Unlocking Innovation in Game Development with the Conceptual Development Grant (Australia)

The grant focuses on funding premium and free-to-play games, live-ops development, and entertainment games for a mass audience. Applicants must be Australian citizens or Northern Territory residents if applying as individuals, and must not be under 18. Companies must be Northern Territory–based unless co-producing with an external partner, and applicants must not be in default or breach of any obligations with Screen Territory or other Northern Territory Government agencies. All key creative team members must also meet these requirements. Applicants are expected to act in good faith, demonstrate the capacity and rights to carry out the project, and ensure their application aligns with the program’s purpose and guidelines. Broadcasters, employees of broadcasters, certain government employees, and current students at film or interactive media courses are ineligible. Applicants with outstanding obligations from prior Screen Territory funding must resolve these before applying.

Applications must include one-page CVs and bios for the applicant and key creative team, Chain of Title documents, and a 10-page Creative Pitch outlining the title, gameplay mechanics, visual and audio overview, progression overview, and development team summary. A detailed project plan is also required, describing the intended platforms, monetization strategy, audience plan, competitor and market analysis, evidence of distributor or publisher interest, licenses and development kits, company details and ABN, development timeline with key milestones, and a budget including Northern Territory expenditure. Deliverables must also be clearly specified.

This grant provides an important opportunity for Northern Territory game developers to explore innovative ideas, produce proof-of-concept projects, and position themselves for future growth in the interactive entertainment industry.

For more information, visit Screen Territory.