominantly developed in Australia. Ineligible projects include those at the ideation stage, projects that have already received certain Screen Australia games funding, games not played on a digital device, business-to-business products, and projects led by or significantly reliant on full-time students.

The fund provides grants of up to $30,000 for the development of original digital game projects with total budgets up to $500,000. Funding can be used for the creation of prototypes or the completion and release of micro-scale games for platforms such as PC, mobile, consoles, and VR. At least 90% of the grant must be spent on development activities physically taking place in Australia. Funds are generally expected to be used for staffing costs and other development expenses, with marketing costs permitted for projects aiming for a public release.

Applications are assessed by a panel of internal and external industry specialists based on four main criteria: creative merit, viability, impact, and alignment with equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility objectives. The assessment process includes a review of required materials such as a pitch video, creative pitch deck, project plan, and team CVs, with additional documentation required for projects involving First Nations content. Applicants will be notified of the outcome approximately 12 weeks after the deadline, and successful applicants will enter into a project grant agreement with Screen Australia.

For more information, visit Screen Australia.