South Australian government makes largest investment in game development by doubling its Digital Games Fund to $1m

The South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) has increased its Digital Games Fund (DGF) from $500,000 to $1 million, marking the state government’s largest single investment in game development. The fund now offers three distinct streams: up to $30,000 for early-stage activities like prototyping and market testing, up to $150,000 for production leading to commercial release, and up to $50,000 for post-release tasks such as localisation and porting. This expansion follows the success of the inaugural round in October 2020, which distributed $500,000 among 11 studios.

Applications for the DGF open on October 21, with the Game Studio Placement Program launching later in the year to provide paid six- or 12-month placements for early- and mid-career creators in local studios. The placement program offers subsidised salary and superannuation support, aiming to help studios grow their teams while nurturing new talent. The SAFC highlighted that the DGF and placement program create a pathway to the existing SA Video Game Development Rebate, which provides a 10% rebate on eligible projects with a minimum $250,000 spend in South Australia.

The pilot DGF round in October 2020 received over 50 applications, with successful projects including Powerbomb Games’ Pro Jank Footy, which topped the Nintendo Switch charts, and Bad Plan Studios’ End of Ember securing a publishing deal with Rising Tide Publishing. Other selected titles, such as Little Bandit’s The Troll & The Witch's House and Cowboy Fish’s Peppermint, were featured at PAX Australia. The SAFC stated the fund is designed to boost original local game development and expand studios’ reach globally.

SAFC acting CEO Leanne Saunders said the expanded DGF and new placement program reflect the government’s commitment to supporting South Australia’s video game sector. She noted the initiatives provide developers with greater funding opportunities and help studios grow while offering career pathways for emerging talent. The SAFC also emphasised the connection between the DGF and the existing Video Game Development Rebate, which has supported over 40 games since its launch in 2020.